Newborn Prep Guide
Prepping for a Successful Newborn Session
WHEN TO PHOTOGRAPH: -Newborn sessions are recommended to be done before 2 weeks of age while they are still in that sleepy and curly stage. After two weeks of age, they tend to be disturbed more easily while sleeping and it is not as easy to get the true newborn poses and look. They can also become colicky or baby acne can start to flare. We can photograph "newborns" up to 2 months, but the session may look a little different. Photographing twins is a different thing. We will be in contact about the special circumstances. In order to ensure that the newborn session runs as quickly and as smoothly as possible, please follow these steps: 1. If nursing, try to avoid eating anything spicy (ie. pizza, hot sauce, etc) or anything that will cause gas and might upset baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session. A gassy baby will not pose well during the session due to their little tummy being upset. *Some other foods that may cause gas are dairy products- milk, cheese, yogurt, pudding, cream, or any food that has milk, milk products, casein, whey, or sodium casein it, as well as foods with caffeine, soy, fish, peanuts, chocolate, wheat, beef, nuts, eggs, corn, or citrus fruits (Courtesy Babycenter & ModernMom parenting). 2. Don't worry about stimulating baby before the session, however if they are awake before the session play with them and interact. This will often lead to a more sleepy time during the session. 3. Please make sure your little one has a full belly for the session. If possible, please come ready to feed baby as we get set up at the studiol. If baby is bottle feeding, please bring extra bottles and milk (formula or breastmilk) – (babies work up quite the appetite being constantly moved around in the warm studio. *A full baby = a sleepy baby, and we need a very sleepy and calm baby in order to achieve the sweet, flexible poses you see in my portfolio. 4. Dress baby in loose fitting clothes to avoid any lines on baby’s skin and to also avoid disturbing baby when getting undressed. A simple sleeper is best. Please avoid onesies or anything that has to be pulled off over baby’s head. 5. Bring a pacifier – they can be very helpful during the session! 6. The studio will be kept very warm to keep your little one comfortable while being photographed. I recommend dressing in layers. 7. During the session, sit back and relax (and take a little snooze) There is very little that frazzles me and I will be in it for the long haul. Newborns get to dictate how the session goes, there may be lots of break needed or very few. Newborn sessions can take up to 3 hours PARENT PORTRAITS: -I encourage parent portraits with the new baby, and these are usually done at the beginning. I have a full client closet for women and men should bring a nice neutral button down as well as a black t-shirt. If Mom is uncomfortable in dresses, please bring a neutral colored outfit for your parent portraits. SIBLING PORTRAITS: -If you have older siblings that you would like photographed with your newborn we will do these shots FIRST. Cream, ivory or white (without patterns or logos) is recommended for older siblings (tops with jeans or even dresses for girls). I have a full client closet for girls ages newborn to 10 years. SO no need to stress about outfits if you are willing to use my studio clothing. They’ll be barefoot, so no need to look for clean shoes. *Due to the nature of the session we ask that your spouse/partner take the older siblings home or out for something fun to do while we finish up with the individual newborn shots. Notes to consider: –I spend a lot of time getting every little finger and toe positioned perfectly when photographing your little bundle. First and foremost, it is important to me for your baby look comfortable and peaceful in the photographs and for each image to be a piece of art. I have a lot of experience and patience with newborns. I have four children of my own and have photographed over 50 newborns. My motto is safety first. I will never put your newborn in an unsafe pose/prop. -Be prepared to spend between 2 and 3 hours at my studio. I am a perfectionist and I want to capture your baby in every way that I can even down to their little lips and eyelashes – it’s not unusual to spend up to 20 minutes working to perfect one pose. -Just to warn you: When being photographed with your baby, you may get peed or pooped on! This happens daily in my studio (usually on me), but some parents are surprised by and unprepared for it. CIRCUMCISION: -Parents often ask ‘Can I circumcise my baby before the session?’ and the answer is yes. However, circumcision can often leave the area raw and painful for a few days after the procedure. It is important to note that newborn photos should be done either before the procedure takes place or a few days after the procedure to ensure the area is healing and not painful. PROPS and ‘Pinterest Requests’: -I supply all of the backdrops, furniture, hats, headbands and wraps for the session, and my style tends to lean more toward simple photos that focus on baby. I am always open to new ideas but be aware that I will not use anything that will harm, irritate or look awkward or controversial (guns, flags) on your newborn. If you see something you like in any of our galleries, be sure to mention it before your session. I am open to suggestions on poses that you may have seen from Pinterest but please understand that every pose we do depends on how well baby cooperates and how safe the pose is for your little one. I cannot guarantee any pose for this reason.
