If there is one thing I love, it's photographing newborns. A newborn photography session is so challenging, but it's so amazing and special to be part of documenting your new family member! There are so many factors that have to come to come together for the session for the session to go smoothly...and if its one thing a photographer must have, it's patience. A session can go quick and be done in an hour, or it may take 3 hours or longer, but regardless it's importan t for everyone involved to stay patient - the end result is totally worth it.
The is lots of preparation I go through to get ready for a newborn seesion. Form looking for unique props to getting my equipment ready. I prepare for each session individually and I hope it shows.
In addition to doing everything I can in my power to make the parents and baby as comfortable as possible, there are some things that parents can do before the session to get things going on the right path.
- Newborn portraits are unique in that they can't be scheduled months out, but you can line up a photographer months out who will build time into their calendar around your due date for your session. If you are scheduling your birth, let your photographer know that as soon as possible.
- To capture your newborn, ideally call your photographer to schedule your session between 5-10 days after birth, and no longer than 2 weeks after.
- If you would like me to come to your home for your session - do not worry about the little things, such as the state of your house. You just had a baby! I do not care if the dishes are piled up in the sink or the clothes baskets runneth over. I have a job to do and I am not there to care about how clean your house is.
- Loosen the baby's diaper about 30 minutes before the session. This allows time for the diaper's imprint marks to disappear.
- If the session is in your house, please have your house warm. Ideally, you will want the thermostat set around 80-85. For the adults it will be hot, but the baby will be toasty and happy.
- Collect any items you want used in the session beforehand - family heirlooms, toys, monogrammed blankets, etc. I am more than happy to go through these with you to determine what will look best in the pictures.
- If you would like pictures taken of the baby in the nursery, be sure all the curtains and shades are open to let in lots of natural light. No need to clean, but please try to make sure any clutter has found its way to a closet.
- Decide if you would like pictures taken with your baby, or if you want pictures of only the baby.
- Please make sure the baby has a full belly before I arrive. I know I am much happier on a full tummy and I am sure your baby will be too!
- After the baby is full, make sure they are burped really good. Gas can take a sleepy, happy baby to an uncomfortable and irritable one in seconds.
- A mother's smell is so recognizable (and sometime distracting) to a baby, that it may be necessary for the mom to leave the room for portions of the session. This is not meant to hurt your feelings, but only to allow me to get the baby thinking sweet dreams, instead of hungry "where's my milk?" dreams.
- Be patient. If the baby gets fussy or alert, don't stress out. A baby can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the environment as mellow as possible. We will try to get the baby comfortable again, but if that doesn't seem possible, we can take a break or we can even work with what he or she is giving us. Sometimes the best pictures are the ones when the baby isn't doing what we want.
- Be assured that if there is a ever a point when you are uncomfortable with the poses, simply let me know. I only want to do poses and shots that you are comfortable with.
- Unless the baby sleeps very good through the nights, you may consider scheduling the shoot in the afternoon. That will give you and your baby a chance to catch up on sleep during the morning nap.
- If you breastfeed, you may want to have one bottle pumped for the feeding. Or please feel that you can nurse you baby at any time. I am a mom of three - so I understand that the baby is still finding her feeding schedule.
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