PREPARING FOR YOUR NEWBORN SESSION
Congratulations!! You did it!!
Bringing a new life into this world is HARD!! But here you are! Rocking it!
Whether you're a postpartum mom reading this with a baby tucked in her arms, an expecting parent, a new dad wondering if you'll ever sleep again, adoptive parents marveling that your miracle is ACTUALLY here, IVF parents, first-time parents, or tenth time over parents... I am so proud of you! Having the honor of documenting your newest family member for the first time isn't something that I'll ever get over -- even after thousands of newborns! Over the next few pages, I'll help get you ready for our session, along with walking you through my process so you can relax and enjoy this magical time in your life!
When to book your session
The last thing I wanted to do when my babies
were a few days old was leave the house, so I like
to give new parents at least a week to acclimate to
life with their baby.
Newborns' heaviest sleep weeks are before the
two-week mark, so I've found the sweet spot for
recovered moms and a sleepy baby is between 7-14
days.
Sometimes schedules (both mine and yours!)
make that five-day window tough to catch, but
don't worry!
I've successfully photographed babies as young as
2 days up to three months
WHY do I always shoot my newborns at 11:30am???
When in the womb, most pregnant women are active during the morning/afternoon and move less in the evening before falling asleep at night. The rocking motion during her active times is what lulls baby to sleep, and usually, when she lays down, that's when baby is most active and kicking!
During the first few weeks, baby will have a backward sleep schedule, which will make for sleepless nights for parents but usually helps for a nice sleepy newborn session for me! Starting at 11:30 am is a good time to catch your newborn's deepest sleep and allow travel time along with time to do any hair/outfit/makeup prep for yourself!
Should we do them in my home.. or at your studio??
In home sessions can be so sweet.. but studio sessions take the pressure of perfecting your house for photos. My studio has been set up for successful sessions and has nice, beautiful light that I know like the back of my hand. Both locations have perks.. but ultimately it is up to you where we shoot. If your style leans more on the true to life side.. maybe your home would be perfect. If you like my studio posed style.. I suggest the studio. If you think you want me come to you.. lets talk about that!
WHAT IF BABY DOESN'T SLEEP?
If you get to the session, and baby is ready to rock and roll...please don't stress! Newborns can have awake periods of up to two hours so we'll spend this time capturing some awake shots!
There is no such thing as a "bad" baby.
Over the next few pages, I'll walk you through a method i use called unsoothing. as opposed to trying to soothe your newborn to sleep I go with the flow and let them tire them selves out. Don't be worried about the term, this method is gentle and baby-led for sleep, and has worked for every session I've done!
While your at home
One part to my unsoothing method is having a baby who is ready to sleep. If you want to start the process before you leave, you can do your best to create an environment where your baby is NOT sleeping.
Some ways to keep baby awake:
- Feed baby 2 hours before session start time
- After feeding, don't actively try to get baby to sleep--let them be awake!
- If baby is fussing, you can soothe them--we don't want a crying baby!
- This is a great window of time to give baby a bath! Not only will it keep baby awake, but it will fluff up greasy hair and clean off any grimy folds newborns can get around their neck!
- Letting baby kick unswaddled in a warm room is a great way for them to wear themselves out!
BUT: if any of this is stressing you or baby out, please just let baby snooze and we'll still have an amazing session!
What to wear MOMMAS
If you're a mom who has just given birth in the last few weeks, finding something that fits can be a challenge. My goal is to show you how beautiful you truly are - even if you don't feel it.
I highly suggest loose, flowy, and textured!
Whether it's a maternity gown you love, a favorite comfy sweater, or a color you feel beautiful in--bring it! Maternity jeans/leggings work well, the focus will be on you + baby.
WHAT TO bring - Feel free to bring a curling iron, hairspray, and dry shampoo! Please be mindful of your nails, as your hands will be photographed. Chipped polish is a no no! I can not edit your nails to be perfect in every photo.
Moms... Earthy tones are my best friends! They look amazing in studio and make for a timeless photo for you to hang in your home.
You are also more than welcome to wear a gown from my client closet free of charge! If your just not feeling anything you have in your closet.. I have some really great neutral dresses and outfits you can try.
What to wear:
Dads
In the spirit of keeping this session stress free, I highly recommend dads go simple with their clothes. Snug t-shirts are the way to go, excessive fabric from dress shirts and collars can hinder posing tiny babies in their dad's arms.
Don't worry about any "dad bods", because first and foremost all bodies are good bodies, and secondly, the focus is mainly going to be elbow and up with a heavy dose of cuteness happening in your arms!
Important! Please be mindful of dirty nails! I can not edit fingernails to be perfect in every photo.
Siblings
For family photos to stand the test of time and not look dated, pick classic pieces from your children's closets or head to target and buy clothes that match your families personalities and complement each others' color choices.
Everyone wearing the same color/shade can look too matchy-matchy, don't hesitate to email me with outfit ideas in the days before your shoot! If you need help or inspiration, I can send suggestions.
Again - avoid clothing that is too large and skirts and dresses that are too short without bloomers.
And same with mom and dads...please make sure your children's nails are clean, trimmed and have no chipped nail polish!
Bringing items from home DO's and DONT'S.
I love incorporating personal items and family heirlooms into sessions! But not all items are actually appropriate sized for tiny babies!
DON'T: Don't bring diaper covers or props you find online! If there's any specific themed prop you're interested in, let me know and I'll check to see if I already have something we can use, OR point you in the right direction to buy something that photographs well and will fit right!
DO: Bring a special prop to the session! Are you a baker, beekeeper, carpenter, or farmer?? Lets include some items that represent that! Timeless heirlooms like blankets, dads guitar, moms wedding veil, or keepsake jewelry make the perfect addition to your photos! I'll do my best to use it, but be mindful extra posing may cut into other poses that you may want me to do.
During your session...
Once we're done setting up and baby has a full belly, it's time to step into the photo shooting portion of your session.
If baby is awake and happy, I'll be sure to document the many expressions that newborns make. Remember, babies can be awake for up to two hours, so instead of trying to soothe your baby to sleep (essentially giving them a nap to give them more energy!), we'll spend however long it takes unsoothing your newborn.
If unsoothing lasts over 30 minutes, I may have you feed baby one last time when they start to get sleepy - this will ensure a full tummy while I photograph them over the next two hours
I do a mixture of table posing (the almost naked shots all squished up and posed) and floor prop posing. I will do one solid color on the table and 3-4 props. This will make more sense when you are in the studio.
If you chose the Deluxe shoot with family posing and have a sibling being photographed, we will knock the family portion out FIRST! That way whoever you brought in to help can take them to do something during the newborn solo portion. I prefer siblings not stay for the newborn posing. If you are unable to make that happen.. no worries!
WHAT TO BRING TO THE STUDIO
- Bring baby in a zip up loose fitting sleeper. (Please no socks. mittens, or headbands on baby to avoid making lines on their skin.
- Bottle for extra feeding if you use one, pacifier (these are SOO handy during sessions) extra diapers and wipes, and a going home outfit.
- Feel free to bring your favorite Starbucks drink to your session or send your spouse on a Starbucks run later. There is one right down the road.
- Entertainment for siblings. This is crucial. make sure you bring a tablet, or toys to keep your littles entertained. It can get boring for them in the studio.
- HELP! Bring a helper especially if siblings are involved. If you have to come alone that is totally fine but I have found it to be easier if another parent or friend tags along.
- Fuzzy blanket for baby! During transitions I love having a blanket to snuggle them up with. It will smell like you and it will help them stay calm.
Meeting up
Studio address is 3826 w 3rd st Bloomington IN 47404
I am in the strip mall beside Biglots and Jumpin Joeys.
IF ANY OF YOUR CHILDREN ARE STILL REAR FACING, PLEASE KEEP THEM IN THEIR CARSEAT AS SIDEWALK MAY BE SLICK
If you have any trouble at all please reach out to me via text (812)-325-3136