Your newborn session will be a special milestone in your child’s life, and I want to help you tell the story of your new addition! The best age to photograph newborns is when they are between 5-10 days new. During this time newborns are sill very sleepy and curly. They don’t mind you moving them around from pose to pose while they rest in dreamland! Once they have a full belly and are kept warm they will generally sleep the entire session!
This is not to say we can’t photograph your newborn at any other age. Beautiful images can be captured at any stage. However you should know that once beyond this “new” stage we may not be able to get the curly poses. If you are sure you want specific poses, please ask about those during your pre-consultation.
Notes on Little Boys: If you are considering having your baby circumcised, we will need to make sure we allow him at least 5 days of healing time before his session
I like to create a calm and peaceful environment during our time together. Its important to let me know if we will be photographing older siblings, as well as mommy and daddy shots.These will take place at the beginning of the session so that we may have the remaining time focusing on the baby alone.
What to Expect:
You should expect to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for feedings. The studio is kept at 85 degrees in order to keep the baby warm and comfortable. Newborns can lose their body temperature quickly, especially when unclothed so we need to assure that they are kept warm at all times. You may want to dress in layers so that you are comfortable as well.
Please know that babies pee and poo on everything and you don’t need worry. I have plenty of wipes and pads on hand and everything is washed after each session.
Sometimes I will run white noise in the studio to help soothe the baby. Feel free to sit back, relax, read a book or even take this opportunity to take a nap yourself!
No outside cameras, videos, or cell phone cameras are allowed at the studio or any location session.
What to Bring
Pacifier – The “soothie” pacifiers are highly recommended for your newborn baby. These have been found to be the most effective in soothing and helping babies to latch on easily. Even if you aren’t thinking of using a paci, I encourage you to bring one to your session. The short amount of time that we will be using one should not affect any habit-forming behaviors for your baby. My goal is to help keep baby happy and calm during our session.
Extra Bottles– Whether you are nursing or bottle feeding, having extra bottles and/or milk is suggested. Some babies tend to eat more than usual during their photo sessions. It’s best to be prepared! Feel free to bring food for yourself as well.
Nursery Items– Hand knitted hats, blankets, a special toy, rattle.. these are all things that help create the story of your baby’s first few days of life. I love photographing separate items to be used in their newborn albums!
Clothing– Generally I will be photographing your baby unclothed. Parts of the experience in capturing a newborn is seeing the squishy little toes and cute tiny bums. However, I do recommend bringing simple clothing, such as simple onsies.
How Long Does the Session Last?
A newborn session can last anywhere between 1 to 3 hours depending on the babies disposition.
What should I wear?
If you are planning to be in a few photos, it is best to wear neutral colors. Black, Beige, Tans, Whites.
More Tips:
1) Try and find a babysitter or helper for your other children. If you want them included in the session, try and bring somebody or something to help entertain them while we do your babies pictures
2) Make sure your baby is well fed and sleepy. Babies are much easier to prop when they are sound asleep!
3) Loosen your babies diaper about 30 minutes before the session to allow the diaper imprints to disappear.
4) A mothers smell is so noticeable to baby and may distract your baby during pictures. Sometimes, I may ask you to step out for a few moments so I can get the baby to work with me as best as possible.
5) Be patient! Babies can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the room as calm as possible.
6) The majority of pictures will work best if the baby is asleep so anything you can do to promote this is best.
