TIPS TO HELP YOUR NEWBORN SESSION
GO SMOOTHLY
Newborn sessions are so special because there are very few (if any) things more raw, special and emotional in life than having a baby. As a new parent, you finally understand why other parents tell you to cherish these first weeks. Your child will grow so quickly. It won’t be long before they transition to a toddler, and you’ll be struggling to remember how soft their skin was, and how their sleepy head seemed to fit perfectly on your shoulder as you rocked them to sleep. That’s where newborn photo sessions come in handy – preserving these precious, fleeting days.
Your newborn’s photography session should be an exciting time for your family. But parents often find themselves worried and anxious about preparing themselves and their babies for the big occasion. With a little planning, you can relax and enjoy the session, knowing all your bases are covered.
Follow these tips and we’ll be on our way to a smooth and beautiful session that will document this incredible time in your lives.
What to do before I arrive:
Newborn babies sleep a lot, no doubt. Sometimes, though their sleep patterns don’t coordinate with our plans (what?!). If you want your little one sleeping peacefully during our session, try to keep them awake as long as you can before their session. Giving them a bath is a great way to do this.
Newborns are some of the hungriest creatures on this Earth. You don’t want their photo session disrupted by their frantic cries for milk. Feeding and burping your infant right before your our session begins means less crying, better sleep, and relaxed parents (and photographer!).
Avoid giving them a full meal in the one to two hours before your session. If they seem hungry, try to give them a small snack to get them through. Then, slightly before your session, you can feed them a full meal and expect a happy, tired baby in return.
About 30 minutes before the session (right before feeding them), change your baby’s diaper into a loose (but not too loose), clean diaper and swaddle them. I love to get pictures of their little bodies and don’t want to upset them too much having to take off onesies or other outfits. A loose diaper is best because it will avoid creating diaper marks around their waist. A great way to do this without waking them up once they’ve fallen asleep is to change their diaper, swaddle, and then feed them. You’ll be taking care of everything at once. By breastfeeding (or bottle-feeding), they’ll be able to calm down quickly, and most likely fall asleep immediately after (if not during) their eating time.
How does the session flow?
When I arrive, I will check the areas in your home for best light and confirm where the best spots are to take pictures. Common areas are the master bedroom, nursery and living room.
I generally have the session start in the master bedroom and then we’ll move from there. Be aware that any clutter that is on nightstands will show up in the pictures. I can help clean this area up when I arrive.
Though the focus is on your new bundle of joy, be prepared to be in some of the pictures as well. I love capturing that beautiful family connection.
That’s pretty much it! This session is meant to be very easy and stress free. I look forward to capturing this amazing time in your family’s life!