PreparingFor Your Session

NEWBORN PREP INSTRUCTIONS

In order to give yourself the BEST possible chance for amazing photos, you have to prepare your baby. This is not optional……Not only will this decrease the amount of time for your session, but it will also make sure your baby is easy to pose. A happy sleepy baby makes for a happy photographer and smooth session. Here are instructions on how to make that happen:

FOR BABY:

Before the shoot, please feed baby 2-3 hours prior, and plan on feeding him/her right before you leave for your session. Please do not let him/her sleep beforehand, instead try giving him a bath, let him kick with only a diaper, tickle his toes, and even let him fuss for a little bit (no pacifiers) for the few hours beforehand. Try your hardest to keep baby up for at least 1.5 hrs before leaving your house. If you feel like this is not possible to do for you scheduled session time, please message me and we can push the session back or move it to a different day. I would hate to have to reschedule because baby wasn’t prepped properly. Following these instructions will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn pictures!

My recommendation:

Feed baby 2-3 hours before session.
Undress baby and let kick and play naked for a bit.
Give a nice long bath. Why? Because baby won’t sleep in the tub. Stretch it out as long as you can.
Next lotion baby up! Take your time and stretch this out as well. Not only will it help with keeping baby awake, but it will also moisturize his/her skin so it is nice and soft for photos.
Dress baby in a zip-up, loose-fitting onesie. Nothing that goes over their head so that baby doesn’t wake up while I undress him/her.
Have a nice lonnnnnng feeding. If you are traveling from an hour or more away you may need to top off baby when you arrive and that’s ok.
Put baby in car seat and head over. The car ride will put baby in a deep sleep so that I can start posing when you arrive.

I CAN’T STRESS THAT IT’S SOOOOO IMPORTANT TO DO YOUR
BEST TO KEEP BABY AWAKE.

The thing is with newborn photography in order to successfully pose baby they need to be in a deep sleep, not just napping as newborns do. Many parents say “baby has been sleeping all morning, but trust me, he sleeps SO good this time of day!” only to have baby wake up, since they will be unclothed and un-swaddled. I know it’s hard because you need to get yourself ready too. You are more than welcome to come in your pjs and get ready while I photograph baby. Parent/family shots are always at the end.

If you can, have a pacifier. These can be life savers during a newborn session. I really only use it if absolutely necessary. Even if you haven’t used one, just for the 2 hours that I am posing him/her usually really helps. However, if you really prefer that we don’t use one, that’s fine as well! Just keep in mind it could add time to your session.

FOR MOM & DAD:

Photographing baby with mom and dad is my favorite. These are the photos you will look at every year as they grow older and your baby will cherish these first photos with mom and dad when they are adults.

Dads: I ask that you have a tight fitting t-shirt to wear with pants or jeans. I prefer simple soft t-shirts in neutral colors (cream, white, gray). Nothing fancy.

Moms: Same for you. simple is best. You don’t really see your clothes as I try to keep the focus on your new baby. Keep the color neutral and design simple. If you have on nail polish be sure it’s manicured (no chipped polish) as your hands will make their way into the images. Also, I know you may not feel so glamorous after having a baby but do not worry. I only photograph using the most flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in you and your family.

The colors I think work best for family photos are nude/tan, cream, gray and blush. Remember, the focus is the new baby and we don’t want bright colors and busy prints that may be distracting.

FOR SIBLINGS:

Sister(s): I have a few dresses available for younger girls. I can 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. Just as with mom, no nail polish or have the polish manicured ) no chipped polish please.

Brother(s): A snug pair of jeans and shirtless or a neutral colored shirt are preferred.

A FEW ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:

Plan to arrive around a little before 10 am. A typical session lasts about 2 1/2 hrs.

It is my hope that you enjoy the photo session and feel both comfortable and at home. Feel free to relax (or nap!) while your baby is being photographed. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!

Studio Address:

3126 Milton Rd - Suite 231, Charlotte 28215

If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call me at (704) 454-2367