There are a few things you can do to ensure our newborn session goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some essentials to a great session:
- LIGHT! –
- I will need to set up near the best natural light source in your home. Usually this means the biggest window or sliding glass doors. We may need to rearrange your furniture a bit, but don’t worry, I will help you put it back!
- HEAT!
- – We will be photographing baby in the nude for most of the session, and newborns are used to the toasty temperature of mama’s womb. I ask that you turn the heat up to 75-80 degrees before I arrive. The heat makes all the difference in your baby’s comfort during the session!
- A FULL BELLY –
- Try to feed baby just before I arrive or while I am setting up. We want them full, content, and sleepy! Be ready to top them off during the session as well.
- LITTLE DETAILS –
- About 15-20 minutes before the session, dress baby in a loose diaper and a warm blanket (or very loose-fitting clothes) to avoid red marks and elastic lines on the skin. Parents and/or siblings should be dressed in simple and comfortable solid-colored clothing (neutrals are best!).
- QUIET TIME –
- Ask all non-essential visitors to leave for at least 90 minutes. Silence phones and try to eliminate any other possibly noisy distractions.
- PLAN AHEAD –
- Lay out any special items–blankets, booties, knit hats, etc–that you would like to incorporate before the session. This is optional! I will be bringing all the other essentials with me.
- TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT, WHAT YOU REALLY REALLY WANT – :)
- Let me know ahead of time if there are any specific poses, blankets, props, etc. that you really want to incorporate and we will work on those first. Not all babies will tolerate all poses, but we will do our best!
- AND FINALLY, RELAX! –
- I will do my best to make this experience as easy as possible for you. I know you are exhausted and sleep deprived, and I am glad to work with baby mostly alone while you kick up your feet awhile!
- Okay, one more tip…Mom/dad (both if possible), be ready to be in a picture with your new baby! If you are feeling uncomfortable, don’t worry. I know it may not the most glamorous season of your life, and no one ever has to see the photos but us if that’s what you want, but I think someday you will be happy you have them. :)