Tips for your newborn session...
1. FIND THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU
When searching for a newborn photographer there are many factors to keep in mind. First, be aware that newborn portraiture is an investment. This is one of those times when money should not be the only factor. Of course, you'll want to keep within your budget, but making sure the photographer is qualified, safe, and up to date with all of their vaccinations should be top on your list. Style is also a key component. You'll want to look through galleries to make sure the style, color palate, textures, and props fit your style. That being said, make sure to talk to me if you're interested in a specific look and we'll see if that's something I can do for you.
2. BOOK IN ADVANCE
The ideal time to book your newborn session is no later than the beginning of your third trimester. I often book up 2-3 months in advance and I only take a limited amount of clients per month in order to ensure availability and flexibility for your baby's arrival. At times, I have been able to squeeze in a last minute session after baby is born, but the more notice, the better!
3. PLAN AHEAD
Plan ahead to help make your photo session day go smoothly. Everything takes a lot more time and planning once baby arrives. It helps to lay out anything you might need for the session the night before or earlier. The less stressed out you are, the more calm your baby will be as well.
4. KEEP BREASTFEEDING IN MIND
Moms who are breastfeeding should avoid caffeine the night before until the session. Some babies are sensitive to caffeine and that can affect their ability to be sleepy, which is what we need to pose them. Sleepy and fed babies are happier to be photographed. Once you feed baby and pass him/her over to me, then I encourage you to sit back and relax with a coffee!
5. KEEP BABY AWAKE
You'll want to try to keep baby awake for at least an hour or two if possible before the session. A warm bath can sometimes help if you need a little help keeping little one up.
6. FEED BABY RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE
It tends to help if you feed baby immediately before you leave. Babies tend to fall asleep in the car seat on the way over. Also, be sure to dress baby in a loose, zip up outfit that we can easily slip off of him/her. Ideally, if baby is fed and asleep when they arrive, I can slip baby out of their jammies and get started right away. If they need to feed first, it takes quite a bit longer to get them back to sleep again.
7. DRESS FOR A WARM STUDIO
In order to keep baby comfortable, I need to keep my studio at around 80 degrees during the session. Understanding that post-partum hormones had my temperature gauge all over the place, I like to warn my moms so you can dress lightly or in layers. I don't want you to be uncomfortable, but need baby to be nice and cozy warm.
8. BE PATIENT & RELAX
A newborn session is not a quick session, although mine tend to run on the shorter side, please be prepared for up to 2 hours in the studio. Soothing baby into a deep sleep can take a little while, longer for some babies. This is a wonderful time for you to drink some coffee or tea and have some snacks and relax! I will let you know if baby might need to eat again, but don't worry! Babies cry all the time. My job is to help soothe him/her to sleep. On the rare occasion that baby insists on staying awake, we can always discuss the option of a reshoot. This has only happened once, but can be available if need be.
