Newborn Session Information

 

 

 

Newborn session should be done as early as possible, usually between 5-10 days old -- but as close to 5 as possible. Book your session as soon as you can before your due date, dates fill up fast. Don't forget that it's best to schedule a complete, pregnancy, birth and newborn session!! (:  It makes for the best document of this new taker of your heart! 

 

 

What to Expect

*First, be prepared to do quite a bit of waiting. Typical newborn sessions can run from 2 -6 hours. It all depends on the temperment of your baby -- some will be super good sleepers and others won't want to be moved or away from their Mom at all. This is becuase each baby has their own personality, and I respect that every baby will be different. I am very patient and I don't mind waiting for a long time or having to stop often for feeding or snuggle breaks -- it is all totally normal and natural; it is nothing for you to feel ashamed or pressured about. Your baby is perfect, even if they don't like pictures! (: 

* Relax. As a mom, you may feel like your baby has to be super sleepy and calm or something is wrong. Just relax -- eventually, we will get your baby to sleep. If you feel stressed, your baby will too. So just love on that precious gift and allow him/her to get into the groove -- sometimes it takes awhile and that's perfectly okay! 

*Once baby is asleep, I will take them and put them into different poses with different backgrounds. You will probably have to help me with a few different poses. It's usually best to have dad or a friend there too, to help with the hanging poses, if you are comfortable with them. Sometimes, if baby isn't sleeping to well separate from you, then we will start with family/mom pictures first so they can be close to you and fall into a deeper sleep. 

 

*If you need any help with anything, I would love to help you!

* Expect to be peed or pooped on -- this does happen often. Expect your baby to pee or poop on me or my things too. It's just what they do!

 

My Style 

My style is very intimate and natural.  I love to take away all the complex things of the world and just leave what’s left: beauty, love, intimacy, friendship – the soul. Often it’s easier to expose your inner self by getting as natural as possible with wardrobe. This means only covering your private areas (whatever that means for you), and leaving things like the shoulders, upper chest, back, arms, legs, etc exposed. I strive to make pictures intimate but not sexy; and I am always sensitive to your preferences so please express them to me honestly!

 

I also like to achieve intimate and natural pictures by putting you or your baby into nature – or adding natural elements like wood, fur, etc. The clean, ‘modern’ look is also a favorite of mine: simple but elegant. 

 

I love natural, ‘twisty’ poses – that will seem weird when I ask you to do them, but will look great in a photograph. Be prepared to be placed weird and super close to each other! When I do pose you, I try to make sure that you are comfortable and natural to your normal selves – so that your love for each other and your baby will come through in the picture. So remember at your session that I may pose you, but it isn’t a strict command. I will move you if something doesn’t look right – but I don’t expect you to be perfect either.

Location

 

*It's usually best to be in your own home, it's easier for you, the baby and any siblings they may have to stay put. Especially while you are still healing from birth. It is required to have a room with quite a bit of natural light coming into it. Pay attention to what times the light fills the room best (a nice while light).  

 

* In Minnesota, I do have a room where we can do pictures indoors, and some outdoors locations. In Missouri we do not have space in our own home, but we can always meet at a park or other location outdoors if the weather is right. 

How to Prepare 

 

*If we are in your own home, then pick the room that has the most natural light coming into it at the time of your session. Try and have that room as clear and clean as possible. Turn up the thermostat or start a space heater in that room to keep it warm for the baby. 

* Keep baby in a diaper before I come so that we don't awaken them once they are asleep by undressing. Try to keep him/her awake as much as you can (without forcing them or making them cry), and start feeding your baby 20 minutes or so before I arrive. If you are coming to me, try and do the same. It's also fine to arrive, undress the baby and then take a half hour or more (however much the baby needs), to feed them and get them into a nice sleep. 

*What to wear:  A few different clothing changes are best. Usually neutral clothing works best. Try to avoid solid whites -- instead wear creams or darker colors. Black is fine, but I prefer a more neutral color like dark blue or brown. Don't wear clothing with branding or wording that is super noticeable. Try and avoid reds, bright yellows and other bright colors. I may ask that you even take off your shirt and just wrap a piece of cloth around your bra -- to show off shoulders and more skin. (don't worry -- everything is done with taste!)

Your own Contributions will make your Session unique

I want your session to be unique to you. So please bring anyting that is super special to you: like jewelry or keepsakes that we can incooperate into the photos. If there are any ideas that you have for your photos, write it down and/or send it to me. I love clients to work with me on ideas!

 

Keep an eye out for anything in your home that we can use for props/backgrounds/accessories. Some ideas are: baskets, wood bowls, rugs, fur, blankets, hats, booties and pillows – just to name a few! If you have the time and resources, maybe even stop at a thrift store or two and look around. If you find something cheap enough, send it to me as a pic message and I might even have you buy it for me to use for you and others! Etsy.com also has some adorable baby hats and accessories – ranging from $10-$40 in price usually.

I hope this has helped you prepare for your session! If you have any other questions, please email or call me!