FAQ’S AND TIPS ON HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
WHEN DO WE BOOK?
We recommend that you schedule your newborn session PRIOR to your baby’s birth to ensure we will have a date open for you. Contact us during your second trimester and we’ll pencil you in for a date range around your due date. We ask that you call or email us as soon as you can after your baby is born to set up your session time.
WHEN DO WE SHOOT?
Newborn sessions must be scheduled within the first 14 days of life. However, the BEST time is between 5-14 days after their arrival. In order to get those adorable, sleepy images we all desire, it’s best to do the session while your baby is still unaware and tired from birth. Plus, babies just tend to do a lot better with the session within their first 7 days. Around 8 days old, babies figure out that they can streeeeetch out and it’s more difficult to get them into those scrunchy newborn poses. After day 14, it’s almost impossible to get baby into that deep sleep that came so easily in their first few days. And, keep in mind that newborn acne (and sometimes colic) is likely to flare up after day 14. While I can edit problem areas, I prefer to do as little retouching as possible to baby’s skin.
WHERE DO WE SHOOT?
Newborn sessions take place in my outdoor home studio located in Waynesboro.
I will have the room in the studio heated to a warmer than normal temperature so be sure to wear something light and comfortable and be prepared to sweat a little. Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature therefore we heat up the studio so your baby can be comfortable when we remove his or her clothing.
LOOSEN BABY’S CLOTHES
Please loosen up your baby’s clothing and diaper at least 30 minute prior to our session. This gives time for those little imprint marks and redness to disappear. Your baby will be naked for most of the session so we want his or her skin to be its natural, flawless self.
SLEEPY BABY
All of those classic, sleepy newborn images we like to capture, require your baby to be in his or her deepest sleep. It may sounds counterintuitive, but try keeping your baby awake 30 minutes to an hour just before our session time. Don’t stress if you cannot do this! It’s simply a suggestion but baby’s have their own ideas of when they want to sleep and that’s ok too.
HUNGRY BABY
Getting baby into that Milk Drunk state is what we shoot for so try to wait to feed your baby until right before we start. Of course, we’ll take plenty of breaks for messes, feeding and cuddling.
SIBLINGS
If you plan on having some sibling images done, we’ll will them last, but I can do them first if needed. Neutral, earthy tones are best for clothing and jeans with solid color shirts are preferred.
PATIENCE
Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2-4 hours. The key to getting good images is to be patient. Relax and try to enjoy the quiet while I work.
POO IS AlRIGHT!
I expect your baby to poop and pee all over the blankets and props. It happens! I wash everything after each session I do, so don’t worry about it.
PROPS AND BACKDROPS
I have a great selection of props, hats, headbands, bowties, blankets, baskets and backdrops to choose from. Please be sure to discuss your desires with me before the session and let me know of any special items of your own that you would like to use.
PACIFIERS
If you can bring a pacifier for your baby, even if only for the session, this will make the work much easier. Baby’s often love to suck and it helps soothe them into the poses we are looking for and makes for easier transitions and getting them to sleep. If your baby won’t take a pacifier or you do no feel comfortable offering one, don’t worry. I can work with whatever is right for you and your family.