newborn session information

WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY SESSION?
To insure the sleepy curly newborn pose, I advise scheduling a newborn session between 4- 12 days after delivery.

Its best to schedule a few months before your baby arrives so we can tentatively get you on the calendar. Of course, newborns have their own ideas about when to arrive, so we remain flexible when we have a newborn already on the schedule, If you call to book after your baby is born we will work hard to accommodate newborns under 12 days right away.
The absolute best time to photograph your newborn is right around the 6-9th day of their life. After two weeks, they are already losing that distinctive newborn look and the ability to curl up tightly and sleep soundly. And at about 3 weeks, they'll start to develop newborn acne, cradle cap and is when colic tends to begin.

WHERE DO WE DO THE SESSION?
We photograph all newborns in our studio which is a very clean environment. We provide an array of props from baskets, hats, wraps, ribbons, bows and flowers.

WHAT SHOULD MY NEWBORN WEAR FOR THE SESSION?
Preferrably nothing. Newborns are so tiny, they get lost in a bunch of clothing that is almost always too big for them. You are welcome to bring an outfit if you want.

WHAT SHOULD  WE WEAR TO THE SESSION?
Mom and Dad should bring a long sleeve black shirt if not please try to bring any type of black shirt this is used for the hands holding baby pose.  The family photo will be taken on a black background and is up to you if you want to wear black or any outfit you want.   Parents should also bring and extra pair of clothing in case of any accidents occur. Some of the shots will require the use of your hands and/or feet, please make sure they are clean and free of any nail polish.  Our studio will also be kept very warm for baby, I recommend you come dressed in cool clothing and bring your clothes that you will photography with you to change into later.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I BRING?
Bring extra blankets and wipes, accidents will happen so bring extra. Please feel free to bring your favorite heirloom possessions that you would like to have photographed with your newborn--a prized blanket that grandma knitted, etc. and we will artistically incorporate them into your portraits. Also, if you have something that defines you and would like that in the portraits, please do bring it.  Also please bring your wedding rings, I know most moms don't fit their rings and don't have it with them during the session, I use your rings during pictures so please bring it with you.

WHO ELSE SHOULD/CAN I BRING?
We stress that it just be parents, newborn and any siblings if theyy will be in the picture with baby.  If you will be bringing other children along we recommend that the children arrive a little later.  In the begining of the session we focus on getting all shots of just baby, towards the end of the session I work on getting family/sibling shots.  Having your children wait in the studio for 1-2 hours until its their turn can take a toll on their patience and we do require the studio very quiet.  I recommend that Dad drops off mom and baby and take the other children out for a snack or shopping and to come back in 1 1/2 hours, by that time we will be ready for their poses. 

HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION LAST?
We are infinitely patient when it comes to newborn sessions and blocks off about 3 hours for this type of session however normally the session will take 2 hours.  The key to a quick (if there is one with newborns) session is a very sleepy newborn - so making sure your baby is well fed (but not overly fed) before the session will be helpful. If your baby is nursing, please consider also bringing a bottle of  formula or breast milk as they will fill up more quickly than just nursing. We allow plenty of time for feeding and fussing during the session.  If you could also provide a pacifier it helps out tremendously.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE SESSION?
wake your baby up about 3 hours before the session and try your hardest to keep baby awake, usually undressing them and moving them around, giving them a bath does the trick. Right before you leave feed baby and do not clothe the baby just wrap them in a blanket in the car seat, this way when they arrive they are not disturbed having to undress them.  Its ok if they fall asleep in the car.

WHAT IF I HAVE A SPECIAL REQUEST?
If you have special request for a particular shot that I have done before, please inquire ahead of time so I may have this set up.  Shots such as the baby laying on the leaf, this is a real leaf and not a prop readily available at the studio, if you would like to have this shot done please bring the leaf with you, I can recommend a few locations that have them.  Also please be aware that not all poses are possible with every baby.  I do my best to get through every parents requests, so if you just have one just ask :)