What to expect at your newborn session
A FEW SIMPLE TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE SO YOU KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR NEWBORN SESSIONMoms often have a lot of questions about what their newborn session will be like and how to best prepare. The good news is, there’s not much you need to do to make your session a success! I pride myself on taking care of moms, their families and of course, their babies fully so that your session is easy and you get to enjoy your experience. Of course, knowing the game plan is also a good way to feel like you can relax because you’ll know exactly what to expect.
How to book
Every month, I take a very limited number of newborns, so it is always best to pre-book your due date. Most clients book during the second trimester. Although if you are here and baby is already born, please contact me and I will try to fit you in. Since we never know exactly when baby will arrive, how I book newborn sessions is I have clients fill out a contract and questionairre, I take a non-refundable retainer and then I will jot down your due date. Once baby is born I ask that you contact me within the first 48 hours and we will then schedule a day and time for your session.
TIMING
Your baby is growing by the minute and if you want those sleepy, curled up images when your new love is at their tiniest, time is of the essence. I like to schedule newborn sessions within the first 2 weeks of life, generally between days 8-12. Getting your baby in quickly after birth is one of the main reasons that it’s important to book your newborn session in advance. If baby is born after his or hers due date, I suggest getting baby in quicker.
WHAT TO BRING
I have everything that we will need for baby regarding props; hats, headbands, blankets, swaddles, etc. The list is pretty short of what you’ll need to bring:
Your baby dressed in a zip or button up sleeper
Your diaper bag with standard contents (diapers, wipes, burp cloth, formula, etc.)
A pacifier, if you’re willing to use and even if your baby hasn’t shown an interest
Extra formula or pumped breast milk (babies eat much more than they normally would at their session)
SESSION LENGTH
You should expect to be at the studio 1.5-3 hours for your session. Why so long? Babies have opinions and sometimes they need some extra time to get happy before they are ready for pictures. Also the more siblings, especially if they are young, can make sessions last a little longer. I know how exhausting having a newborn is though and you’ll be ready for lunch, so I promise I’ll have you out the door no later than 3 hours, but please feel free to bring a snack too! Some dads even leave to grab lunch (or coffee) for mom and dad.
WHAT TO WEAR
Neutrals are always best; ivory, tans and blues are some favorites. The focus will be on your upper body so no need to worry about what pants to wear. Mom and dad should also bring a black or white solid shirt or tank top. Siblings should wear something simple that fits well, avoiding busy patterns and dresses should be stretchy enough to sit “criss-cross”. The studio will also be kept warm to keep baby happy and so they stay sleepy, I recommend dressing in layers (or bringing a change of clothes) so you can peel away the layers if you get warm.
WORKFLOW AT YOUR SESSION
Once you arrive, we will start with baby being swaddled and begin the session with family portraits (if applicable) and then work with just baby. If baby needs help falling asleep, I will rock, sooth and feed (or bring baby to you to nurse) to help your baby relax and fall asleep. Parents don’t call me a baby whisperer for nothing, so just enjoy relaxing and know your baby is in very good hands. I will always get some awake shots if baby is awake but the goal is for baby to be sleepy to get those curled, posed shots safely. Once baby is sleepy, I will begin to un-swaddle baby and get a variety of set ups and poses.
SIBLINGS
Siblings are always allowed to stay the entire time of the session, although it is suggested, if possible, to have older siblings leave after their portion of the photoshoot. We will start the shoot with sibling shots and then many families opt to have dad or a grandparent bring older siblings home. When it comes time for their portraits showing off those new big brother or sister skills, the key here is for mom and dad to help get those genuine smiles, you know best what those smiles look like and how to get them and I know how important sibling shots are to moms of two or more.
WHO CAN ATTEND THE SESSION
I ask that only mom, dad and siblings attend the session. An extra guest can attend if you need help with siblings or if dad cannot attend. The studio is small and sessions can take up to three hours.
After your session
After your session, I will edit all of the best images from your session, that will take two-three weeks to be completed. Once they are finished I will email you with a link and a password to your online gallery where you can download all of your images that are included in your package.