Preparing for your Newborn Session

If you are thinking of reserving a newborn session with our studio, or already have done so, this page will help you properly prepare for your session.

What makes a newborn portrait special is the unique piece of art I am able to create for your family. The images you see on my website are created due to not only the creativity of our photography, but also the parents being prepared.

We hope this page will help you get prepared for your newborn session, however I love talking with and helping my clients. Please pick up the phone and call me with any questions you may have! (863) 398-6895

Scheduling

Newborn portraits are best done when created within the first 2 weeks of the baby being born. If the baby is healthy and mom is doing well, I prefer to photograph in the first week. During this first week, the baby is still very sleepy and I can mold them and put them in to all of the adorable poses that families have grown to love.

Unless you are having a scheduled c-section, you are not going to know when your baby will be born. If you are planning on doing your newborn portrait with me, please call me to let me know your due date. I leave time in my schedule around your due date to ensure I can schedule your session. As soon as that baby is born, have someone call me to get on my calendar that week.

Session Packing List

I have many of the items you see on my website in the newborn portraits. I have a minor basket and blanket obsession and buy them whenever I see something I like. Thus we have on hand many baskets, blankets, hats and other simple props. To personalize your session I recommend you pack the following:

blankets that are special to you (made by grandma, embroidered with baby name, matches nursery, etc.)
hats or booties you love
diaper cover
plain onsie
fun personal items that represent a hobby, favorite sports team, family heirlooms, etc.

If you need some ideas or want to brainstorm, please don’t hesitate to call. Some of the most amazing newborn portraits I have created were conceptualized during a conversation with my clients.

Preparing Your Baby

A well fed baby is a happy sleepy baby! If you live near the studio please feed your baby prior to coming. If you live more than 45 minutes away you may want to wait and feed the baby when you arrive. Either way, please plan on bringing extra milk with you. Our sessions tend to make babies hungry and you will need to feed them to put them back to sleep.

Make sure you get a good burp in! A baby with gas is not a happy baby and can result in lots of crying.

Don’t worry about baby acne or little scratches. My expert retouching will either eliminate or drastically minimize these imperfections. If your baby has extremely dry skin, try putting baby lotion on prior to coming to your session and bringing extra with you. This will help the retouching process.

Before leaving for your session be sure to loosen their diaper. This will reduce the diaper marks from their naked little bottoms. Also do not have tight socks on their feet. Socks leave sock lines at their ankles.

Preparing your family

For any family members being photographed I recommend dark pants and long sleeve black shirts. For younger siblings they can wear a light colored shirt to match the gender of the baby.

Keep your hair and makeup simple. It will be warm in the studio to keep the newborn comfortable. Too much makeup and fancy hairdos will not last.

Moms, do not worry about the baby weight you haven’t lost, or any skin issues you may still have. i can retouch all that away! Remember your photographer is a mom and remembers all too well what those first two weeks were like! This is also why I recommend black! It is very slimming.

Mom’s and Dad’s hands will be shown in many of the close up photographs. Please make sure your nails look nice!

Timing

Plan on being at the studio for around 2 hours. The younger the baby the less likely chance we will need all 2 hours, but I still recommend it to avoid any stress. We like to leave plenty of time for extra feedings, diaper changes and bouts of crankiness.

One Last Thing …

No matter what your baby does, please know that I am always relaxed. I do this all the time and have seen everything. This session is supposed to be a special experience for you and I don’t want you stressed if the baby starts to cry. The baby can sense stress and it usually makes them cry more. I have plenty of time allowed for your session. 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.