My goal with all newborn sessions is a relaxed, fun experience where we all sigh and coo over your beautiful new addition. It’s all about pampering the baby and making them comfortable. If he or she needs to eat or want a cuddle, that’s just what we’ll do.
The majority of photos will be taken while the baby is sleeping. And while that is the natural state of the newborn, we will do some things to help the baby relax. Heat is the key. The room will need to be about 80 degrees cause naked newbies really love it hot. If I am coming to your house for the session, please turn the heat up about a half-hour before I’m scheduled to arrive. We’ll want white noise and some mellow music as well to help set the stage. I’ll bring a white noise player. If you have a favorite type of music, please feel free to turn it on.
We’ll declare the room where we are shooting a whisper zone, trying to limit any unnecessary noise. If you have other children, it would be great if you could have a relative or friend on hand to keep them happy and occupied in another area of the house. Don’t worry, we can bring them in for a sibling portrait.
Don’t be surprised if your little love doesn’t fall into a deep sleep the moment I arrive. Sometimes it takes awhile. They aren’t used to being handled as much as they will be during the session. Eventually, they will tucker out. The important thing is for all of the adults in the room to relax and let their stress go. Because if you are worried, your newborn will pick right up on it.
I love taking pictures of mom and dad with their newborn. Please dress comfortably for the session – a tank top t-shirt might be the best bet considering the heat. But have a long-sleeved black shirt on hand for the pictures that you will be in.
Below are some tips to prepare for the photo shoot:
- Turn the heat up to about 80 degrees.
- Keep your baby awake for an hour prior to the session. The sleepier the baby is when I arrive, the better.
- Select any calming music you would like to play during the photo shoot.
- Plan to feed the baby right after I have arrived, while I am setting up. We’ll take multiple breaks during the session for additional feedings as well.
- Bring any blankets, baskets or other props that you would like incorporated to the room where we will be photographing. (Don’t worry if you don’t have any. I will bring a selection.)
- Be prepared for messes of all kinds. Since many of the images will be taken while your baby is naked, we will encounter any number of bodily functions. I get peed on a lot and so do the parents I work with. (All of my blankets are machine washable and are cleaned between each newborn.)
- Have a pacifier on hand.
All newborn sessions include:
- Pre-session consultation over the phone
- Up to 4-hour session
- 20-30 images posted in an online gallery, available for up to two weeks