prep guide

Newborn Portrait Session

before your session

Even if this isn't your first rodeo – every baby is different, so everything is new! Add on the novelty of a photoshoot and there's a high chance the schedule will have to be set aside for the day. However, if you can manage to have them awake (but not overtired/cranky) and then fed right before the shoot, this will increase your chances of sleep!  Also, please try not to schedule shots or any other medical procedures the day before or day of a session so it doesn’t add to the baby’s crankiness and sensitivity.

Again, any semblance of the baby's schedule will be thrown off today. The general weirdness of a photoshoot (random lady stranger! flashing lights!) adds to the unpredictability. We understand this, and as a result, require 2 and up to 4 hours blocked out for posed sessions, and ideally 1 hour for lifestyle sessions. Although we have our bag of tricks to make the process efficient and fun for everyone, it really all comes down to how the baby's feeling. Again, the baby is the boss and I will get as much variety as they will let me. 

We also know that the baby will need breaks for changing, feeding, and soothing, and we definitely will not rush them during any of those. For solo baby posed sessions, we ask that parents wait in another room while we pose and photograph your sleeping newborn. We will call you in immediately if the baby needs something – which they probably will!  Otherwise, leave me with a bottle, paci, and a diaper bag and enjoy the babysitting. 

Of course, parents are welcomed and encouraged to participate in family images. Shots with parents, baby, and siblings are beautiful reminders of the emotion and excitement of this special time in life. We try to do any family images in the beginning of the session so you can relax for the rest of your time there.

• Newborns are best photographed under 2 weeks of age.
• Casual lifestyle portrait sessions are not posed and are ideal for fussy babies & family shots.
• Posed vs. Lifestyle.  Most of our sessions are a mix of both styles; posed solo newborn and then lifestyle images with the family. We’ll be happy to work with you one on one to create meaningful family imagery!
• We require a minimum of 2 and up to 4 hours blocked out for posed sessions to account for soothing, changes, and feeding.
• Have baby fed and changed just before the session OR you can even feed them at the studio while I’m setting up. 
• If you can, try to keep the baby awake (not to the point of being overtired) before the session. If not, please don't worry, I will make it work!
• Ensure the diaper or any clothing isn’t strapped on too tightly to avoid red marks
• Clothe baby in something easy to slip on and off (like those wrap-style shirts.). 
• Bring a plain white onesie to use as a simple backup outfit, just in case the baby hates being wrapped up or naked. 
• Feel free to snap a behind-the-scenes cell phone photo, but we do not allow any other cameras to be operated while we are there, including setups and breaks. 
•  If you have any outfits or props you'd like included in the photos, please bring them and show me when you arrive, so I can mentally plan the flow of the session!