How to prepare for a newborn session
Newborn portrait sessions can be done in the studio or in your home, but the preparation is a little different depending on the location. This will also be the most unique type of portrait session your family will ever do, because the baby is 100% in charge, and we have to take breaks and do what the boss says.
Tips that apply to either location
Please send a photo of the baby nursery if it is decorated. For instance, the photos that result from the newborn session will likely be displayed in the nursery, so if I know what colors are used in the decor I can bring my blankets and wraps that correspond. If nothing is provided, I will bring mostly whites, tans, and grays.
Wear simple earth tones (black, grey, tan, brown, white, cream) without patterns or logos. If you use them, have extra formula or milk in a bottle, and a pacifier. This helps sooth the baby for their solo photos without parents.
If you want anything integrated in the photos like a special outfit, hats, gifts or blankets, have them laid out. I have plain onesies, diaper covers, wraps, etc. so if you don't have anything for the baby to be photographed in, that's fine too.
Awake time before the session is really helpful in having a sleepy baby for our shoot. If the baby has been up and interacted with a lot before the photo shoot, they will conk out and be tired the whole time, which results in an easier time maneuvering them into sleepy poses.
We will begin with family shots (group and individual) with the baby, then finish with newborn solos.
When you’re coming to the studio
Try to feed the baby 2-3 hours before we start and wait to feed again right when you arrive. You can come about 30 minutes before your session begins if you'd like, so the baby is really hungry and ready to eat, and is now full and sleepy.
When I am coming to your home
It is helpful to provide me with a few photos of your home so that I can tell you which room(s) I will be using. What I am looking for is a big window with lots of light, and something like a big bed to use for sitting, posing, etc. with clean space behind it (clear wall, headboard, etc.) It is almost always the primary bedroom or the nursery. Please have all distracting items cleared from behind the area that we will be using, like alarm clocks, things with cords, colorful bedding or pillows, artwork, etc.
Biggest tip of all... patience! This is the most unique shoot we will ever do. There can be a lot of waiting for the baby to sleep, holding, feeding, maneuvering, calming, etc. involved. I'm in no rush with a newborn, and we are documenting a special time in your life and things don’t need to be perfect.
