Expectations

What can you do to prepare for your newborn session?

This info can seem like a lot or be overwhelming, but please read all of it to best prepare for your session. I promise sessions can go much more smoothly if you already understand how I will run the session as well as prepare yourself and baby for the session.

Please do NOT feed baby prior to leaving for your session, unless absolutely necessary (Unless you have booked a micro mini newborn then please feed baby prior to leaving for your session).

• Try to keep baby awake 1-2 hours prior to your session (if possible) and plan to feed baby as soon as you arrive to the studio. I understand that babies fall asleep in car rides and that's ok!
• If you are nursing, it is best to keep a bottle of expressed milk on hand (if possible) during the session to easily feed baby as needed. Or be prepared to nurse on demand if baby is showing signs of needing a comfort suckle or is rooting due to hunger.
• Be sure to bring extra formula / bottles if your baby is bottle-fed.
• Pacifiers are also extremely helpful for keeping baby asleep. I understand that hospitals encourage new moms to not use a pacifier because it can cause nipple confusion, but please bring one if you can, as sometimes this is the only way a baby will settle (especially nursing babies).
• If baby has never had formula, please do not feed formula prior to the session, or during the session as this can upset babies tummy and cause for a very angry and gassy newborn.
• WHAT TO BRING BABY DRESSED IN. Please do not put baby in a multiple piece outfit, this causes too much movement during changing. It is best to bring them in a sleeper that zips or snaps, we want to do our best and not have to take anything OVER babies head when changing. Onesies are ok as long as they are the ones that stretch to go down over the shoulders.
• If you have booked a family session, I try and photograph the family portion first for a number of reasons; it is very very warm in my studio, as well as if you have a toddler they can lose their attention very quickly.
• I do have blocks as well as a doll house that is specifically for your kids to play with while they wait for their turn during the session.
• Something many parents may overlook before a session is clean and tidy nails for everyone. They don't necessarily have to be done as not everyone gets manicures, but please be sure they are to your own standards. I do often use mom, dad or siblings hands in close up pictures of babies fingers and toes, and they also will be seen in the portraits of baby with mom solo, baby with dad solo, so its best to be prepared for that as nails are very difficult to edit, and that is something that would have to be an additional fee because it will be outsourced.
• Don't forget snackies / drinks for littles and mamas (especially if mama is nursing!)

Styling

Soft Cream + Oatmeal Palette (Light & Airy Studio)