Newborn Photography Prep Guide
How to Prepare for your Rockford Newborn Session
Hey there! Thanks for booking your newborn session. I can’t wait to meet you and your new little one! I’ve created this guide with tips & commonly asked questions to help you prepare for your session.
Please know, YOU are the parent and YOU know your baby best! This guide simply includes things that, in my professional experience, typically make for a successful session. It’s meant to give you a better idea of what to expect and to help calm any nerves you may have so your session can be totally stress-free!
When should I schedule my session?
When you’ve booked with me, I just ask that you contact me when you are leaving the hospital with your new baby. Newborn sessions are scheduled on weekday mornings, typically when your baby is between 1-3 weeks old.
How long do sessions take?
Sessions usually take around 2-3 hours, but can run longer. It really depends on the baby! We will stop to feed, change, and resettle as often as baby needs. Keep in mind that oftentimes during a session babies do wish to feed more frequently than what is typical, and “topping off” your babe can help keep him or her happy and comfortable.
How do I prepare my baby for the session?
In the hour or so leading up to the session, keep baby stimulated and awake with tummy time or even a bath. If possible, feed directly before putting your baby in the carseat to head to the studio. Typically, babies will fall asleep on the way over and will be nice and sleepy during the session.
Bring a few pacifiers if you can. Even babies who don’t usually like to take one, will often use one at their session. The sucking motion really helps to soothe babies while I get them into those sweet poses.
The only other thing to be sure to bring is milk. Be prepared to feed your baby on demand throughout the session. If you are bottle feeding, I suggest bringing more than you think you’ll need- just in case!
How do I prepare older siblings for the session?
3 hours in the studio is very boring for kids. I typically do all sibling & family poses at the very end of the session (but can do them at the very start, especially if you are planning around nap times for the older siblings.) That way, Dad or another caretaker can drive the siblings separately, meeting you at the studio in the last hour of the session (or, if we decide to do them first, leaving once their portion of the session is complete.)
I like to keep things very low-pressure for the kids, especially littles. Often, being told to “smile” makes kids want to do the exact opposite. I find that some of the best sibling images come when parents stay calm & let me work my magic!
What should we wear?
Dress baby in a loose fitting outfit, such as zip up pajamas, so we can easily undress baby without disturbing him or her too much. For parents and siblings, wear something comfy and simple! I recommend dressing everyone in black, everyone in white, or everyone in neutral tones. Try to stay away from labels, bright colors, or busy patterns.
If you’d like skin-to-skin poses, we can definitely do that too! In this instance, I recommend Mom wears a strapless bra or bandeau top.
What should I expect when we arrive?
When you arrive to my home studio, feel free to park in the driveway. Please bring the baby inside in the carseat. I will take baby out of the seat so we don’t disturb him/her with too much movement. We will head downstairs to the studio, and you will get comfortable and relax while I get started with posing & photographing!
What if my baby is fussy?
The most important thing to know is that your baby is the one in charge! I totally understand that tears, poop, and extra breaks for feeding can and probably will happen. If your baby is especially fussy, your session may run longer than expected- and that is okay!
What else should we know before our newborn session?
The studio is kept warm for your baby’s comfort, so make sure you’re able to take off a layer if you get too hot.
It’s important to keep a calm and quiet environment for a sleepy baby and the best images! For that reason, please do not bring anyone other than yourself, your partner, and your children (older siblings for their portion only), unless previously discussed.
Please leave the photo taking to me! No cameras or cell phone images. I understand that this is such an exciting time for parents, however please enjoy your session and allow me to capture the best images possible. (If you really want to document the day, you can take 1 or 2 behind the scenes photos of me working with your baby- and please send them to me if you do!)
Please reach out to me directly with any other questions you may have prior to your session.
see you soon
