Book in Advance!

I highly recommend booking your newborn session as early as the second trimester of your pregnancy. This assures that I will have availability and enough time fully customize a newborn session just for you! If anything else is needed such as a coordinating headband or matching outfit, I will have enough time to research and purchase any additional items needed. This also guarantees that I will be available for you and that your session takes priority over others that have not been booked already.

Baby Attire & Accessories:

I provide all wraps, props, and accessories for the newborn. You may bring sentimental items for your session, especially if you want to set a more intimate, and personalized tone for the photoshoot.

Please avoid purchasing or using TJ Maxx/Ross/Burkes/etc newborn "photography" items. These sets normally do not fit the baby and are often low quality.

If there are any colors, ideas, or props that you would like to have in your session, please tell me so when booking so that I can order them in time from a reputable and quality resource.

Come Prepared:

Sessions can run a little longer if the baby takes longer to settle. Babies tend to want to eat more when they're being stimulated. So make sure you bring an extra bottle or two more than you normally would pack. If you're nursing, be prepared to nurse on demand. If you're pumping, make sure to bring your pump just in case. A full tummy is key!

Ps- Don't skimp on the diapers either! (lol)

Studio is Kept Warm:

The studio is kept warm to provide comfort for your baby, so make sure you and dad are prepared. You are welcome to change clothing or step outside to find some relief.

Feed Baby Upon Arriving:

When you feed the baby prior to leaving for your session, you're using up those precious minutes of deep sleep following a feed. I recommend feeding when you get to the studio, this way baby has a full belly and is super sleepy once he or she is done eating.

Let me be clear, please do not starve your baby. Adjusting the feeding schedule slightly may help align their eating pattern to your session time. Ultimately baby is in charge and we go off his/her ques.

Have a Plan for Siblings:

Newborn sessions take hours to complete and cannot be rushed for safety and quality reasons. If upgrading to include photos with siblings/parents, discuss your plan with me. Siblings tend to get bored, fussy, and uncooperative while waiting. Ideas could include siblings and other parent coming at the beginning or end of the session to avoid long waits.

Limit Company:

Space in my home studio is very limited. As a home based business the city does not allow me to host extra guests other than the client and their guardian(s). Please coordinate to have a total of only 3 adults (including yourself) present. As stated in the previous section, have a plan for siblings and other company while your newborn session is active.

Loosen Clothing & Diaper Before Session:

About 30 minutes before the session, or right before you start your feeding upon arrival, change your baby’s diaper into a loose (but not too loose), clean diaper, and swaddle them. Since most babies are naked during their session, partially undressing them beforehand is a timesaver. It also means you won’t disrupt their sleep cycle by trying to get their onesie off. A loose diaper is best because it will avoid creating diaper marks around their waist.

Keep Baby Awake for 1 Hour Prior to Session:

Having a sleepy baby is key to those cuddly, posed newborn images that we all love and know. The sleepier the baby, the smoother the session. When a baby is conked out and or milk drunk, the baby tends to sleep through the posing. Don't go as far as to stress your baby out, but try to make slight schedule changes to accomodate the session day.

Coordinate clothing color:

I provide all wrap and prop needs for the baby but the family must come prepared. If parents and siblings are participating in the session, coordinate your clothing color. Solids are preferred since patterns may be harder to coordinate and edit. Try to keep no more than 3 colors within the entire family wardrobe. For example, a white shirt and khaki pants would be 2 colors; Black shirt, white dress, and khaki pants would be 3 colors.

I recommend white, black, tan, and navy for safe clothing color.

Bring a Pacifier:

Having a pacifier is such a huge help during a session when I'm settling newborns. It isn't used long-term or for long periods of time, so you can be assured that it will not cause nipple confusion. If you don't have any, I keep some spare, unopened pacifiers on hand.

Stay Relaxed:

Baby not sleeping yet? That's okay! Let me handle the soothing. You get to sit back, relax and enjoy the session. I'll let you know when I need you! Newborn sessions are 90% settling and posing and 10% taking pictures.