NEWBORN SESSION INFORMATION
HELLO
Congratulations again with a new human on the way! Thank you so much for trusting me to capture the sweetness of your new little one. Do you already know that the parent's role is to be ready to unexpected? Despite that I will try prepare you for what to expect during my photo session.
WHEN SHOULD WE BOOK OUR NEWBORN SESSION?
Most parents book their session towards the end of their second trimester. Since you don’t know exactly when your little one will arrive, we pencil you in on your due date. Once baby makes an entrance, we ask that you let us know ASAP and we will schedule the session; I do take on a limited number of newborn sessions per month to ensure availability. If your baby is already here, I will make my best effort to fit you in.
HOW OLD SHOULD OUR BABY BE?
The ideal window for newborn sessions is within the first 15 days of life. Of course, all babies are different, and it is possible to get newborn images after that window. In general, though, after this time, they tend to wake easier, are not as squishy, and often develop baby acne - all of which could hinder achieving that newborn look. They also are changing so quickly, and you really want to capture that fresh newborn look that fades so quickly.
THE MORNING BEFORE THE SESSION
Ideally, your baby is tired and hungry before the session. I know it sounds strange, but I will ask you to feed your baby right before I get started. And if the baby was tired before the feeding, s/he should fall into a nice deep sleep after that. A super full baby is usually a super sleepy baby, and a super sleepy baby means a successful newborn session. Most importantly, try to keep baby awake for 1-2 hours prior to the session. Often times this can be the most difficult task to follow. But it's very important to have a tired baby in order to get the sweet sleepy curled up poses. If the baby doesn't sleep it's Ok too. Dont worry, I will be with you for a long time and we will find a time to make the baby sleep. Also, ensure the morning diaper isn't strapped on too tightly to avoid red marks.
DURING THE SESSION
The session has 3 parts: posing on the table, posing with the props (e.g., basket) and Mom & Dad shoot.
I will bring studio lighting (and other professional equipment) to ensure the quality of the photos and safety of the baby, all necessary props, and outfit for the baby. I will bring the whole studio to your home. You will be surprised.
Does it really take 4-5 hours? Yes, believe it or not, it does. Newborn sessions are slow, and not to be rushed, so we can take time to carefully cuddle, feed, pose, soothe, and start again. The room should always be kept very warm during the session to help keep the baby asleep. We want the baby to feel relaxed and comfortable. I do use a space heater since most of the photographs will be taken completely undressed or lightly wrapped. The good news is that you can do whatever you want during the 2/3 of the session. You can work, read or watch me working with your baby. I expect very little help from you during the first two parts of the session, I will need you for the last hour only. Mom and Dad portion of the shoot usually takes place at the end of the session.
What happens if my baby has to go potty during the session? The question is really isn't "if" but rather "when." During most of the shoot your baby will be naked, I can almost guarantee that I will be peed on, pooped on, and spit up on. It doesn't even bother me. It's what babies do and it's part of our job. Not only wI will enjoy wearing your child's DNA, during Mom & Dad shoot you will enjoy it too if you decide to go with naked baby on your portraits. Please prepare a couple of outfits and be ready to change. Twice. And once again.
WHAT TO WEAR
Mom & Dad are a big part of the show. Photographing the connection between you and your baby is one of my favorite parts of the session. Just as they encourage in the hospital, skin to skin contact creates the most beautiful images and parents' hands are the best props for photographing the newborn. If skin to skin doesn’t sound like you, it’s not a problem. Dad: If you prefer not to be shirtless, we ask you to get plain tight t-shirts to wear with a good, snug pair of jeans. A simple shirt with the rolled up sleeves is also suitable. Mom: A loose-fitting tank top works well. Sleeveless tanks or long sleeves tops work better than t-shirts. Keep the color neutral and design simple. Preferred colors for both: grey, beige, earth blue or green. No bright nail polish, neutral or no polish look better. Please avoid pure white and pure black. Do you remember about baby's fluids they like to share with the parents? Get two or three outfits ready.
A FEW ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
It is important for you to know that safety of your baby is the utmost importance to me. It's my top priority. I will never force your child into a position that is not completely safe or uncomfortable. The blankets I use are all washable and cleaned between the sessions. All props will be wiped down using cleaning products. The studio lighting is absolutely safe for the baby even with open eyes. I will not photograph your baby if I am sick. If it's the case, I will contact you to reschedule as soon as possible. I have all the required vaccination to work with kids. I wear a mask during the whole session.
As a newborn photographer, I have learned that there is only one person who dictates how each session will go and it is NOT me. The baby will call the shots. I will be taking feeding breaks and I will be spending a good bit of time holding the baby in a position until he/she relaxes. It is important to know that your baby will cry. It happens almost every time. It’s ok. I am a world-class baby shusher. With that being said, please do not get discouraged if you follow these tips and the baby still seems to have no intentions of falling asleep or is fussy for the session. I have infinite amounts of patience, I will get adorable images of your baby that you will cherish forever.
I will need an unlimited parking space for my car during session near to your home. If you live in a busy city area let's talk in advance how to solve it.
If you have any questions about your upcoming session please do not hesitate to contact me [email protected]