Congratulations on your new baby!

Thank you so much for allowing me the amazing and rewarding job of photographing your new baby in his/her first few days of life. I LOVE photographing newborns! Newborn photography is incredibly challenging, but it’s so amazing to be a part of baby’s life when they are just days old. There’s a bit of prep and planning that needs to go into these sessions to make them more successful though. I have compiled a few tips below to help us get the very best out of your session!!

SO...LET’S GET STARTED!

Newborn sessions are best scheduled within 5-21 days of life. I will be moving them around and scrunching them into those sweet sleepy newborn images, so I want to make sure they’re sleepy enough to allow me to handle them. Somewhere around day 21 they discover the joy that is stretching! Once that happens...they’re not about to let us get them into those curly poses! All newborn sessions are schedule during the weekday Monday-Friday. 

WHERE?

The majority of my newborn sessions I travel to you (I also offer my small home studio at 304 La Villa Circle in Youngsville). Worried because your house is a mess? Don’t even stress out! You just had a BABY! If you didn’t have dishes piled in the sink, dirty clothes and baby items strewn all about, I would think you were weird. I’ve shot in-home sessions in the middle of moving in/ renovating and in some very tiny spaces...and rocked them! I really don’t need much space and can shoot around any problem areas.

LOVELY LIGHT!

 I ask that you open some of the blinds and curtains in your home prior to my arrival. This enables me to find the best source of natural light in your home, so that I can set up my “mini studio” in the best possible location. I will be using mostly natural light for all in-home session. For this reason, sessions are normally done mid-morning (around 11am) when window lighting is as its best. 

When I arrive, I will looking for the best light and that is where we’ll do a majority of the shoot. Sometimes the best location ends up being a foyer, by the backdoor or kitchen...usually wherever there is a large window. 

CRANK THE HEAT!

 We recommend that you keep your home a little warmer than normal during the session. Newborns are used to being all bundled up, warm + cozy...and then we come in and yank off all their clothes for a few of those adorable naked baby shots. They tend not to like that too much! I have a personal space heater I will bring, but pushing up the thermostat is guaranteed to make the session flow more smoothly and help them sleep better. We may be sweating, but baby will be nice and warm...and that’s really all that matters!

SLEEPY? HUNGRY?

 Most of the images I will be shooting work best if the baby is in a deep sleep. A well fed baby is a happy baby! We’ll also be more than happy to take as many breaks as needed to help him/her re-fuel. It’s tough work being a model! Before the shoot try keeping your baby awake a bit by giving him a bath, tickle his toes, and playing with him. This will ensure those sleepy newborn pictures! 

POOP HAPPENS!

 Please don’t panic if your baby decides to use the blankets (or me) as his/her own personal potty. This is natural and I expect it! Please don’t feel embarrassed or worry when this happens, because they all do it. I wash all of the baby props and blankets between each session with non-scented organic baby detergent. (This is why I only schedule one newborn session per day!)

PROPS!

 I have a collection of bowls, baskets, blankets, knit hats, wraps and headbands for your session. My sytle is very natural and simple so I have lots of tans, whites, grays and soft pinks. You are also, of course, welcome to use one of your own props. If you have a family heirloom that you would like me to use in your session, please gather it before I arrive.

FOR FAMILY & SIBLINGS

Mom & Dad you are a big part of the show. Photographing the connection between you and your baby is one of my all time favorite things. Including older brother/sister(s) in your newborn’s portraits is the perfect way to document this fleeting time in your lives.

Sister(s): I provide a wrap that will act as the perfect top, or please have a snug fitting tank in a neutral color. I ask that girls hair be natural (or in braids) and free of bows, headbands, etc. 

Brother(s): A snug pair of jeans and shirtless are preferred, please take a few moments to chat with your guy about this so he feels prepared for the session - though if he prefers not, a tight-fitting white t-shirt is fine.

PATIENCE IS KEY!

 Newborn sessions can last around 2-3 hours. It all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately...this isn’t something we can predict! And if sleep doesn’t happen, that’s okay! Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful too.

 I will take the baby’s lead; getting them to sleep before posing takes time and they may need to be fed or cuddled a few times first. In fact, I’d say that a good 50% of your session will involve feeding, diaper changes, and cuddling to get baby comfortable.

Any questions at all please feel free to call me at 337-303-7754.