What to expect in your newborn session
Thank you so much for allowing me the amazing and rewarding job of photographing your new little mini in his/her first few days of life. Newborns are my passion and I consider myself truly blessed to be around these little miracles so much.
My home studio is located at:
109 Partridge Bluff Dr NE
Concord, NC 28025
Additional instructions:
My studio is in a built out space above my garage and while I’ve tried to make it as comfy as possible, it is rather “quaint”! Therefore, I ask that only the baby, mama, and up to two other adults attend the session. If siblings are going to be included please make arrangements for them to be taken home after their part is finished. It's a very long session and siblings tend to get bored and it can become stressful for tired parents.
Before the shoot
Please feed baby right before leaving the house.
*Pursue as much "awake time" as possible before you come. This will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn pictures! A bath the morning of your session is often helpful in having awake time as well as a calm, sleepy baby for your photos.
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Please bring your baby in zip up or button up pajamas. This makes it easier to keep them warm and sleepy if we don't have to pull clothes over their head.
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If breastfeeding, please be cautious of what you eat the day before your session as well as caffeine the morning of your session. Avoid gassy foods such as: broccoli, cauliflower, dairy (all milk products, yogurt, pudding, chocolate, etc.), prenatal vitamins with iron, fish, nuts, corn, eggs, etc. Also, please avoid caffeine as much as possible for at least 12 hours before the session. We don't want a gassy, uncomfortable baby while trying to get sleepy pictures.
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Please file down the baby's finger nails before your session. They can get long fast and we don't want to risk scratching the baby's face or long nails for their photos.
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What to bring:
1. Gas drops: To ensure your baby remains comfortable throughout their session, please pack a bottle of gas drops just in case, safe for the newest of babies. We highly suggest Colic Calm or Tummy Calm. You can find it at CVS. I will only ask for gas drops if baby is very uncomfortable and cannot release gas thru self-release or burping.
2. Pacifier:
One soothing method I often use is the Soothie pacifier since it doesn't leave marks on their face. Even if you haven't used one, just for the 2 hours that I'm posing him/her usually really helps. Please bring yours if you have one. If you don’t happen to have one, I keep unopened soothies here in the studio. A pacifier can really help soothe a baby who is struggling to settle.
3. Diapers
In the studio
Please count on 3-4 different setups.
2-3 if the baby is struggling with all the handling.
It will be VERY WARM in the studio. I dress as cooly as possible (usually workout clothes) and encourage you to do the same! There will be a small fan for you to aim toward you to help keep you cooler.
What to wear: If you are including parents and siblings in your session, I would suggest wearing the following for your photos and then changing into something cooler:
Try choosing neutrals for sibling and family photos. Mamas tend to feel more comfortable and pretty in a dark flowing maxi dress. Jeans for little boys and shades of neutrals for shirts are a great idea. I would suggest shades of grey, black, charcoal, creams, navy. I'm happy to look at your outfits if you want help.
Sessions last between 2-3 hours, The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the amount of awake time before the session as well as the willingness to nurse/bottlefeed off and on.
Among other techniques to keep the baby calm and soothed (white noise, heat, etc), I like to diffuse organic lavender essential oil. It is very relaxing and considered “safe” for infants, but please let me know if you would prefer for me to not use this.
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Things I provide to make your experience as enjoyable as possible:
Nursing pillow
Changing pad for the baby
Wipe warmer with natural wipes
Nursing & feminine pads
Water and snacks (please let me know if you are allergic to anything).
*Feel free to bring a more substantial lunch/meal.
The baby may use the bathroom on my fabrics/props &/or the baby may be fussy and getting a good photo may take awhile. This is totally normal and everything is washable so don’t worry! I have 3 kids of my own and nothing surprises me or bothers me!
I want this to be a pleasurable experience for everyone involved so please don’t hesitate to let me know how I can better serve you!
After the session
I will post a "Sneak Peek" on social media usually within a week after our session if you checked that option on your contract. Unless it's an abnormally busy season or personal reasons prevent it, you should expect to have our reveal meeting within 2-3 weeks. I know how exciting this time in life is so I want to get you the pics of your precious one as soon as possible!
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It is my hope that you come to the studio feeling comfortable and at home. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!
