Welcome, and congratulations on your new little one!
If you are just looking around to see what all I have to offer just know that I am TRULY honored that you are considering me as your newborn photographer. I would love to help you preserve these precious, fleeting moments. In my studio you will find that your newborn is in the best hands. I have had several years of hands on training with newborns and the safety of newborns. My sessions are a gentle, slow-paced experience—with plenty of time for comforting, soothing, posing, and following your baby’s natural rhythm. I do not want anything to feel forced and approach every session by letting baby lead- So if baby is fussy or is not having it with some poses we simply pause to get baby comfortable, If that means a feeding, diaper change or just consoling and snuggling that is what we will do! We want your little one to be content. This in turn will give you peace of mind. I want the experience to be pleasant- not forced or stressful!
This guide is to help you feel confident and well prepared for your session, I have included many helpful tips that I have learned along the way. And have answered many questions that I am always asked.
I am so excited to meet you and your sweet new addition—let’s create something beautiful together.
What do I need to bring? Honestly not a thing... unless you have something special that you want to incorporate.
I literally have everything we’ll need to create a beautiful newborn session— I have invested in wraps, matching drops, tiny pillows, headbands, outfits, hats, and a wide variety of props that are perfectly curated in beautiful sets! Many people are amazed at my collection. ( I think I have a problem.. lol) However- if you have any family heirlooms or personal touches to make your session truly your own- Please let me know ahead of time so that we can find the best way to incorporate it into your session.
ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR BABY
• Bottle- unless breast feeding (there is usually a feeding during your session time) Even if it's just a bit to soothe baby
• Diapers and wipes
• Bring baby in a white onesie if possible (can be underneath of other clothing)
I WILL PROVIDE
• Bottled water
• Bottle Warmer
• Will have extra wipes on hand if needed
MY GOAL
My goal is for your experience to be relaxing and enjoyable, stress free—so you can put your attention on soaking up every sweet moment with your little one.
What to expect during your session!
Once you arrive I will show you around and let you get comfortable. It's then time to create memorable moments! I always begin every newborn session with parent and family images—these are typically simple, waist-up portraits (no shoes required) My goal is to focus on little moments and you connecting with your little one. Simple connections like tender kisses and snuggles. (these are always some of the most cherished for parents) Older siblings--- If you have older children, we’ll capture a full family photo first, then move into newborn + parent combinations (both parents together and each parent individually). After that, siblings will be photographed with baby- I always suggest parents introducing older siblings to baby for a few minutes each day leading up to your session-sitting with them, allowing them to give baby attention and showing them how to be gentle- especially with those under 4--- this is a big adjustment for them and often are not ready to give attention to the new addition.. Once their part is complete, I recommend having a parent or grandparent take them out for a little break or playtime. My home studio space is cozy, and little ones can get restless—stepping out helps keep the session calm and focused. Although I do have an area where they can sit comfortably and watch cartoons if they prefer.
Next, we’ll move into wrapped prop poses, The wrapped poses include setups like a bed, bowl, basket or a bucket—each set up is styled and curated to your liking. Typically we will give baby a short break for feeding and changing after wrapped poses (if needed) We will then transition to beanbag poses (If this is in the package you choose) such as bum up, egg pose, huck finn, froggy, forward facing, side-lying, chin-on-wrists, and we will even try to get some awake shots. Please keep in mind that not all babies are comfortable in some poses- and as mentioned I like to let baby lead--- If they are not comfortable and we have tried soothing and they are still not having it-- we will move on to the next pose.
I am always usually able to get a full gallery However if baby decides they are not having it and are fussy and not able to be soothed with a feeding/change don't let it stress you--- NO WORRIES—we’ll talk more to figure out next steps. Even if it means coming back.
Keep these feeding and prep tips in mind for the big day:
01.Full Belly
Start your feeding about 30 to 40 minutes before you plan to leave your house. This allows the baby to get a completely full belly, with a little extra time to burp and get changed before loading into the car.
If your drive to the studio is 20 minutes or longer, wait and give your baby their "top-off" feed as soon as you arrive. The movement of the car seat can easily stir them awake, making the studio a perfect place to settle them back down.
02. Alert-Sleepy baby
Newborns are always sleeping- If possible try to keep baby awake at least an hour before your session— Most babies will go to sleep on the drive--- once you arrive and they are awaken by changing etc.. and we "top-off" their feeding they typically will go back to sleep. The goal is to get them to a deep sleep so that we can capture those dreamy, snuggly poses that you are so anxious to see.
Tip 1. Talk to baby and engage them so that they stay alert for some time before your session. (simple stretching techniques, tummy time, allow siblings to engage with them- singing to them.
Tip 2. Undress them before with a diaper change
Tip 3. If you decide to bathe them within a few hours before you arrive (please be mindful of weather/temperature...
Tip 4. Don't forget to breathe! It will all be just fine and we want your session to be relaxed and stress free.
03.What To Wear
Choose soft, neutral colors that compliment one another. Doing so will keep your photos from being dated and will also look so much more polished in photos.
Tip 1. I always do with my own family is to lay out clothing side by side and see if anything stands out- needs changed.
Tip 2. Avoid distracting and busy prints, bold colors, bold patterns
Tip 3. Wear something you feel comfortable in
Tip 4. Bring your makeup bag for a touchup (do not overdo your normal routine.. sometimes less is more.
Tip 5. Be sure to have a helper for older siblings, It's always helpful to have someone available to take older siblings out for a break once their part of the session is complete. This keeps the baby calm, gives you a sense of peace and allows us to focus on baby without distractions. I do have a comfortable space for little ones to watch cartoons, however there is also a park nearby and a few places along the way for ice cream.
Tip 6. Bring a t-shirt or change of clothes if you would feel more comfortable after the family portion. It does tend to get cozy and warm in the studio space.
