A newborn session is quite different from a typical portrait session! Knowing what to expect ahead of time will allow things to run as smoothly as possible for you and your baby during the session.
If you are pregnant and want newborn images, please contact me BEFORE you deliver. I will fit you into my schedule by knowing a tentative delivery date. It’s ideal to shoot newborns within the first 10 days of life! Trust me, time will fly after delivery so make sure and get everything scheduled before life turns upside down
The most important thing to remember about the session is that your baby IS THE BOSS! Newborn sessions take 2-4 hours on average because we go slowly and work around the baby’s needs. If your baby is hungry, we’ll stop and eat. If the baby wants to snuggle, we’ll capture those moments with you. If the baby doesn’t like being unwrapped, we’ll keep him/her swaddled tightly. It can often take time to get the baby to sleep. This is normal. Fussiness and poop/pee/spit up accidents are also very normal. As a mom myself, I’ve seen it all. So, don’t worry! I will work very slowly to gently position and keep your baby comfortable.
Another important thing to remember is that not every pose will work with every baby. Each newborn is unique and I will embrace this. If you have a favorite pose you’ve seen on the website or elsewhere, please mention it to me. I will do my best to make it work, but please don’t expect to come away with every pose featured on the website. Each baby has its preferences when it comes to positioning and I work within the baby’s comfort level to create beautiful portraits that capture them.
When it comes to clothing, less is definitely more! To capture the innocence and beauty of newborns, I often photograph the baby without clothes. I will bring several blankets, wraps and hats we can use to highlight your newborn’s beauty. But often the most meaningful props are your own, so please mention and bring any items you would like to include. We will have a phone consultation prior to the shoot to discuss ideas, props, poses and the must-have shots.
I love working with newborns and each one is pure joy to me! These first moments are so fleeting and they will never be this small again! Newborn sessions can sometimes be challenging but I promise the results are always worth the wait and will be images you treasure for a lifetime! I can’t wait to meet your little one!