The first few days of your baby’s life are filled with so much love and so much to get used too even for experienced parents. One thing you want to make sure to do in this short time where they are brand new to the world is capture those moments in portraits.
Let’s get you on the schedule…
I recommend booking your newborn session as early as three months prior to your approximate delivery date. That gives me enough time fully customize a newborn session just for you! If anything, else is needed such as a coordinating headband or matching outfit, I will have enough time to research and purchase any additional items as needed. When you first schedule you will be sent a questionnaire to complete which will help us coordinate your session and make sure it is just how you envisioned it.
Baby’s Arrival…
Congratulations on your newest addition! I am super excited to capture all the little fingers and toes for you. Once you are released from the hospital, please contact me right away to schedule the date and time of your newborn session. Sessions typically are scheduled within the first week, following your release. While it is ideal for some of the newborn poses, if you must wait until the 10-21-day mark, no worries. My training and experience as a mom of 4 has taught me a few ways to nurture and soothe an older newborn to sleep and still capture some beautiful portraits.
Day of Session…
-Please bathe your newborn about two hours before your session. This will wake them up and get them nice and clean. If they have flaky skin, feel free to apply lotion after the bath.
– Baby will need to be kept awake for 2 hours prior to your
session start time. Just before
you leave, you can give baby a full feeding in the comfort of your home, where
both mom and baby are relaxed. Once feeding is finished, it is best to put baby
in as little clothing as possible, blankets and car seat covers will keep baby
warm (of course depending on weather). With a full tummy and little clothing,
this allows me to start the session as soon as you arrive.
-Please bring a soother for comforting baby between poses and
set ups. Even if you are
not using one, it is strongly suggested to bring one and will not cause nipple
confusion for the short time use.
-The studio will be quite warm! Your little one will be naked
the majority of the session, so to keep baby’s warm, the studio will be a
toasty 80 degrees. Please dress lightly or in
layers.
– Newborn sessions typically take 2 to 3 hours to complete, with
soothing, feeding, posing
and changing props. I will have snacks and water available but recommend eating
a meal before your session.
Safety is my utmost priority when handling your baby, so either mom or dad will be my spotter/assistant. All eyes and hands are to be kept around baby during posing. During the session I will be handling and posing baby, but don’t worry I have plenty of experience handling a newborn (don’t know if I mentioned I have four kiddos of my own!) I will hold and care for him or her as if they were my own, I promise!
I want you to feel comfortable and enjoy your session with me if you have any questions before or during please feel free to ask. It is also recommended to bring a change of clothes as your little one will be naked. When baby is held by mom or dad, I keep a blanket around them to hopefully catch any mess. Accidents do happen and it is quite possible someone or something will get peed or pooped on. This is quite common so don’t be alarmed if by the end of the session I have a laundry pile of props.
You are all set!
I look forward to meeting your sweet bundle of joy!