Newborn Preparation Guide
WHAT TO EXPECT
Relax and have fun: I know how challenging it can be to just get out the door (often your first venture away from home) and arrive on time to your newborn portrait session. Once you arrive , I'll take it from there. Relaxed parents have more fun and your baby will respond to that energy.
Well rested (and fed)?: I understand that you may not have had a full night's sleep, or even remember your last meal. Rest assured I will do what I can to ensure you are comfortable. I have snacks and drinks on hand. There are several places that deliver sandwiches for lunch and many restaurants in the area.
The studio has a TV with Netflix for watching movies and WIFI if you'd like to bring your laptop. It may also be a great time to bring a book you have been wanting to read. Of course just sitting and relaxing while watching your session may be lots of fun.
I take the baby’s lead; getting them to sleep before posing takes time and they may need to be fed or cuddled a few times first. In fact, I’d say that a good 50% of your session will involve feeding, diaper changes, and cuddling to get baby comfortable. If that doesn’t work, we’ll take a break or I'll work with what baby is giving us. Sometimes that best photos happen when baby doesn’t do what we expect.
Just remember: Babies can sense stress and anxiety (especially from their mamas) It’s super important that EVERYONE remain calm and relaxed during this session. Keeping the environment as mellow as possible is pretty much the only way we’re going to get the photos we’re looking for.
When you first arrive, depending on your baby's last feeding time and sleepiness, you will loosen the diaper, remove baby's clothes, wrap loosely in a blanket. feed, and burp the baby. The session will start with Family photos and then move on to your baby's photos.
FAMILY, SIBLINGS, AND PARENT PHOTOS
I find that it works best to start the session with Family and sibling photos. After the family photos are complete a parent or family member/friend should take the siblings home. It can be too much for young children to handle the hot temperatures and waiting in quiet. There are several parks in the area to enjoy as well.
POOP HAPPENS!
Your baby is going to be in the buff for some of the session. Please don’t panic if your baby decides to use my blankets (or us) as his/her own personal potty. This is natural and I expect it! Please don’t feel embarrassed or worry when this happens, because they all do it. I wash all of the baby props and blankets between each session with non-scented baby detergent. (This is why I only schedule one newborn session per day!)
THE NOSE KNOWS!
As a mother, your smell is so recognizable to your baby, that it may be necessary for mom to step out of the room for a portion of the session. This is not meant to hurt your feelings, but only to allow me to help the baby to start thinking sweet, sleepy thoughts…instead of “where’s my milk?!”
HEAT
Your baby will be photographed naked or lightly wrapped in some photos and the studio will be very warm to help keep your baby's temperature warm enough. This also helps to make babies comfy and sleepy to get into those squishy poses. This means that the rooms will be hot for you as well. I suggest bringing an extra change of clothes for after the parent photos are over. Layers work well.
WHO SHOULD BE THERE
Due to the small space of the studio and the higher temperatures, the session should be limited to immediate family, the person in charge of taking the siblings home, and grandparents only. Please remind other adults that it should be a calm and quiet environment and they may be asked to leave if not. Unless they are having photos taken of them at that time, all adults will be asked to stay in the sitting room, where you can see and hear right into the studio area.
SAFETY FIRST
It is important for you to know there is the utmost importance Placed on the safety of your baby. Poses will not be forced nor will any unsafe poses be used in any manner at your session. Some poses are made of a composite of several photos to ensure the safety of the baby. I may need a spotter at times for some of the poses to ensure safety. The studio is sanitized after every session and linens and props washed in Free and Clear detergent.
PHONES AND PHOTOS
I kindly ask that you do not take any photos during your session, even with cell phones. With all the effort and time to pose your baby, I reserve the right to be the sole creator of the portrait art of your baby. I appreciate your understanding.
WHEN WILL MY PHOTOS BE READY?
Your photos will be ready to view and purchase 2-4 weeks after your session. You will be shown fully edited photos that I have chosen for my artistic style. You may notice that I take more photos than you will be shown. The images with closed eyes, unflattering faces, or not properly focused will be discarded.