How do I book a newborn session when I don’t have an exact date my baby will be born?
Contact me with your due date and I will put you on my list as long as its not full for that time frame. $25 is required to get your name on my due date list. I highly suggest getting on my list ASAP, my schedule fills up fast and I only allow so many newborns a month. Once you have the baby, let me know as soon as possible after they arrive. I will check my calendar for the upcoming week and give you a couple time slots to choose from. I always leave availability for newborns during the weekdays so please do not ask for a weekend session as I most likely will already be booked with other sessions.
When do newborn sessions take place?
I prefer to shoot newborn sessions within the first 8-15 days of birth for best results. Newborns this young are more likely to “curl up” and remain sleepy for the majority of the session. They are much more tolerant of being posed and moved around than a baby closer to 3/4 weeks old. As far as time of day babies tend to sleep the soundest during late morning sessions so start times between 10-11 am work best!
What if my baby is older than the suggested time frame?
As long as I have availability on my calendar, I can get you in for a session with a bit “older” baby. These sessions focus more on wrapping up the baby as they are usually less sleepy and willing to be posed. We may have to stick with open eye shots with less setup options and just let the baby run the show.
How long does a newborn session last?
Many times the sessions are long due to the time it takes feeding, calming and posing the baby. I leave a 3 hour time frame open for the session however usually it takes closer to 2 hours. I never rush a session, if your baby needs to stop and eat, you can feed them as much or as long as you’d like. Their comfort and sleepiness is my number one priority.
What if my baby doesn’t cooperate?
Every once in awhile I’ll get a little stinker that just refuses to sleep. Awake babies are best being wrapped with their arms in. I will try my best to get a variety of poses/setups while the baby is still wrapped. There is a good chance we will get them sleeping at some point during the session so have no fear! The heaters and the white noise machine are the stuff of magic. If you have a generally alert baby, try to stimulate them prior to the session, whether it be a bath or just keeping them a little less warm and cozy like they’d like! Feeding them right before you leave home or right when you arrive is another great way to get them nice and sleepy for the session.
What do I need to bring to my session?
I have all the props/blankets/wraps/etc. for the session that we will need. I also have a large stash of headbands for baby girls and hats/outfits for baby boys. You will not need to bring any outfits for the baby as I either have them wrapped up, in a diaper, or naked for the session. If there is something sentimental you want to bring to have your baby photographed with that is absolutely allowed. Keep in mind, knit outfits and tutu’s can be cute but are typically a hassle to get to look right on a newborn!
Can parents/siblings be in the photos?
Family photos are always allowed. I prefer to do the family and sibling portion of the session first as usually older siblings have a minimal attention span. Please have other arrangements for the older sibling(s) once their portion is done so that they aren’t distracting during the remainder of the session. If the sibling is unwilling to cooperate for the photos, we may not be able to get those in. There is no point trying to force big brother or sister to do something they absolutely will not do, especially when the safety of the baby is involved.
What should we wear for the photos?
I have a few different backdrop colors you can choose from for your family portraits including gray, cream, mocha and white or dark wood. Sticking with solid coordinating color outfits is ideal so that you don’t take too much away from the focus on the baby. I can also help with outfits if you’d like to contact me with your ideas and need some direction. Just remember, simple is best!
