The following information is to help you prepare for your newborn session and to know what to expect during a session:

Booking a session: I will tentatively schedule your session based on your due date. Contact me once your baby has arrived and we will schedule an exact date and time. Availability is limited so I recommend contacting me prior to the birth of your baby to book a session. Full payment is due at the time of the session.

When to schedule: Newborns are best photographed within the first three weeks after birth.

Session prep: A sleepy baby is a cooperative baby. Newborns typically eat every 2-3 hours, so try to schedule feedings so that you can feed the baby again when you arrive at the studio. It’s also helpful if you can keep your baby awake for 1-2 hours prior to the session. Interacting with your baby or giving them a warm bath are great ways to keep your baby awake. This is also a good time to trim your baby’s finger nails and lotion dry skin – every detail of your baby will be visible in the photos. If you are nursing, try to avoid caffeine or eating spicy or especially gassy foods 12-24 hours prior to the session. These things can make the baby gassy and uncomfortable, causing them to be less settled during the session.

What to wear: The studio will be very warm so I recommend dressing in layers or wearing something cool. You are welcome to bring a change of clothes with you for family photos. Solid, neutral colors or color coordinated outfits make beautiful family photos.

What to bring: Newborn sessions can take up to 3-4 hours, so it’s a good idea to bring snacks and water for you and your family, plenty of diapers, and extra bottles/formula if the baby is bottle fed. A pacifier can also be helpful to soothe the baby between poses.

During the session: Once you get settled into the studio, the first thing we’ll do is style your session. The studio is fully stocked with blankets, buckets, bowls, baskets, wraps, hats, and headbands. Once you have selected your favorites, we’ll see what looks best together and then get started. I like to start with prop shots and then do beanbag poses. I have 2 wooden background sets that I use for props – cream and dark brown.

Family photos: We can do family and/or sibling photos at any time during the session to accommodate an older sibling’s nap time, husband’s work schedule, etc… There is a sitting room/play area equipped with a TV and DVD player for additional family members to wait during the session.

Patience is key: Newborn sessions can take up to 3-4 hours to allow time for feedings and settling. Each pose can take up to 20 minutes depending on how sleepy the baby is. Babies can be very unpredictable, so it’s important to be patient. Some babies just need more time than others and others don’t sleep at all. If a baby isn’t interested in sleeping, don’t worry! Most poses can still be done with awake babies and those wide awake shots are just as cute and the sleepy ones.

After the session: You will receive an on-line gallery within 2-3 weeks of your photo session. If you would like to order any keepsakes, simply send an email with your print order. You will receive a USB with all of your final images along with a birth announcement video.