Some questions you may have about your newborn session
What age is best to photograph newborns?
It is best to photograph newborns between 1 and 3 weeks old. This way some of their startle reflex is gone but they are still squishy and sleepy enough to pose.
How do we schedule my session day?
Once you have reserved your session and paid the deposit, I ask that you call or email me in the first 2 days after the baby is born so that we can pick the best day for your session. Sessions are typically scheduled Monday through Friday at 10 AM. I reserve Saturday shoots for my family sessions.
How long will my session last?
A newborn session typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours. Some babies are sleepy while others are not. Some need to break for a snack and others will be content the whole session. It really is up to the baby!
If a sibling shot is requested that will take about 15 minutes at the end of the session. The same time is allotted for a family shot and a shot with baby and parents. Please make sure to let me know in advance if you are interested in these shots as part of your package.
What can I expect when I arrive at my session?
When you arrive, the studio will be set up for the posing bag shots. I will be the one to remove the baby from the car seat. This ensures that baby won’t be moved around too much and woken up. You will relax and have a seat on the sofa. There is an outlet for you to charge you phone or device. Bring headphones if you wish to watch something. WiFi and refreshments are available for you.
You will hear a white noise/heart beat machine playing in the studio. I also keep the studio very warm so that baby is comfortable. Please dress yourself accordingly.
I will start with all of the posed shots of your baby on the posing bag and then a bed/basket prop. We will then move onto family and sibling shots at the end of the session. Typically, this is when mom will call the other parent or someone to bring the sibling/s. This gives them ample time to arrive to the studio so we can finish the shoot. It is not recommended to have siblings or more than one parent in the studio during the posing bag portion of the shoot. The studio is small and we need to be super quiet and calm in there during the posing session.
What should we wear to our session?
Your baby should be dressed in a zip up or button up outfit. Please do not put anything on baby that needs to be pulled over the head. This eliminates any additional movement that might upset or wake the baby.
Parents should dress in neutral/natural colors. Bring two outfits as one may get pooped/peed on. For siblings, dress them in neutral colors as well. Jeans, blue dress, white shirts., etc.
What should we bring to our session?
Please bring the following items with you on the day of your session;
Baby’s hairbrush
2 Burp cloths
Extra diapers
Wipes
2 Bottles of formula (if applicable)
Pacifier (if you are willing to use it, even if just for the session. Babies will often not take them from mom if breastfeeding but may take one from me since I don’t smell like mom. Sometimes I just need to use it for a minute to soothe them back to sleep).
Outfit to go home in
Sibling hair brush
Small snack for sibling that is easy to conceal and is not messy. This is only necessary if you think the sibling will not cooperate during the session.
There is no need to bring anything else unless there is something you have that you want included. I just ask that you please let me know in advance. Also, be sure to browse my portfolio so you can get an idea of how the photos will look. I do not use many props in my photos as I believe that the baby should be the focus.
How should I prepare for my newborn session?
I schedule newborn sessions for the morning because It is easier to keep your baby awake long enough before you arrive. Newborn sessions run much more smoothly if baby is good and sleepy. That being said, I ask that you try to keep baby awake in the morning before your session, to ensure that they are sleepy once you arrive.
Please feed the baby right before you put him/her in the car seat to come to your session. Do make sure he/she gets a good burp first so the/she does not become gassy and fussy.
Please turn your phone on silent mode once you arrive at the studio.