Newborn Session Prep Guide
Hi! Congratulations again on your new baby!
Thank you so much for allowing me the amazing and rewarding job of photographing your new little one in his/her first few days of life. Newborns are truly my passion and I consider myself truly blessed to be around these little miracles so much. Below are a few tips to prepare for your session.
For baby:
-If nursing, try to eliminate caffeine from your diet for 72 hours prior to your session, as well as any gassy or spicy foods that may upset baby and make them uncomfortable.
-If bottle feeding, breast milk or formula, please bring along a bottle or two if we need to feed baby during your session.
-Please feed baby about a half hour prior to your session,(or upon arriving) and then
try and have some ‘awake’ time if possible, even letting them
fuss for a little bit, etc. This will ensure those squishy, sleepy
newborn pictures! I can’t stress enough how important it is to do
your best to keep them awake.
-Dress baby in a button/zip up outfit, just ideally nothing that
goes over baby’s head so if they’re sleepy when you arrive we don’t
disturb them too much :)
-Please bring a pacifier. Even if you haven’t used one
yet or baby doesn’t seem to take to it, just for the 2-3 hours that I’m
posing baby it can really help. If you don’t happen to have one, I keep
unopened soothers here in the studio (as well as plenty of diapers and
wipes!). However if you really prefer that we don’t use one, that is
fine as well.
-I have a huge and ever growing collection of headbands, hats,
bonnets, wraps, boxes, outfits and more, so no need to bring anything
from home unless there is something special or important to your family
that you’d like included, just let me know ahead of time (in your
questionnaire is great) so I can include it in the flow of your session.
-If you haven’t yet filled out the questionnaire, please do so by clicking HERE
For you:
-The studio will be warm and toasty (75+ degrees!) so please dress
in layers!
-I usually have coffee, herbal
tea and water available while you are waiting, feel free to bring your
own snacks. (and some goodies for the older kiddos, too!)
-If you are planning on parent photos, a simple white or light
colored top or tank will be perfect (black works, too!)! Same goes for
dad. Parent photos will take place the first 20-30 minutes of your
session. I do love photographing the connection between you and your
baby! Even if you don’t think you want a photo with you and your baby,
please do reconsider. For the most part, parent shots are taken chest up
and take just a few minutes.
If you do decide to have parent and/or family photos, please be sure
that your nails are manicured (nothing fancy, just not chipped polish
ideally :)) as your hands will make their way into the photos. Also,
please know that I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light
to create beautiful images you will cherish.
For siblings:
-I
typically photograph siblings (and parents) at the beginning of the
photo session. If dad wants to leave earlier with the older child(ren)
there are walking trails through the woods they can explore, head over
to the local park a short drive away or stop at the corner store for a hotdog or ice cream.
-Just like for you, simple is better for clothing! I will wrap baby up in a coordinating color to look best with the family
Family Session Prep Guide
You've just booked your family photo session but .. "What will we wear?"
The
hardest question everyone asks themselves after booking a photo session
is just that.
When you start styling your session, I suggest starting with Mom and then working out from there. Whether you want to purchase all new clothes, or you want to use that dress you love, it's a great place to start. You don't have to start with mom's outfit though. Just pick one item first. Then you can pull your colors and textures and build up from that starter piece. Another good starting point is to think of the colors in your home (these images will be on your walls after all) or maybe your favorite color, then go from there.
Things to keep in mind:
- COMFORT: you want everyone to be comfy at your session. We'll be moving around on our adventure, so make sure you put yourself and the kids in something that moves with you and isn't itchy or too tight. You'll be hearing about it all session, trust me.
- ACCESSORIZE : hats, scarves, jewelry, blankets, headbands, suspenders, etc. All these things are a great way to add another layer of your style into your session.
- PATTERNS: Mixing patterns is a great way to add interest to your photos, but don`t over do it! When EVERYONE is in plaid you will all blend together and it will be all about the plaid and not all about YOU! Instead have one or two people in patterns and everyone else in complimentary colors.
- TEXTURES & LAYERS: Layers add texture and textures add interest. Denim, chunky knits, lace, cords, etc. I love the way a chunky cardigan looks. These are all great ways to incorporate your style.
- COLOR: make sure the colors you choose compliment each other. Colors that will stand out best are muted, earthy tones. Some examples are: mustard yellow, mauve pink, browns or khaki, dark blue, hunter green, dark reds/oranges
- MAKE IT YOUR OWN:
this session is about you! And it's so important to make sure that your
family's personality shines through in every aspect.
Things to avoid:
- GIANT LOGOS: shirts that have giant logos on them can distract from your beautiful faces. Just say no.
- NEON COLORS: just say no to hot pink and lime green
- MATCHY-MATCHY: matching outfits are super cute, I know, but they can also seem very redundant and dare I say boring. Having different colors, patterns, textures, etc is super important to create interest and diversity in your family's images.
- HOLY / RIPPED CLOTHING: You are paying for pretty photos so why distract from it with ripped leggings or tops.
- THE WRONG BRA: Yes you read that right, weather it's a boudoir session or a family portrait a great fitting bra can make a huge difference in your appearance and how you feel about yourself.
The day of your session is here! We've picked out the perfect time and location, and your wardrobe is ready to go.
You've spent weeks preparing, and it's finally time.
Things to remember:
- Have fun! This is so important that you and your kids enjoy this experience because it will show up in your photos if someone just isn't having it. Relax and love on your family, do not threaten them if you want them to smile, make silly faces instead or tickle them.
- This time is about you and what makes your family special. We'll spend the first little bit getting to know each other. We'll knock out the "Christmas Card" photos (ones where everyone is looking and smiling), and then set off.
- Moments over poses: after we get the poses out of the way, you don't have to look at the camera anymore. You totally can if you want, but it's not required.
- Always touching: be sure that your always touching someone. Whether it's a hug or snuggle, or just a tender hand on the shoulder. Make contact with your family. This shows connections and love.
- Don't stress: if your kids are nervous or acting a little wild, that's totally ok! I love expecting the unexpected. We're focusing on moments, so a shy kiddo can get extra snuggles and a wild one can have extra run time. It's all about your family in this season! Remember that.
- Bring snacks, water, a blanket, jackets/cardigans (if it's cold), more water and snacks, and extra change of clothes and shoes in case someone gets too messy for the car ride home.. and it does happen.
- Have fun and don't stress!
How long until I get my proofs? Proofs are ready for viewing in approx 3 days through ShootProof, final edits are a roughly a week after your final selection is made.
You will receive your final edited digital files via PASS where you can download, share, and view at anytime with your gallery password and will be available to you online for up to 10 years.
Prints can take anywhere between 1 - 3 weeks to arrive depending on the season.