When is the best time to schedule my newborn session?
Right Now! If you are pregnant and know that you want a newborn photo session, please schedule your session as soon as you can. Although I make every effort to fit in last minute newborn session request, my schedule fills quickly and once it is full, it can sometimes be difficult to do so. Once you are on the schedule, you will be given priority for session scheduling when your baby arrives. If your baby is already born, please feel free to call or email to inquire about a session as I do try to fit in newborns whenever possible.
When should I call to schedule the actual session date?
I ask that clients put me on their birth call list so they remember to give me a call as soon as possible after the baby is born (email is fine too!). Some parents will even message me as they are going into labor or heading for the hospital. This allows me to do any schedule juggling that might be necessary to be sure that your session will take place within the first two weeks.
When is the best time for the newborn session to take place?
The best time for a newborn session is within 6-12 days after birth. There are circumstances when your baby may have to be photographed later (such as a longer hospital stay), but in general we want to photograph your baby as soon after birth as possible. This gives us the best chance to get those sweet, sleepy, curly shots that make you say, “awwwww”. Of course I always work for those open eye awake shots too
What should we wear? What should the baby wear?
Once your session is reserved, I will send information to help you to prepare for your newborn session. It will include clothing suggestions and links so that your session will be unique to you. As for the baby, I photograph them in their birthday suit (please loosen diaper and remove clothing before I arrive. There will be peeing and pooping messes so prepare accordingly). Once your session is scheduled if you have questions about certain clothing or outfits, I would be happy to answer them for you.
Where will the baby session take place? Where is your studio?
All of my sessions are done on location. This means that I will come to your home for the session. I will bring everything that is required for a successful newborn session. Once I arrive, we will look around your home together and decide where the session will take place. Please open up all curtains/blinds (I need as much natural light that I can get) and set your heat on about 80 degrees (A warm baby is a happy baby) before I arrive. Occasionally we may move furniture to make room but I have worked in apartments and condos with limited space and we can always make it work. Having the baby session in your home will allow you and your family to relax in the comfort of your own surroundings during the session. Your older children can play while waiting for their turn to be photographed, and mom and dad can sit back and relax on the couch while I work with your baby. During the session we will take breaks for feedings and cuddling as necessary.
How long will the session last?
Newborn sessions are very unpredictable. The session could last anywhere from an hour and a half to up to four hours. Please plan accordingly.
Do I have to be in the pictures as well?
I know you just gave birth and are not feeling your most beautiful, but yes! you should be in the photos as well. I can work wonders with retouching dark circles from the sleepless nights and I know how to camouflage the problem areas that remain. You cannot get this time back, and later you will be thankful to have photos of yourself with your new baby. Also, as your baby grows, s/he will love seeing themselves as a teeny baby with mommy and daddy. Having said that, it is always your choice who will be included in the photos.
Can we get some images of the new baby with big brother and big sister?
We will definitely try! Newborn and sibling portraits (especially with toddlers) can be some of the more difficult images to capture. Is it possible? Yes. Can I guarantee success? Unfortunately, no. Each newborn and each toddler is unique in their attitude towards each other. I do have several ideas for trying to capture siblings together that usually work well.
