BEFORE THE SESSION:

The following instructions are suggestions only. You know your baby best, so some of these instructions may not be possible. However, I have found that these tips work WONDERFULLY to help make the most of our time together for a successful session. 

⁃ Please stimulate your baby throughout the day prior to the session, perhaps a bath or sponge bath. 

⁃ Try to keep baby awake leading up to the session for at least 60-90 minutes.

⁃ Please feed your baby about 2-3 hours prior to the session, then, plan on feeding again as soon as you arrive at my studio to get him/her nice and full before we start the session. Can we say “Milk Drunk”.

⁃ Dress your baby in loose clothing so it will be easy to undress them without waking. I will start with your baby’s portraits right away, and will finish the session with parent/ family photos. 

⁃ If the newborn has hair, bring a brush.

⁃ Bring any toys or props you would like to add into the photos.

⁃ If the baby is using the pacifier, bring that as well. It often helps soothe babies into the poses and facilitates getting them to sleep. If your baby is not used to a pacifier or you do not feel comfortable offering one, do not worry, it is not a must.

**Please avoid foods that can cause gas a few days before your session if you are nursing.

**Please avoid caffeine if at all possible the morning of your session if you are nursing.

During the session…

TEMPERATURE: It will be around 80 degrees in the studio. Due to this, I will be dressed comfortably for a warm few hours, and suggest you do to! This warm temperature will keep baby’s skin color nice and even, as well as help him stay warm and comfy since he will be undressed for most of the session. You are welcome to bring the clothes you want to change into, and any makeup for touch-ups. 

MOM & DAD: 

You are a big part of the show. Please refrain from wearing bulky, loose clothing with long sleeves.

Dads: I ask that you bring a well fitting t-shirt/v-neck, (please avoid the typical white “undershirt”) textured thermal shirts look great, or henley style shirt to wear with a good fitting pair of jeans, or if you prefer, a neutral solid button up. White, grey, black, or tan works well, and looks nice for photos. Don’t worry about what kind of shoes you wear, as these will not show. I suggest removing watches to keep the focus on baby.

Moms: Pretty tank tops, camisoles, chiffon materials, simple solid color dresses, feminine pretty lacy cover ups look great too! Even a solid color neutral shirt with pretty lace details on the arms or shoulders looks lovely. If you are uncomfortable bearing your arms, stick with a soft simple shirt. Don’t worry about your post partum belly showing. Photos will be from the elbows up, and your baby will cover most of you. Be sure you have no bright or chipped nail polish, as your hands will make their way into the images. Refrain from wearing lots of jewelry, watches, and big earrings. Wedding rings and simple stud earrings look classic and clean. Keep all colors neutral (white, ivory, black, grey or tan) and design simple.

Rest assured, I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in your family. Your images will be retouched, so please don’t worry about acne, dark circles, or skin imperfections. You will look stunning!

FOR SIBLINGS:

Including older brother / sister(s) in your newborn portraits is the perfect way to document this fleeting time in your lives.

ARRANGE FOR A HELPER IF POSSIBLE: Since the full session can last for a couple hours, children can get very bored and tired waiting for the session to be over. My studio is filled with props, equipment, and lighting. Children will need to be supervised at all times. If you prefer your older children stay for the duration of the session, please bring a favorite movie, ipad, or books to help them pass the time. I also have books, puzzles, coloring sheets, as well as a TV equipped with Netflix and Disney Plus if needed. 

What to bring: Please bring extra milk diapers and a pacifier. Newborns sessions typically run about 4 hours.

Retouching:

For Baby: Please don’t stress if your baby has acne or peeling skin. I can retouch all of this at no extra charge. If you prefer to leave some of the peeling skin to show the newness of your baby, please let me know and I will leave those details in your photos. Otherwise, all skin blemishes that would not normally be there will be retouched. Birth marks, scars can be softened ONLY at your request. I like to leave these unique features. Umbilical cords will be left as is and will not be edited out, so please let me know at the time of the session if you prefer that the umbilical cord stays covered, and I will pose the baby in a way so it will not show.