What you need to know before your newborn session.
Newborn sessions are my joy. Photographing them makes my day! I spend some time every day learning to perfect my craft. Hopefully this little section will help you to prepare for your session as well. The most important thing is: baby is the boss. I go with the flow and will only do what your baby lets me do. Your baby’s comfort and safety are my number one priority.
Preparing for your Session
1. Booking your session. Once you’ve contacted me about photographing your newborn, we can set up a tentative date based around your due date. Because babies typically come on their own time, however, once you have delivered you can then contact me to set up the actual session. Babies are best photographed within the first 5-21 days of birth as they are still very sleepy, can be easily posed, baby acne hasn’t appeared yet and any signs of jaundice have faded as well. So be sure to contact me as soon as possible to book your session.
2. Session duration. My newborn sessions typically take two hours, but plan on your newborn session being anywhere from 2 to 4 hours long. Because of this I typically schedule newborn sessions in the morning, around nine or ten. Babies also tend to be sleepier at this time of day. I am not shooting the entire 2-4 hours. Much of this time is spent switching blankets and props, getting baby fed or diaper changed/cleaning up messes and soothing baby into poses.
3. Feeding. Babies are best photographed on a nice full tummy, so shortly before you arrive please feed your baby. It is okay if you need to top up baby after you’ve arrived at the studio. Babies usually need to eat more during a session, so even if you are on a schedule, or the baby eats at certain times, please be flexible with on demand feeding during the session.
4. Location. I shoot newborn sessions at my studio, where I can provide a safe, calm environment with the right lighting and beautiful props for your baby.
5. Dressing your baby. I photograph babies without any clothes on, sometimes with a diaper, but otherwise completely naked. For this reason please have your baby wearing a loose diaper to minimize marks and an easy to remove sleeper when you arrive.
6. Parent clothing. If Mom, Dad and any siblings are going to be in any shots I suggest wearing simple, light and comfortable clothing for shots. Pack a spare change of clothes just in case there are any little accidents.
7. Additional help. If you are having a C-section, and your newborn has older siblings, it may be best to bring an additional family member to help with the children. I always require a “spotter” to be near the baby at all times, and if mom isn’t feeling 100%, another adult will have to help ensure the baby stays safe throughout the session.
8. Pacifiers. If you are using one, please bring it along as they can be very helpful during the session. Even if your baby hasn’t taken a soother yet, I still recommend bringing one. My goal is to help keep baby happy and calm during your session and is only used if assistance is needed to capture certain poses and won’t create any habit forming behaviours.
9. Snacks. Please bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and snacks incase you get hungry throughout the session.
During your session
1. Temperature. Newborns cannot regulate their temperature yet, and since they will be naked for the majority of their session I turn on the heat so that the studio is nice and warm. I will also have white noise playing, as it helps baby be relaxed and sleepy.
2. Posing. I use a beanbag for posed shots of baby, several backdrop blankets, hats and bows in neutral colours and other props such as a crate or bowl for baby to be photographed with.
3. Accidents. Your little one will poo and pee on all the props. This is natural and expected. Please do not feel embarrassed when this happens, because they all do it!
No matter what your baby does, don’t worry. Your session should be a special experience for you and stress free. Babies can sense stress and it usually makes them cry more. I allow plenty of time for your session and if we need to take a break to feed, walk, rock, etc. we can do that. I want you to enjoy the experience of your session and this special bonding moment for your family.