How to Prepare for
your Newborn Session
Scheduling your session: Newborn sessions are most successful when done within the first 5-21 days of their life. I photograph Newborn Sessions on Monday-Fridays, around 10am. Most, if not all, of the poses will be done while baby is sleeping in order to get those adorable curled up positions. After the first few weeks of life, they become a bit more alert. They're less likely to be sleeping deeply enough to be posed when they are older then 21 days.
*Feeding: This one is most important! A well fed baby is a happy baby! Please feed and burp baby right before our session begins. I usually recommend doing this right when you get to my studio as I am setting up. Or if you live within 20 minutes of the studio, you can do this at home before you arrive! This will ensure a nice sleepy "milk drunk" babe. I am happy to take as many breaks as baby needs if he or she gets hungry during the shoot! I also highly recommend bringing a pacifier to help soothe the baby. I have brand new hospital pacifiers in the studio if needed! But if your little one is not using a pacifier, that is 100% okay as well; no pressure to do so! If baby is breast-fed, please try to avoid caffeine, spicy or gassy foods for 24 hrs!
*Cooperation: It is important to keep an open mind during the session when it comes to the cooperation of your little one. Newborns are all totally different. Sometimes they are having a fussy day due to gas, etc. And other times, they just don't love being in certain positions! I never force anything if the baby does not seem content after 1 or 2 tries! Keep an open mind and all will run smoothly! These sessions are very baby-lead when it comes to posing!
*Photography Style & Inspiration Photos: My photography style is classic, neutral and minimalistic (with a touch of boho!). I do not use a TON of props for newborn sessions, as I believe the main focus should be on the baby. When it comes to clients sending "Inspo Photos" , I don't mind being sent a few images of another photographer's work if necessary. However, every photographer has different props, posing style and editing technique. So I cannot guarantee my work will look similar to someone else's as I stick to my own style & brand, always! I strongly suggest sending over my own work as your inspiration (since hopefully you booked me for my style) !
What should I bring?: My studio is equipped with tons of props, swaddles, outfits, headbands and hats! No need to bring anything! However, if you have something sentimental you would like to bring to be included, please let me know ahead of time so I can prepare!
What should I wear?: I typically suggest neutral clothing! Beige, white, gray, or browns always photograph great!
How long is the Session? Depending on the package chosen, newborn sessions range between 1-2.5 hours! Sessions that include family posing with siblings are usually a bit longer to get siblings to cooperate comfortably with the baby! Feel free to bring a laptop or snacks to keep busy! But trust me, it goes quickly!
Should my other child(ren) stay for the whole session? : It is totally up to you whether or not you want to have your other children stay for the whole session! In many cases, parents opt to drive separate (if possible) so that one partner can leave with the older sibling once they are done with family photos! Otherwise, please bring something to entertain your little one while I focus on the baby for their portion of the session! I have coloring books as well in the studio to help keep them entertained!
Guests: Do not to bring any guests to the studio aside from the Babies' immediate family (parents & siblings of the baby)! Please do not bring Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Friends, Pets etc. The less people in the studio, the better!