In order to help your newborn session go as smoothly as possible, I’d like to offer a few tips on prepping your newborn for their session, as well as giving you an idea of what to expect.
It is imperative to do your newborn session within the baby’s first 10 days of life. I highly prefer this, as newborns sleep much more soundly during these early days of life, making transitions into different poses go more smoothly. It also helps to get them at this age, before most newborn acne, colic, and long awake periods begin to occur after the 14 day mark.
Newborn sessions can take up to three hours. Approximately 30 minutes before I am set to arrive, please remove all of baby’s clothing and loosen their diaper. Swaddle them loosely in a blanket to keep them warm. This helps reduce the amount of red pressure marks on their skin.
It takes me about 20 minutes to get all of my equipment and props in your home and set up. During this time, please try to feed or nurse your baby. The key to content newborn pictures is a full, sleepy, and warm baby. It is likely we will need to feed your baby 2-3 times during the session to keep them full and sleepy.
When I arrive at your house, I will be bringing a mini-studio into your home, several blankets, props, baskets, hats, and headbands. I try to utilize the area of your home that provides the most natural light. If you feel as though your home does not provide the space or light needed, please let me know. I do have some studio lighting I can bring; however, I am able to do newborn sessions out of my home office, and would prefer to use it if you aren’t sure your home has the space or light needed.
I strive to get several poses with each newborn, but am only comfortable doing what the baby allows. Each baby is different, and sometimes they do not prefer certain poses. Also, please let me know ahead of time if there are certain poses you would really like to try in your session, or if there are any you do not prefer.
Lastly, I love using heirloom pieces of furniture, clothing, bedding, and jewelry. I adore incorporating the things you love as parents into your session. Please let me know if there are things you would like to try to include in your session. I also want to encourage you to be a part of the session, your baby will be a child, a teenager, and then an adult one day, and will enjoy seeing your adoring emotions while holding them as a newborn.