Congratulations! I look forward to capturing photos just days after the arrival of your babies, which will be cherished memories for your family. Newborn sessions are very unique in many ways. Below you will find an explanation of how best to prepare, what to expect, and your role during the photo session. Sessions can last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours depending on your babies.
- On the morning of your session, my studio will be warm, bordering on hot (78 degrees). Babies cannot control their body temperature and by keeping the room warm we will not only help them keep warm, but will help keep them comfortable when they are in minimal clothing.
- I ask that you wait to feed your babies until you get here. By waiting to feed the babies, it will help them sleep for our session (ideally). Keep in mind that your babies may need an extra feeding during the session because we are asking a lot from them and frequently, yet minimally, disturbing their sleep.
- If you are bottle feeding, please make sure that you have extra formula on hand
- Please make sure you have a pacifier (even if your babies are not taking one) in order for us to be able to sooth them to sleep and into the relaxed poses that we love so much.
- Do not let babies nap immediately before our session. If babies sleep too much before the session, then they may not sleep DURING our session which is our goal! If your babies are sleeping more than normal, please wake them up (as much as you may not want to) and keep them awake for at least 2 hours before our session. It can make sessions more difficult if we have very awake babies.
- Dress your babies in something easy to remove (preferably nothing that goes over their head or with little buttons).
- If breast-feeding, avoid gassy foods!
- Once you arrive, I assume the care of your babies (with your assistance :)) until they need a feeding or unless I need your help with a pose. I do all of the soothing and you can sit back, relax and enjoy the show. But since we have more than 1, I will likely have you help me as needed.
- I have plenty of props, hats and headbands for the session. I will prepare a selection based on the questionnaire you filled out. I may need hands on from parents. Don’t worry though, I will communicate my needs with you as we go!
IMPORTANT NOTES
Please do not have additional people to the session who are not being photographed.
Props are an addition to the session and not the main focus. If you have something specific in mind as far as a setup, please discuss this with me before our session. I will be happy to give my input on whether or not its safe or will work for your session.
Avoid lotion as it has a tendency to make baby’s skin shiny.
Please let me know of any medical conditions or birthing complications before the session. During birth things happen that I will need to know about. Health issues always trump my age requirement.
If parents and/or siblings would like to participate in the newborn session please let me know so I may plan accordingly.
I’m so excited to meet your baby and I’m looking forward to our session!
Joan Marie