Newborn session - Prep Guide
The session
Its almost time for your Newborn session!
Firstly a huge thank you for choosing me to capture this very unique time in your little one’s life.
A newborn session can last anywhere from 2-3 hours. This allows time for feeding, sleep settling, safe posing and transitions from props. Some babies may need more than one feed during the session time so please bring enough milk for more than one feed. Upon arrival you will be told about the session, offered drinks, and choose props and accessories.
The studio
My studio is a commercial shop, free parking is available directly outside. There are baby changing and feeding facility’s on site. Hot drinks & bottles of water are available throughout your session.
Decaf options are also available if you are breast feeding or prefer a decaf.
What to bring
Milk - From experience I have found baby’s that have a nice big feed just before you leave to get to me settle quicker. Your baby might need a feed before we begin if they are still hungry, to ensure we keep your little one settled for posing and wrapping they must have a full tummy. Please arrive on time and with a supply of milk, if your bottle feeding there is a prep machine on site. If your breast feeding the studio is completely private to do so.
A Blanket - Newborns are sensitive to smells, and textures. To ensure the transition from you to me is not stressful, a blanket from home always helps and I may use this during the session if baby becomes unsettled or needs to go back for a feed.
Dummy - (Not essential) However if your baby does take a dummy, please bring one or two along too as this can help with settling between transitions.
Snacks - As it’s a long session free to bring snacks with you, new parents don’t often get time to relax or eat so you’l have plenty of time to chill and eat :)
Before you arrive
The morning of your session, please try and keep your baby awake if possible (I know this can be an impossible task) sometimes a little bath can help keep them alert or laying them down to kick about on their change mat for a while.
If you are breast feeding avoiding caffeine/or any type of energy drink can help keep baby settled and sleepy, but this is only advisory advice.
The first part of the session will be settling, baby should be fed if possible ether just before you arrive or when you arrive. My studio is nice and quiet & private if you are breast feeding. There is also a tommee tippee prep machine available and a bottle warmer if you need any additional equipment to make bottles.
What to expect
The session will be more relaxing than you expect, a lot of parents leave nice and chilled and surprised at how well their babies have done. I am fully trained in baby settling, safe posing and hygiene. I have photographed newborns for just over 7 years and your baby is in safe hands.
Firstly I will be settling your baby to sleep. Then I will move on to posing your baby as gently as possible, I use a few different sets and we can choose some props to suit your tastes. I use a completely ‘Baby led technique’ all babies are different and some may not settle in to all the poses. However from experience most do if they are really sleepy and relaxed. I will never force a baby into a pose if they are not comfortable; I take a baby’s comfort, happiness & safety very seriously.
The studio will be warm throughout your session. I use white noise throughout which helps keep babies settled. A warm baby is a happy one! Your baby’s temperature will be monitored at all times. I choose to use a baby led method which means I only work round your baby and do what they are happy to do. I will only try a pose twice if a baby is uncomfortable or chooses to not do the pose I will move on to a new one. If there are poses or set ups you are keen to try please show me at the start of the session.
Please refrain from using cameras/camera phones during the session. You have invested in me to use my experience and professional techniques to get the most perfect images. If other people are attending please ensure they are aware of this also.
Siblings
Your baby at this precious time is an important new addition to your family - As a mum of two myself sibling and parent images are just as important as the babies posed ones.
Siblings are super important and I like to make sure they are involved. Sibling shots are normally done once baby is swaddled, to ensure baby’s safety and ease of sibling set ups. It’s a good idea to talk to little ones prior to the shoot to get them prepared practicing smiling and kissing baby are great ideas. I do supply stickers and treats for smaller children to help encourage them to take part.
My style is very relaxed and natural so don't worry about cheesy smiles or wether your older children will behave, I will try and make the experience as easy as possible without too much pressure of smiling or posing.
Although there are some toys in studio for younger children, I’d advise bringing along, iPads, games, books or some of their own toys as it is a long session. Small snacks are also a good idea.
Props and Accessories - Styling
All props are provided. I don’t photograph baby’s in clothes. Baby is normally in a nappy throughout the session and this is only removed if you request a nude shot. I have a large variety of hats, headbands, wraps, backdrops, props and bowls.
Although I normally start with a fairly minimal set up if you would like to add some colour we can have look through props when you arrive to ensure we create a set that works perfectly with your personal preferences.
Next steps - YOUR Viewing Session
At your session we will set a date for you to come back and see your images. I do viewing appointments both in the week and at the weekend This is normally between 2-3 weeks after the session.
This session will be your first opportunity to see your baby’s images, you will view a slideshow, and then we will go through a relaxed selection process and see what collection/products suit your needs best. I do have plenty of samples of wall art, albums and prints in studio for your too see.
FAQ
What if my baby doesn’t sleep straight away?
Baby’s are little mini people, I work a completely baby led technique, which means if baby’s do stay awake for a little while I will work round them and get some awake shots. Most newborns don’t stay awake for long periods and the babies that start awake normally go into a nice deep sleep.
My baby has jaundice, dry skin or blemishes?
Very rarely do babies have perfect skin tones or textures, a-lot of skin is fixed in post processing. Even small scratches, birth blemishes etc can all be gently corrected.
Can I bring my own personal items like a soft toy to be used in the session?
Yes. If you have a small item you would like to add in, bear in mind the colours and themes I use are timeless and delicate.
I want a parent shot but I don’t feel 100%?
I always encourage parents to have a photo, I don’t think anyone feels 100% after having a baby, we can always try a nice silhouette or hand set up. If you don’t want one that’s fine too, no pressure.
If you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to ask prior to your session,
I am available by email, phone or social media.