Newborn
Scheduling Your Session
Newborn sessions take place in my home studio when your baby is between 4 and 14 days. The session itself can take up to 2- 3 hours so make sure to plan accordingly.
In order to make the most of our time together, I will need your help with the following:
Before You Arrive
Try to keep your baby awake for one hour prior to our session. I know this is hard and easier said than done, but do your best - this will help ensure a very sleepy baby for our session. While you are trying to keep your little one awake, try giving your baby a sponge bath 30 minutes prior to arriving to the studio. This may help with keeping them calm and awake. This is also useful for dry, flaky skin.
Dress your baby in loose fitting clothing that zips or buttons up the middle. Avoid onesies or clothing that will have to go over baby’s head.
Give a great big feeding right before you leave the house. If you are more then 20-30 minutes, you can feed baby at the studio prior to the start of your session. A full sleepy baby is always best. Please let us know if you plan on nursing at the studio to ensure we have extra time reserved.
What to Bring
If you are formula feeding or pumping, make sure to bring extra milk and a bottle.
A pacifier for soothing (if you use one) will also be helping.
Parent and Sibling Portraits
Parent and sibling shots are typically taken first. (Please inform me prior to the session if you wish to include siblings.) I recommend wearing solid neutral colors, especially grey, white, tan or cream. Older siblings can wear a light colored shirt to match the gender of the baby, solid neutral colors, jeans and/or dresses for girls. Try to avoid busy patterns and graphics.
**Keeping the studio quiet and calm is crucial to achieving the best shots of your baby. Once the sibling shots are complete, I highly recommend that a spouse/partner take siblings home or out for something fun while we finish up. I do have a waiting area with a TV and books to keep them busy if they have to remain in the studio.
Session Length & Details
For a Full Newborn Session, plan on your session being around 2-3 hours. If you are doing a Mini Newborn Session, your session will be 1.5- 2 hours.
My studio will be very warm. I normally have the thermostat set between 75 - 80 degrees. For the adults, it will be hot and I will be glowing as I work, but your baby will be toasty and happy. It is set at this temperature because at their age, babies are unable to regulate their body temperatures. If the air around them is too cool, they will be uncomfortable and I will be unable to achieve our goal poses. With this said, I recommend bringing layers.
Props
While scheduling your session we will discuss colors, props and ideas you have. I have blankets, baskets, hats, headbands, wraps, and other props. If you have specific items you would like photographed, you are welcome to bring them to your session but please inform me while discussing your ideas ahead of time.
If you follow the above instructions on preparing your baby we will mostly likely have a successful shoot. But remember, we are at the mercy of your precious little one, so do not be overwhelmed if your baby is cranky or will not “cooperate.” We will still try to get many amazing photos that you will love!
Maternity and Family
Scheduling Your Session
For most mother to be, anywhere between 32-36 weeks is ideal. The goal is a nice round belly while you are still feeling great and not too swollen or uncomfortable. However, listen to your body! Everyone carries differently and you should schedule accordingly.
Moms of multiples will typically schedule their session a few weeks earlier.
Family sessions are available throughout the year but during holidays, its best to book 2-3 months ahead of time to ensure your availability. Make sure to schedule your family photo session on a day that you or your children will be relaxed and well rested.
Before you arrive
Get plenty of rest the night before your session. I recommend if you're able to plan your outfits ahead of time, do it! This will help avoid stress the day of your session.
If your session is later in the day, make sure to plan children's nap ahead of time. This helps make sure they are not tired during the session.
Have everyone eat a small snack before your session. Again, you want to make sure everyone is happy. Feel free to bring extra snacks for your little ones. If we need to take a break for them to be happy again, no problem.
What to wear
Clothing plays a huge part in creating a successful photo. Remember the portrait is about the whole family. If possible, avoid flashy patterns or prints. Prints and patterns distract the eye and draw attention away from what's really important, YOU! Solid colors are a great option.
Matching colors are best. You don’t necessarily all need to have matching outfits, but tops and bottoms should all be of the same tones/colors.
Jeans are great. They are dark in color and almost everyone owns a pair that look great on them. Maybe stay clear of the old favorites with the rips and holes, but jeans are a perfectly acceptable option. If you are looking for something a little bit more formal, try dark pants, skirts or even khakis.
For mommy to be, you should wearing clothing that shows off that "baby belly!" Empire styles dresses are beautiful and show of the expectant mother's belly nicely, as they "flow" over it. I also have different dress options that you may use during you session. (Please let me know ahead of time so we can schedule a time to view/try on dress before your session.) It is best to wear nude under garments if at all possible. Avoid busy prints on undergarments to avoid showing through fabrics or clothing. If you plan on showing your belly, please do not wear any elastic over the belly for several hours before the session to avoid a red mark on the skin from the elastic.
