There is a lot to think about when preparing for your newborn session. I want your session to be a memorable time. This blog will help you when preparing for a stress free newborn session.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE MY SESSION DATE?

We will schedule your newborn session for approximately 6-14 days after baby is expected to arrive.

This works out well in most cases but I understand babies are unpredictable so things can always be adjusted based on their actual birthdate and how you are feeling afterward. 

WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR?

Dress your baby in a comfortable outfit that can be unzipped or unbuttoned easily and does not have to be pulled over their head to start their session.

We will start the session right away when you arrive if baby is sleeping.

WHAT SHOULD PARENTS/SIBLINGS WEAR?

I suggest neutral colors and soft fabrics to avoid irritating babies skin. Babies are most comfortable and sleepy in a very warm environment. I keep the studio between 75 and 80 degrees. Please wear layers so you won’t get too hot. You may also want to bring an outfit change just in case. I have maternity gowns in the studio if you would like to wear one. I also have a few options for siblings depending on their age and size. Touch base with me in advance if you would like to see what I have here. 

If you looking for outfit ideas you can visit my gallery of newborns with parents by clicking here and parents by clicking here. 

WHAT SHOULD WE BRING WITH US? 

Please bring feeding and comfort supplies such as pacifiers, bottles, extra breastmilk or formula, wipes, diapers, etc.

You may also want to bring a snack and water for yourself and your little ones. I have everything we will need here in the studio to style the session: props, blankets, outfits, hats, headbands, etc. Let me know in advance if you are bringing a special heirloom item to the session.

HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION TAKE?

For a newborn session with parents and siblings plan to be in the studio a little over two hours. 

Sessions with baby only are normally between 1-2 hours. The exact length of time depends on how easily baby settles, how many breaks they take to nurse, and whether or not we are doing parent and sibling images in addition to just baby. I never rush through a session.

ARE SIBLINGS ALLOWED? HOW WILL WE KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED?

Siblings are welcome in the studio for the newborn session.

I encourage you to book a collection that includes sibling and parent images. I normally have a separate play area where your other kiddos can color, watch TV or a movie, and play with toys. Due to current COVID precautions this area is temporarily not available for use.

Waiting for the session to be complete can be boring for siblings.

• You may want to bring two cars to the session so your partner can take brothers/sisters to do something fun or go home once their photos are finished.
• I have also had families ask a close friend or relative to come pick up big brothers or sisters once their portion of the photos is complete. This also ensures a restful uninterrupted sleep for new baby helping us to get through the images more quickly. 

WHEN WILL WE SEE OUR EDITED IMAGES?

I will deliver edited images through an online gallery within 4-6 weeks of your session.

I try to shorten this wait to 2-3 weeks after your newborn session whenever possible. You will be also be able to download your images and save them to your phone via your personal app.

You will have the option to choose any tangible works of art at that time. All orders are due within two weeks of your gallery delivery. Galleries are available for download for 2 weeks after delivery. Please be sure to back up your images in more than one location for safe keeping. There is a charge for me to re-upload your gallery after 2 weeks.

Preparing in advance will ensure a stress free newborn session. Other milestones I commonly capture for babies are 3/6 months, 8/9 months and 12 months. To book a milestone session click here.

If you are a parent looking for resources on taking better photos of your kids and becoming a better memory keeper click here.

If you are a photographer looking for resources to organize your business without overwhelm or looking for a mentor click here.