How to prepare for your newborn session
Scheduling
It is best to schedule your newborn photos by your third trimester. Newborn portraits are best done within the first 4-10 days of the baby being born. During this first week, the baby is still very sleepy, will mold into poses, and has less newborn acne. Unless you are having a scheduled c-section, you are not going to know when your baby will be born. If you are planning on doing your newborn session with me, let me know your due date and I will leave time in my schedule around your due date to ensure I can schedule your session. As soon as baby is born, have someone contact me to get the session date set up.
Session Location
Newborn sessions are done in your home with more of a lifestyle flow or in studio with more focus on posed shots.
In Home
For in home sessions when I first arrive we will chat briefly about the session and I will take a look around to assess where the best lighting in your home is. I will bring a blanket/rug, some wraps, and some headbands/hats. However the background for the images will be your home and the photos will be mainly unposed. I will direct you in where to sit for best lighting and give some gentle suggestions on what to do. These newborn sessions are relaxed and fun. If you love your home, your babies nursery, and wish to capture this first moments in real time an in home session maybe your style.
Studio
For in studio sessions we will focus on posed newborn images with a few different prop options. Once you arrive the studio will be warm (babies like it warm so dress in layers), cozy, and ready. Depending on what we have decide you like we can shoot parent, siblings, and newborn images in the beautiful light and dreamy studio. I have buckets, baskets, wraps, cute little newborn knit outfits, everything for the session. You just need to provide baby and often baby needs a break to eat so a bottle if not nursing. If you wish to personalize your session with special items such as blankets, knit hats/booties, personal items that represent a hobby, favorite sports team, family heirlooms, etc. please feel free to let me know what you would like to use.
The morning of the session
Here is my #1 most important tip for in home sessions, crank the heat up in your house to 80 degrees. Your baby is use to a toasty 98.6 degrees and will be much calmer and sleepier if the house is nice and warm. Wear layers that you can remove so that you stay comfortable. For in studio sessions I will already have it warm so dress in layers. I also recommend parents trying to keep their baby awake in the couple hours leading up to the session (I know harder said than done!). So, some tips are to play with baby, talk with baby, maybe even give the baby a bath before the session – whatever it takes to keep them alert for an hour or two. Dress the baby in a button-up or zip-up sleeper. If we have to remove shoes and socks, pants, and take a shirt off over their heads it almost always wakes them up. Instead, it is so much simpler to zip down and slip off pajamas while baby remains asleep. And if the pajamas are loose-fitting, then ideally there won’t be many lines left behind on the baby’s skin. Or even better just a diaper and wrapped in a blanket! Make sure baby has a nice, full tummy. Feeding them as often as you can for about 10-12 hours before their session will ensure that baby is really full and will be more likely to have a long, sleepy stretch.
Timing
Please allow 3 hours for your session. All babies are different and if we need to take a break to feed, walk, rock, etc. we will do that. My goal is to not only give you photos you will treasure for a lifetime, but to also make it a fun enjoyable experience.
