(Newborn)

Booking a session: We will tentatively schedule your session based on your due date. Newborns are best photographed within the first 5-14 days, so just contact me once your baby has arrived to schedule a specific date and time. Availability is limited, so I recommend contacting me prior to the birth of your baby to book a session.

 

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 them awake. This is also a good time to trim your baby’s finger nails, wash their hair 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 foods 12-24 hours before your session.  These things can make the baby gassy or uncomfortable, causing them to be less settled during the session.

 

What to wear: The studio will be very warm (80 degrees) so either dress in layers or wear 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 be rather lengthy 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.  It’s also a good idea to bring a pacifier so we can sooth 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 buckets, bowls, baskets, blankets, 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 props first then do beanbag poses using your favorite blankets, switching out wraps and hats/headbands so you get more variety in your gallery. I have 2 wooden background sets that I use for props – cream and dark brown. We will finish with sibling and/or family shots if you have chosen to include those in your session. However, we can do those earlier in 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 siblings and additional family members to wait during the session. I do not schedule more than one session per day, so there is no rush during your 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 to settle than others.

 

After the session: You will receive an on-line gallery within 2-3 weeks of your child’s photo session and have plenty of time to look through and decide what you would like to order. Your session comes with a $50 print credit that can be used toward any product. I offer standard prints, canvases, wall art, albums, etc…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Baby’s First Year)

Session prep: Unlike newborns, older babies need to be awake for their session. I like to schedule Baby and One Year Sessions at a time when they are the most alert and playful. My schedule is pretty flexible, so just let me know what time works best for the child. Bring all the outfits that you like to the studio and we’ll see what works best with the props that I have. You are also welcome to bring any hats or headbands that you may have. It’s a good idea to bring your child’s favorite snacks to eat during the session. The studio can be a bit overwhelming for some little ones, so snack breaks are very helpful.

During the session: Baby and One Year sessions go rather quickly. Their attention span is limited, so we’ll swap out props after just a few minutes to keep things moving. You will have full access to anything in the studio, so pick your favorites and we’ll get started. These sessions usually take about 1-2 hours.

After the session: You will receive an on-line gallery within 2-3 weeks of your child’s photo session and have plenty of time to look through and decide what you would like to order. Your session comes with a $50 print credit that can be used toward any product.