Session Goals

I have two goals at every newborn session is to capture beautiful images for the client and make it as easy as possible. To achieve these goals, I’ve created a newborn session workflow that incorporates years of experience and research. Today, I’m sharing what to bring, what to do before the session, and what to expect during the session.

What to bring

• For the baby- I recommend bringing  extra formula, diapers, and pacifiers (if you use one). If you have a preferred baby noise maker (like a shusher or sound machine) that helps too! 

• Props- I started my business in 2013 as a newborn photographer, and over the years I’ve acquired an assortment of props, backdrops and accessories for any newborn session.  Unless there are personal items that you would like included, new parents can literally show up with their baby and a diaper and be good to go.

Before the session

• Feeding: Our goal is for the baby to sleep throughout the photography time during the session.  If at all possible, keep the baby awake 1-2 hours before your appointment time. Some parents will give the baby a bath to keep them up.  Then you can feed the baby right before you leave your home (Like feed then jump in the car) or feed in the studio. Your baby will be ready to eat and sleep. 

• Clothes: Please bring your newborn in a zip or snap up sleeper to make undressing your little one simpler.

During your session

• When you arrive, it will be time to feed the baby. The studio room will be very warm, and I recommend dressing in layers. 

• If you have chosen to do any family or sibling pictures, I will generally start with those images first. Once the sibling pictures are completed, some parents will be drive separate vehicles and take the siblings home. There is also a nice park one mile away as well that makes for a nice break. 

• After any preliminary family pictures, I will be working with the baby alone. During this time, feel free to sit back and relax. I love behind the scene pictures! If needed, you may need to feed the newborn again, but typically I can work through it! 

When it doesn’t work,

While all of these suggestions and plans work most of the time, the reality is every session is different.  I block off hours for your newborn session so that no one is rushed. Cluster feeding can also affect how well your baby cooperates during a session.  That just means we have to be more patient, but trust me, we will get the images!