NEWBORN SESSION GUIDE

NEWBORN SESSION GENERAL INFO

HOW DO YOU SCHEDULE NEWBORN SESSIONS WHEN WE DON’T KNOW WHEN THE BABY WILL ARRIVE?

Ideal time for your newborn portraits is Between 7-10 days after delivery. At this point they are the most curly and sleepy and we can still capture all of those perfect newborn parts that they quickly grow out of like the little hairs on their backs or ears, the fresh wrinkly fingers and toes, or even their cord stump. Most of the images you see in my portfolio galleries have been taken during this time, but it isn’t impossible to photograph older babies. Contact me ASAP for best scheduling. Babies do not come on time, so I typically pencil in your due date and once baby is born, we will nail down a date for your session.

DO WE NEED ANY PREPARATION BEFORE THE SESSION?

For newborn/baby photography it is usually better if the baby is already fed and sleep during the session.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE OUR PHOTOS?

You will get your high quality unedited photos and after your selection it takes 3-4 weeks to have your final retouched photos.

DO YOU OFFER A DISCOUNT FOR SCHEDULING BOTH MATERNITY AND NEWBORN PHOTO SESSIONS?

Yes, if you schedule maternity and newborn sessions at the same time, you will save $100 on following the newborn session.

DO YOU OFFER IN-HOME NEWBORN SESSIONS?

No, we found much better results in my studio with complete room temperature and lighting control and want to give each of my clients the highest-quality photos possible.

MY BABY IS 3/4/5/6 WEEKS OLD, BUT I WANT TO DO A NEWBORN SESSION. IS IT TOO LATE?

No way! Your baby is still as cute as ever, and will probably start smiling any second now, which is a great moment to capture Lifestyle newborn session. My LIFESTYLE newborn sessions are designed to get relaxed, natural images of baby and baby with the family. We can still use newborn props and hats for older babies, and I modify the poses to keep your baby comfortable. Your baby will likely be awake for some/half/most of the session, so I prepare for that as well and consider it a bonus if your baby falls asleep. Check the pricing page for the Lifestyle newborn Sessions to read about the package details.

WHAT CAN I DO TO ENSURE MY NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION GOES WELL?

Please check our 10 Simple Tips for a Successful Newborn Photo Session Page.

CAN PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AND SIBLINGS BE INCLUDED IN NEWBORN PHOTOS?

Yes! In fact, these are my favorite photos, and the ones your baby will cherish the most when he/she gets older. Think of how much you would love photos of your own parents holding you when you were brand new! These family photos only take 15-20 minutes, and we do them at the very beginning of the newborn session so you can relax the rest of the session.

DO YOU HAVE PROPS AND NEWBORN HATS, OR DO I NEED TO BRING THEM?

My studio is stocked with various props and everything that is needed to create an amazing gallery. I do however love to include a family heirloom if it is appropriate to use for the session. We can discuss all of this at our pre-session consultation.

WHAT IS YOUR RESCHEDULING OR CACELLATION POLICY?

Rescheduling and cancelation policy: For reschedules and cancellations please contact us at least 72 hours in advance in order to avoid being charged for the scheduled session.

INFANT SAFETY

WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN TO ENSURE MY BABY IS SAFE?

This is a very important topic for me. I have adopted the following safety precautions:

I receive the flu shot every year in the early fall, and I had my TDAP booster in January 2022 (measles/pertussis/whooping cough).

I received the COVID-19 vaccine on March 18th & April 12th, 2021 and another booster on 12/8/21.

I will thoroughly wash my hands prior to handling your baby and whenever we take a break during your session.

I will refund your session fee if I am unable to photograph your newborn within two weeks following your scheduled session.

If I have any cold or flu symptoms, I will notify you prior to your session.

I will not suspend your baby above the ground, a pillow, or cushion, in a cloth, hammock or any other prop. Though these photos may be done safely with Photoshop, I don’t want to create works where a baby appears to be at risk of injury.

Baskets and other props that may become unstable will be weighted down inside with 10-20lb weights and/or be held steady with your hands, later to be edited out.

Any time a baby is posed on a table, stool, or bench, an adult will be present within six inches from the baby and will later be edited out of the photo.

I will not pose your baby on top of or against a pet. Animals are much too unpredictable. We can however, get photos of your baby and pet together in other ways!

I thoroughly clean and sanitize all props and soiled linens after each session (all linens that touch a baby’s bum are considered soiled).

Though I take every precaution to keep your baby safe, the responsibility of your infant’s safety is your own. I encourage you to speak up if anything makes you uncomfortable during your session. No photo is worth your precious baby’s health and life.

10 SIMPLE TIPS FOR YOUR NEWBORN SESSION

1. Before your session, send me a couple of colors to coordinate the props, hats and blankets so that the photos look cohesive when you put them together later for an album, announcement or wall display. Usually we match to the nursery, or if you’ll be putting the photos in your living area, we can also match to that furniture or keep everything neutral or even all-white. I’ll pull some things together before you arrive to help save time, but you’ll have LOTS of options even with the things I pick out. We can always abandon the color coordination during your session to use other props that catch your eye. Cuteness abounds in the studio!! Check my Newborn Portfolio Page for inspiration.

2. Moms who are nursing – refrain from eating spicy foods for 24 hours prior to your session.

3. Dress yourselves for the warm studio. It’s going to be in the low-80s. Only the smaller studio room will be heated, and you’ll be able to duck out into the great room to cool down. I suggest that parents and siblings wear a solid-colored top in neutral colors such as white, cream, gray, black or tan or matching the colors you choose for your baby’s photos (see the first tip above).

4. Dress your baby in something that snaps, zips or ties in the front so that we can easily remove the clothes while he/she is in the car seat if already asleep. Your baby will be nude or swaddled the entire session, so you don’t need to pack a photo outfit for him/her.

5. If possible, try to schedule your baby to eat when you arrive. If this will make for a stressful car trip, though, feed your baby before you leave and top him/her off here. This is not the time to try to rush your baby through a feeding. A full baby is a peaceful baby.

6. As much as possible, try to keep your baby from getting a deep sleep in the morning before you arrive. Give a bath, play with hands and feet, and give little arm and leg stretches while he/she snoozes and on the car ride over. Just having you touch them while they are sleeping will get them used to having me move them around in their sleep during their session.

7. Bring any heirlooms or props that you would like photographed with your baby (this is optional). I have plenty of cuteness here for us to use as well! If you are planning on bringing anything, please email or text me a picture prior to your session so I can plan out where it will be best to use it.

8. Bring a pacifier if he/she takes one and an extra bottle if he/she is bottle-fed. If your baby has not yet used a pacifier, I have a few we can use if necessary.

9. Plan on being here around 3 hours. I recommend to bring your own snacks and water.