What to expect for your newborn session...
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! I cannot thank you enough for entrusting me with your baby. I have two girls myself and love being around babies. Here is a guide to help you to prepare for your newborn session.
Before the Session
For baby- Please have flaky skin moisturized the best you can. Clean away any eye goobers or nose goop. Have finger and toe nails clipped. If there are any bandaids, please remove them when you can. This will help to relieve any marks they may leave.
Nursing- Feed baby two to three hours prior to the session. When you arrive or I arrive at your home, I will have you nurse/feed at this time. If baby is bottle fed- please bring extra bottles. These sessions can run long and baby will get hungry.
Sleepy baby- Try to keep baby up for a few hours prior to our session. This will help with baby sleeping through our session together. Tips on how to keep baby up- a bath, tickling, and no pacifiers. Have your spouse help you with this!
Home- During the session we will be shooting in the nursery, master bedroom, and near any wonderful windows in the house. Please be sure to those areas tidy. I highly recommend cleaning the windows, this will allow the most light in during the session.
Sentimental Items- If you have any thing that you would like to have in the photos please have those items out. Please have the birth certificate and hospital bands out.
During the Session
Upon arrival at the studio or I arrive at your home, be prepared to feed your baby. We want the baby to be nice and full for the session. This will help to get baby in those cuddly, roly poly positions.
Be sure to burp baby really well after the feeding. Gas can make a sleepy, happy baby into an uncomfortable one in seconds.
After feeding, be patient with baby. If he/she becomes fussy we will work to make sure baby becomes comfortable again. Don't stress out!
Be prepared for messes of all kinds. Babies do not care where, when and who they pee, poo, spit up or vomit on. That is why I will be dressed in comfy sweats as I work and why you (if you want to be in the photos with your newborn) would want to bring an extra set of clothing.
As the session can take up to 3 hours, I will provide beverages and snacks for mommy, daddy, and siblings in the studio!
***Face masks will be worn at all times ***
Family
Baby
- Studio: There is no need for clothes for baby. I have plenty of cute swaddles. Feel free to bring any cute hats or dainty headbands!
- Home: Please have any swaddles out that you would like baby in. I love plain muslin swaddles.
Family Wardrobe and Manicuring
- Soft, neutral clothes always accent the photos beautifully. They put the full focus on baby. Look at the color palette below (twilight and merino are my top picks!).
- Mommy- Dresses and flowy tops always seem to make moms the most comfortable. Wear a comfortable outfit for the session and then change into your outfit when it is time for family photos. Keep hair and make up simple. I want to capture you in your new motherhood beauty! Have clean and manicured nails, try to avoid nail polish as it may take away from the photos. Remember your wedding band and engagement ring!
- Daddy- Keep it clean and simple; a button up, soft sweater, or a henley always photograph well. Avoid t-shirts. Have a fresh hair cut, manicured to your taste facial hair, and clean nails. Remember your wedding band!
- Siblings- Solid and simple outfits are best that coordinate with mommy and daddy. Soft linens are always beautiful. Please make sure they have clean hands, feet, face, and everything else! For sisters, have hair down and simple, avoid bows and clips. Keep it simple! For brothers, have a nice hair cut and style. Feel free to bring bribery snacks but please avoid food dyes. These can dye their mouths and teeth. Please be sure they nap or get a good nights sleep before the session. If the siblings are not going to be in the session please arrange childcare.
