Studio NEWBORN Session explanation

Newborn sessions can last up to 3 hours.
This provides ample time for me to work with baby through my entire workflow 
AND you will see a large amount of variety in your proofing gallery.
Proofing galleries are reviewed together at your scheduled ordering appointment,
immediately following your session or within 1 week after your session date.

If parents are taking photos with the baby (which I highly recommend - we don't get these early moments back!),
then I will photograph the parent poses as soon as Mom is camera ready. Afterward, you are welcome to relax on the couch & watch me work or choose from apps on the studio TV. There are snacks & refreshments for you to enjoy while taking a much needed rest from caring for baby.

When you arrive, I access the colors that you are wearing to determine the backdrop color for the parent poses and the color wrap that I will swaddle baby with for a classic, timeless first family portrait.

Typically, I will start a newborn session with baby.
When Mom is camera ready, I will photograph Mom & baby , build in Dad & then end family photos with Dad & baby.

If there are any siblings and/or grandparents present, I will capture a portrait of baby with them first.

FULL NEWBORN WORKFLOW

• FROGGY
• LAZY FROGGY
• TACO
• BUM UP
• HEAD IN HANDS
• SIDE LAYING
• FLOKATI
• PROPS

I also have modified poses for babies that will not fall comfortably into one of the above mentioned poses.
I do try all of the poses if baby allows but I do not force babies into any positions that I feel are too uncomfortable for them.
Some poses are also modified based on your preferences chosen in the newborn session planning questionnaire. 


Many new parents underestimate the amount of time that these sessions take but sometimes it can take even a seasoned professional 20-30 minutes to settle a new baby into these poses. Many babies have trouble with gas while adjusting to formula and nursing babies can have trouble remaining full feeling from the breast alone which is why bringing extra formula or pumped milk is very important. I will explain all of this in my newborn session prep guide and prep agreement. I have spent 5 years perfecting my craft and I am always continuing my education to provide you with the best service and images that I can to my clients.

Poses for shorter sessions are primarily chosen by the parents through the newborn session planning questionnaire and myself when I see baby's alertness when they arrive at the studio. If baby is very sleepy, I may attempt a harder pose that I typically wouldn't in a shorter session. Froggy and lazy froggy are the hardest to pose so those tend to not be attempted in a short session.

SWADDLED NEWBORN WORKFLOW

A swaddled session is exactly that, a few simply wrapped photos of baby.
2 different swaddled poses on the beanbag and 2 different swaddled poses in/on a prop.
I will create a variety of images from different angles of the poses so you have options to choose from but essentially my goal is 2 different wrapping styles on a solid color or patterned backdrop AND 2 different wrapping styles in or on a prop.

Preparing for YOUR NEWBORN Session 

When to Get in Touch to Schedule the Session - Essentially, as soon as baby is born or by discharge day. Once things settle down, please send me an email or call (or text whatever method you prefer) to let me know your sweet babe is here so we can get a spot reserved for them in the studio!

Sessions take place between 4 and 20 days old. The sooner you can let me know baby has arrived, the sooner we can make sure you have some date options to choose from during the 4-20 day age range.

Sessions are held on weekday mornings at 10am. Newborns are most sleepy & content earlier in the day. Because my weekends fill up with other types of sessions months in advance, newborn sessions are on weekday mornings unless I happen to have a rare weekend morning opening.

Let me know if there is a certain set up or prop you would love me to use. Feel free to take a look at my website, Facebook or Instagram account & if you see something you want us to try, shoot me an email or describe it in the newborn session planning questionnaire so I can have it ready. 

Stimulate & keep baby awake for an hour or so before the session. This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session & when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing & going from one set to another easier. A warm bath is a great way to do this as well as talking & interacting with baby while keeping he or she in just their diaper.

Feed baby right before the session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. Feel free to come a little early to the studio to feed baby right before, especially if you have a longer car ride. Also, feeding baby as much as possible in the 12 hours leading up to the session will allow for baby to sleep as deeply and as long as possible.

I recommend being able to have your older children leave once their photos are finished. I do family & siblings first. Sessions can last anywhere from 1.5-3 hours which can be a long time for siblings to wait, especially when the studio needs to be somewhat quiet. Have Dad drive separate or Grandma meet at the studio to take siblings.

If you are okay with baby using one, bring a pacifier, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it. Sucking is a soothing mechanism & can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos, even if I have to hold the pacifier for a bit to help. 

The studio will be warm. Baby’s like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), helps babe stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks and a change of clothes to change out of if you think you’ll get hot.

There is no need to bring anything for baby to wear. I provide all the wraps, headbands, hats, clothes & props. Unless there is something special you want to bring for your newborn’s photos, don’t worry about outfits. If there is something special you want to bring, be sure to let me know so I can work a set around it.

When baby needs a break, we’ll take a break. Don’t stress if baby gets fussy. If baby needs to stop to eat or have their diaper changed, we most definitely will. Most babies need to eat at least once during their session. It’s hard work looking that cute.



WHAT to EXPECT AT your newborn session

Go simple for family’s wardrobe. When planning your outfits for the family & sibling shots, stick with soft, neutral colors like grey or cream as the dominant colors. This keeps the focus on baby and the family connection.
Earth tones like beige, khaki, olive green, taupe, cream and brown are all great colors for the studio. You will be photographed on a cream, medium brown, or gray colored backdrop, so choose colors that will complement one of these tones.

• Moms Most moms will choose a dress from our studio closet or choose to be wrapped in a neutral-toned studio fabric. Please have a strapless bra in nude or white. If your strapless bra no longer fits (happens all the time!), please wear a nude/white bra and we will hide the straps.
• If you prefer to dress yourself, choose a simple dress or blouse that coordinates with dad’s clothing.

• Dads Choose a solid colored long or short-sleeve shirt, solid colored button-up, or knit sweater in the earth tones mentioned above.
• Dads may also choose to be photographed shirtless and skin-to-skin with baby. 

 Avoid neon colors. Vibrant, neon colors cast onto skin changing the color and tint of your skin.

For siblings, I recommend a classic, timeless outfit. Steer clear of logos and shirts with writing. Those can be distracting in photos as the eye immediately goes to the words or picture on the shirt instead of the sweet sibling moment.

• For boys, jeans or khaki pants paired with a solid neutral shirt/sweater that complements mom and dad’s clothing choices. No logos, please. Or he can go shirtless for a natural look and feel.

• For girls, a simple dress with no pattern or a subtle pattern looks best. Soft pinks also work nicely with a cream backdrop. We have a small selection of girls dresses In the studio, ranging from size 18 months – 6. Most girls under the age of 4 will also fit into our newborn headbands.

I am more than happy to help! If you have any questions or want some inspiration for wardrobe or other help, please shoot me an email.

Sit back & enjoy the session. Not to sound super cheesy, but it’s true — this time is so fleeting, take it in! I want you to have fun watching your new little one’s first photo session. It’s going to be fantastic! I can’t wait!




WHAT TO WEAR TO your newborn session

THE MORNING OF YOUR NEWBORN SESSION

Once Baby is awake for the day, feed baby before you drive to my studio. A well-fed baby is a happy baby.

Please dress Baby in an outfit that does not leave lines on their skin.
One piece knit outfits are also a studio favorite to keep the attention on Baby.

Please arrive to your session 10-15 minutes early.
Your session begins at your scheduled time. If you are late, that time may be lost.
There are often multiple sessions in one day so this will ensure we use all of your time wisely.

Please bring diaper bag essentials. We will wipe Baby’s face with a baby wipe right before we begin the session so that Baby’s face is clean and there are no leftovers on Baby's face from breakfast.

Please feel free to bring a special toy Baby loves. This can be helpful when capturing smiles.
You’re also welcome to let me know of any favorite songs that might make Baby smile or laugh. 


AFTER yOUR NEWBORN SESSION

You can opt to have your design & ordering appointment performed immediately following your newborn session or within 1 week from when your session takes place. We will meet at the studio or via Zoom meeting to review the images together and I will assist you in preserving your images on the best materials and sizes for your family & home.

I look forward to working with you and meeting your baby! 
Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you may have.