This is a special post for all my friends and soon to be mommys. If you are looking to have the first 24 or newborn session done, here is a little help and tips along the way.

●Let's Pencil You In!

To make sure you get the spot/time perfect for you, like many things, planning ahead is best! To have a baby and expect your favorite photographer to be available the following 24 hours-week is a shot in the dark. Schedule your newborn session PRIOR to your baby’s birth to ensure a spot on the calendar. Preferably contact your photographer during your second trimester and get penciled in. Then, shoot your photographer a call or email shortly after you deliver to schedule a time for your session. Even more special if we make the "call list" to announce the little ones arrival!

● When

Newborn session MUST be scheduled within the first 14 days of life. BEST time is between 3-7 days after their arrival. To make sure they are tired and sleepy enough to let us maneuver them to accomplish those sweet scrunched up newborn images. Babies do alot better withing the first 7 days of life, after that they discover the joy of stretching. After day 14, it is almost impossible to get them in a deep sleep that came so easily the first few days. Besides not having that sleepy baby image, you may get newborn acne, as easily as it is to edit problem areas, we prefer to do as little retouching as possible to baby’s skin.

●Where

The majority of the newborn sessions take place in the baby's home. This is where they are most comfortable and know the sounds and smells effect how they relax and sleep. If the weather is warm enough, and you are comfortable with it, we can take the session outdoors placing the baby in a big open field or maybe somewhere special to you. Worried about your house being a mess? Don't! you just had a baby! If you didn't have dishes, clothes, and baby items all through your home I'd think your weird. I don't need much space, just some window light. if needed, I will move furniture around to make more room, but don't worry I will put it all back.

●Lovely

Light Open all of the blinds and curtains in your home. This helps find the best light in your home for the portable studio to be in the best location. sometimes it ends up being a bedroom or kitchen, usually anywhere that has a large window. Nothing flatters like a natural light source, so use it whenever possible. This tends to a make sessions normally scheduled mid-morning or late afternoon when lighting is best.

● Turn Up The Heat

Keep your home warmer than normal during the session, a good 80°. Your baby loves to be warm and cuddly so they tend not to like me taking off their clothes for naked baby images. Turning up the heat is guaranteed to make the session go more smoothly and help them sleep better. Yes, I will be sweating profusely, but the baby will be cozy and that's all that matters. Turn up the heat approximately 15-30 minutes before your session to ensure the house is toasty warm. I will bring along a space heater to direct heat toward baby to stay warm. Having multiple baby blankets warming in the dryer will also help soothe the baby. They absolutely love that instant heat when be cuddled or fed!

●Loosen Up

In addition to turning up the heat another thing to do shortly before your session is loosen up clothing and the diaper. doing this helps avoid redness and imprints on the skin. Your little one will be naked in many shots, so it's important to have smooth natural skin; besides those adorable baby wrinkles!

● Tired 

Most images being captured work best if baby is in a deep sleep. To encourage this, have baby nice and exhausted. Keeping them awake when they normally sleeps seems awful torturous now but in the end it will be well worth it!

● Hungry

Like us, a full baby is a happy baby! Please feed and burp baby right before your session to ensure a happy and sleepy baby. More than happy to pause and take a break for re-fuel in of that little tummy, after all it is tough work being a sleeping model. ● Noise Control Please do whatever in your power to keep the noise to a minimum. If you have other children or pets that might create noise, try to find a sitter or family member to take them away for a few hours. If you would like them in some images, please bring them at the beginning or end of the session. Only those being photographed should be present to help maintain a calm environment.

● Relax 

Pretty comfortable holding and posing newborn babies. your baby is in safe hands. So yes, feel free to relax and leave the room. Maybe get some things done that new mommy can't normally, like a nap, shower, eat, and even quiet cleaning like folding laundry. All totally okay, trust me! Newborn sessions can be 2-4 hours long depending on your baby. Based on age, mood, sleepiness, and a full belly. Relaxing is the key, as baby will pick up on any frustration. Many mommys tend to become frustrated because baby is fussy or difficult. It isn't a disaster and we will get good images. Some are the best are when baby doesn't do wha we want. Baby not sleepy? That's okay! Awake newborn photos are beautiful too! Just remember that baby can sense stress and anxiety. it is of upmost importance that everyone stays calm and relaxed creating a mellow environment to get the images we are looking for.

●O Poop

Please don't be embarrassed and apologize if your baby decides to use us or our blankets as their own personal bathroom. It is perfectly natural and actually expected. All props, blankets, stuffers, and anything else you can imagine is washed with baby detergent after every newborn session. Things may get a bit messy so extra wash clothes, towels, and wipes are appreciated to help clean things up.

●Props

Of coarse you can use our collection of baskets, hats, headbands, and blankets. If you have heirlooms, toys, hats, props, etc. that you would like used, please gather them before your session. May not be able to use all of the items, although we will try, going through them with you and discussing what will work best before you session is best. Strongly recommend discussing ideas, props, poses, and other details with photographer no later than a week prior to your session so preperation an practice can be done if needed.

Miss something?

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