Getting Ready for Your Newborn Session

It's important that you read and follow this guide! Newborn sessions need a little extra care and prep.

Patience and Prep are key to your newborn session. I do most of the prep for you! But I do need a few things from you to help everything go smoothly. Please take the time to look over these suggestions as you prepare for your newborn session with me.

I need you to bring a well-fed baby (have a plan to feed baby at the studio, you can count on them being hungrier than normal). Since you already have to get baby dressed in something, put them in a simple, well-fitting outfit. I love to do a few images of baby right out of the carseat before I undress to wrap/dress for the family portion of the session. If you can keep baby awake prior to your session, that is wonderful, but don't stress about it. Baby absolutely feeds off your energy, so keep as calm as you can getting your family out the door.

I have a certain workflow for my newborn session that helps it go as quickly and smoothly as possible. Every baby is different, and I have a flexible options that allows for portraits whether baby is awake or asleep. But baby runs this show! I adapt my poses and workflow as needed to accommodate babies that are not as posable. I can accommodate special items (usually!) but I only do poses that I am comfortable with, so if you do not see it in my other work, there is a good chance I don't offer that as an option during my sessions.

Outfit Planning

Please spend some time planning simple outfits for everyone but baby. This makes such a difference to your images and helps your session flow smoothly and more quickly. Make sure clothing fits well so big sibs are not swimming in their clothing or having things sagging etc. Bulky layers like denim jackets make it hard to snuggle with baby. Avoid bright or neon colors. Soft colors photograph well in my studio. Shirts with words on them are adorable, but typically only photograph well if everyone lays on their backs. So be sure to have siblings that would be willing to do that if you are going to choose those shirts for your session. Give yourself plenty of time to get everyone ready before your session so you are not rushing around! Everything takes longer with a new little one.

Please make sure little girls have hair styled out of their faces, with no sliding headbands or clips. Simple is better.

When planning your session, I do try to include colors that match the season, baby's gender and/or your special requests.

Check out my pinterest board if you need some ideas: https://www.pinterest.com/lauracsp/studio-outfit-inspiration/

Sickness

If you have a sick child that is miserable, please reschedule your appointment. Runny noses or a slight cough don't phase me, so don't stress about minor things! I try to be aware of passing any germs onto my newborn clients and I will reschedule if I have a fever or anyone in my family is vomiting within a day prior to your session. This rarely happens as I have older kids and I don't get sick often, but it does sometimes!