NEWBORN Session Prep Guide


  This preparation guide will help your session go more smoothly. If you’re unable to follow any of the guidelines, please don’t worry! I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that I’m able to capture those timeless images you’re envisioning. If that means patiently rocking your little one for 30 minutes or taking several feeding or cuddling breaks, that’s ok! 

Before Your Session

  • Keep baby awake 1–1.5 hrs before (bath, sponge bath, or gentle play help).
  • Small feed before leaving, then a full feed here.
  • Don’t stress if baby naps a little!
  • If you are breast-feeding, try to avoid eating anything spicy or gas inducing (i.e. pizza, spicy sauces, garlic, broccoli, thai/indian food, coffee, high fat etc.) that might upset baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session. It’s best to stick to a relatively bland diet the 24 hours before your session.
  • ***DO NOT CIRCUMCISE your baby boy right before your session. I will be wrapping him tightly while naked and moving him between different poses which can be painful with a raw circumcision. Newborn boys WILL NOT be photographed if they have been circumcised less than 6 days prior to the session. 


Day of the session

FEEDING SCHEDULE AS FOLLOWS-   

Feeding

  • Feed as usual (breast, formula, or both).
  • Please have 3-4 bottles of formula or breast milk ready for the session. Baby may eat more often than normal during session.
  • Bring along with you, a hospital “soothe” pacifier (soft bendable one) incase need it. This is especially important with twins and maintaining the flow of the session. I understand that many mothers are trying to avoid a pacifier during this critical time of learning to breastfeed. But I hope you’ll consider that pacifiers are so useful in soothing fussy babies back to sleep during the 3 hours we’re together. If you are not comfortable with the use of a pacifier, please let me know. We are absolutely on board with whatever you choose! (Please don't bring one with an animal strap attached).
  • After feeding your baby, only dress them in a diaper and zip up sleeper. Please omit socks or mittens until after the session if desired.

What to Pack

  • Diapers + wipes
  • Pacifier
  • 2 blankets (okay if messy)
  • Zip/button outfit (nothing over head)
  • Trim nails + clean face
  • Remove any band-aids so marks fade


During the session

In the Studio

  • Room is warm (80°), dress lightly.
  • Only 2 adults allowed (including parents).
  • Please arrive on time.
  • During newborn sessions, we kindly ask that parents remain seated and relaxed.
  • This helps me keep the focus on baby, ensures everyone’s safety, and allows me to move around freely without distraction.
  • Don’t worry, I’ll guide you when it’s time for parent or family shots (if you booked family portion)


What to wear for parent/family photos

  • The key word for how to dress is to coordinate your outfits. No need to have everyone wearing matching outfits, after all everyone is unique in their personality! My suggestion is to find a beautiful outfit for mom that she feels amazing in! Then use the colors/design/textures in that outfit to coordinate the rest of the family. I have wraps of every color that we can wrap baby in (or baby can be sans clothing/wrap). I always suggest sticking to more neutral colors (whites, tans, greys, blacks) to create a timeless image. 
  • Avoid busy patterns, sripes, logo and bright/neon colors. I have white, tan, brown and grey backdrops for parent/family poses. My home studio is a no shoes studio, so if you would like to wear shoes for your photos, please bring those along and make sure the bottoms of the shoes are clean (so they do not mark up my backdrops-thank you!).
  • There are cute photos we can take where only your arms and hands will be photographed, so please come to the session with clean and trimmed nails. Brightly painted nails and lots of jewelry can distract from the main focus of the photo (your little angel!!), so don’t worry about scheduling a manicure until after the newborn session!! 



AFTER THE SESSION

A week after your session, you will get your proofing via our secured online gallery where you will choose your favorites and send back for professional retouching. Final images will be delivered 2 weeks after your favorites have been recieved.


PRODUCT PICK-UP (IF INTERESTED IN PRINTS)

Your portraits are an investment and an heirloom that should not be rushed. Please allow up to 6 weeks for your order to be completed. Digital images will ready in 3 weeks after favorites have been selected.