Thank you so much for your interest in my newborn photography. I absolutely love doing newborn sessions. My 2 kids are long past the newborn stage so now I am fascinated by them! I love getting to be around them, hear their little sounds, smell their sweet heads, and watch them take in their world all fresh and new. I think it is so important to capture as much of this tiny slice of your child's life as possible because it is over much, much too fast.
When to schedule a newborn session:
These sessions are best during the first 10 days of life. This is when your baby is the smallest they will ever be, still squishy and able to get into those adorable fetal poses and still very sleepy. 6 days old is ideal.
Please call during your pregnancy to reserve a session near your due date. By planning ahead, time can be made in the schedule to accommodate you in the weeks around your delivery date. Contact me soon after you deliver so we can plan the session for the best time for you and your baby.
Think about the type of images you prefer. If you want more natural, bare baby images or more colorful, creative images with props and fun textures, hats and fabrics. Or a combination of both.
Let me know if there are any images in my gallery that you would like to try to replicate.
Let me know if you want images of just baby by herself or with mom, dad and/or siblings.
How the session works:
There is no such thing as a set schedule with a newborn session, baby pretty much runs the show. A three hour time block will be reserved for the session so there is plenty of time to keep baby happy and comfortable during the session. Most babies will need to be fed, rocked, changed and comforted throughout the session.
Once I arrive I will scope out your house in search of the best light and places for shooting. Sometimes I may need to move a little furniture or adjust shades for the best results. Don't worry I will get it all put back for you too. If I spot a neat piece of furniture, an interesting quilt, basket or artsy back drop I might ask you if it is okay if I use them for some images. If you have something particular you would like to use just let me know and we will make every attempt to make it work. This can be very fun!
Once we establish some places to shoot we will let baby be our guide. I will always try to get the sleepy shots first but if baby is wide awake we will work with it and get some bright eyed shots first.
Sometimes babies only want to be held by mom if she is nearby. Her smell is so recognizable (and sometimes distracting) to baby, that it may be helpful for mom to watch from across the room, out of baby's "smell zone" for portions of the session. It's one of my favorite parts of a newborn session is getting to rock and comfort baby to distract him from mom.
Patience is key, most babies will get fussy at some point. It is best to stay calm and not stress out. Baby can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the environment as mellow as possible. We will do what we can to keep baby comfortable, but if that just doesn’t seem to be working, we’ll take a break or we’ll work with what he’s giving us. Sometimes the best pictures are ones when the baby isn’t doing what we want.
Be assured that if there is ever a point where you’re uncomfortable with the poses, simply let me know. I only want to do poses and shots that you are comfortable with.
How to prepare for your newborn session:
Newborns need to be very warm for their session. Please adjust the temperature in your home as close to a hot summer day as you can. I will bring a small space heater to help keep baby warm if needed. Don't forget to dress for the heat yourself.
Keep baby’s diaper very loose at least 30 minutes before the session. Tight diaper imprints on baby's soft skin are not cute in pictures. :)
It is nice to have a few towels, wipes and burp cloths available for little messes that most likely will happen. I will bring some too. I pretty much expect that I will have some form of baby leakage on me when I leave.
Collect any items you want used in the session beforehand – family heirlooms, toys, monogrammed blankets, colorful swaddling blankets, hats, etc. Totally optional.
Try to make sure the baby has a full belly and is well burped before I arrive.
If baby takes bottles, have at least 2-3 ready for feeding if needed.
Hopefully, this will be your opportunity to get a little well deserved relaxation! :) I will do most of the work. You may be asked to feed or hold your baby if it is needed. Other than that, you can expect your baby to be sleepy and happy through most of the session. Sometimes I will need your hands or arms as positioning aids for poses but hopefully you will get to sit back and relax.
For babies older than 10 days:
We can attempt a newborn session with babies up to 30 days old, especially preemies. Please be aware that baby acne is most likely to occur between 3 and 4 weeks of age. Also, the older your baby, the less likely they are to sleep soundly during the session. Like always, baby runs the show. If baby is awake the whole session, then we’ll go with it and work as long as baby is happy.
