newborn session guide

This guide will help you prepare for your newest addition's first photoshoot, and what to expect while in the studio.

before your session

Newborn sessions flow best when your baby is sleepy and happy, here are some things that can help us achieve a sleepy and content baby:

• Give baby a bath. Giving baby a bath the morning of your session helps to stimulate baby, and can tire them.
• Tummy/Interaction time. Allowing baby to kick around and/or allowing tummy time can help ensure baby is tired for their session.
• Dress baby in loose clothing. Please dress baby in a zip up sleeper with no undershirt, pulling clothing over a sleeping baby's head can stimulate them, and cause them to wake.
• Feed your baby. Please feed your baby before you leave your home. This will allow your baby to fall into a deep sleep on the car ride to the studio. If baby needs to feed again in the studio we will take time to do so.

What to bring

• A bottle. Some new babies struggle with breastfeeding, or are cluster feeding-please bring a bottle with breastmilk or formula just in case we need it.
• A Pacifier. Even if your little babe doesn't usually take one, please bring a pacifier! Sometimes babies need the suckling motion between poses to stay calm, it doesn't always mean they're hungry. If baby is showing other cues of hunger we will follow their lead and pause for some milk and cuddles.
• The Necessities. Please be sure to bring anything you normally would bring in your diaper bag, including extra diapers, wipes, sleeper, burp cloths, and sometimes even a change of clothes for mom & dad in case of accidents.

What to wear

Most family images will be cropped to be waist up only, please keep this in mind when choosing your outfit(s) for the session.

• Neutrals. Neutral or soft colors compliment everyone and are timeless. A white or black shirt works as well.
• Avoid Logos. Please avoid wearing clothing with logos or anything you will want photoshopped out.
• Layers. The studio is kept COZY to help keep baby warm during changes and while they're in just a diaper. Wearing light layers can help you stay cool and comfortable during your session.

What to expect

Time Frame: Every session is different, usually newborn sessions last two to three hours. Please prepare your older child(ren) and spouse/partner to spend time in the studio. I like to do family and sibling poses first, if it's a nice day there is playground right down the street from the studio for dad to take older children so we can focus on baby for the rest of the session. I usually suggest not scheduling anything else on your session day. Sessions are slow-paced, and are intended to be relaxing for both you and your baby.

Baby is Boss: The entire session is baby-led. I will accomplish as many poses as baby will allow me to within the timeframe. Some babies do not tolerate specific poses-I will try my best to get baby to pose but if they are consistently uncomfortable we will move onto something else. I am able to photograph an awake baby, however there are certain poses (ie: bucket pose, froggy, chin on hands) that we can't safely achieve while they're awake. We will stop as many times as we need to for feedings (if breastfed) and for diaper changes. Baby will be wearing a diaper the entire session.

Siblings: If siblings are younger than 3 please bring a form of bribery, something not messy that they love, to encourage them to enthusiastically participate; as well as another adult to help. Please do not give your child an electronic until after their portion of the session is over. Please let me know ahead of time if I'm not allowed to reward them at the end of their portion with a Dum-dum.

First/Only Child: If this is your first child dad is welcome to go out for coffee while I'm photographing baby solo. I usually save parent poses for the end of the session when baby is the only child. I only have space in the studio for 2 adults to be present during the session.