How to have a successful Newborn session

Newborn photography is incredibly challenging, but it’s so amazing to be a part of baby’s life when they are just days old. There’s a bit of prep and planning that needs to go into these sessions to make them more successful.

Your photo session:

It’s an overwhelming, emotional, and completely euphoric time for you!  A brand new little life who just turned your world completely upside down.  In the most wonderful way!  Sometimes uncharted territory can be a little scary and with a newborn portrait session coming up, you may be feeling confused about what you need to do to get ready.  Here are some helpful tips to make sure our time together goes smoothly.  Please be sure to follow the tips as closely as you can and I am always here to answer any questions you may have

What to expect:

My portrait sessions are very low-key, relaxed, and not jarring to young children {or parents!}.  I am adept at guiding children through simple poses or activities that are appropriate for every stage of infancy.  I am also prepared for surprises that always come along when working with naked babies, so please don’t be embarrassed!  It happens ALL the time!  The newborn session is really all about the new little one.

Tips:

• collect any items you want used in the session beforehand – family heirlooms, toys, monogrammed blankets, hats, etc. We’ll go through these together to determine what will look best in the pictures.

• I will have my home studio set at a temperature set for 75+ degrees. I know it is going to be hot, but babies are unable to regulate their body temperature like grown children/adults and we need to make it as comfortable as possible for them.

  • I do however have a cat and dogs so if allergies are an issue, or if you prefer to have it at your home, that is no problem to me! I can come to you! before i arrive please have your home temperature set to 75+ degrees.

• During the morning prior to our session, try and keep baby awake and stimulated as much as possible. Give baby a bath, play for awhile, and try to feed him/her about 2 hours before our scheduled session. This is VERY IMPORTANT!! Once you arrive, I will ask that you feed baby at that time, so we have about 15 minutes to get ready. Let them eat until they don’t want another drop. If you are bottle/formula feeding, don’t worry about measuring this time. You won’t spoil baby and they will be so full and happy, they’ll be out in no time. Aren’t we all happier with a full belly?

• After the baby is full, make sure they are burped really well. Gas can take a sleepy, happy baby to an uncomfortable and irritable one in seconds

• Be prepared for a longer visit. Newborn sessions are the most challenging, usually lasting about two hours but occasionally lasting longer. The more tips you can follow, the faster I am able to work!

• Be patient. If the baby gets fussy or alert, don’t worry. A baby can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the environment as mellow as possible. I will try and get the baby comfortable again, but if that just doesn’t seem possible, we’ll take a break or we’ll work with what she’s giving us. Sometimes the best pictures are ones when baby isn’t necessarily doing what we want.

• I will have Music playing the television on for white noise for baby or, if she is accustomed to being in a very quiet house, no noise is fine, too! Whatever environment is “normal” for baby, that is when he will be most comfortable and resting peacefully.

• If you do happen to bring older siblings I do have some toys they can play with while the session is going on.

I really look forward to seeing you soon! 

Rebecca