How to prepare for your newborn photoshoot.
Timing
It is very preferred to have your baby's pictures done between 5-15 days of life. Week one and two of your baby's life is magic. Of course all of the weeks are magic, but during these first two weeks, newborns are squishy, flexible, sleep more, and are still adjusting to the world outside of the womb. Often, their skin is still clear, and their bodies are shaped as if they're still in utero - making it easier to get them into position.
A typical newborn session averages to about 3 hours, depending on the personality of your new baby. Some tend to stay sleepy and easy going, others not so much. So I adjust fire and can change up some normal work flows to accommodate to your baby. So some things to consider
-Bring some drinks and snacks
-A tablet or toy to keep your other children occupied
-Extra milk if your baby is bottle fed
How to Prepare
Expect to snuggle! Normally when baby first arrives, they tend to be awake since they more than likely slept on the car ride. I may ask you to take the first 15 minutes or so to change, feed, and nurture your baby. I understand that your newborn is not potty trained. If we're shooting in the nude, and your baby poops themselves, please don't stress. Here's the protocol: we'll get them quickly cleaned up, throw them in a new wrap, and just continue on capturing beautiful moments.
Your baby is still trying to figure out where they are and what they're doing in this big bright world. Sometimes, they'll get a little upset and need a bit of extra loving. We may have to stop for a little feed, to change a diaper, or to give them a little pep talk before continuing on. But this is all a part of it.
My studio space is not the largest, but I do keep things as tidy as I can for adequate space. If you are bringing any other small children, we may do family pictures in the beginning so children can have the rest of the time to themselves. I suggest bringing things like their favorite toy, books, or tablets to keep them patiently at bay.
Gravitate towards gentle colors: pastels, light colors, or neutrals. Bright colors often look garish and intense on the delicate complexion of newborns. Wear neutrals with texture, like knits, linen, or cotton. If you'd like to learn more, let me know and I can send you my What to Wear Guide.
I'd recommend dressing your baby in a front-fastening, cosy sleep-suit just before the shoot so that when we're ready to start, it'll be easy to get them out of it without waking them up.
If you are doing family portraits with your baby, It's best to wear solid colors that compliment each other. Please, no crazy patterns like buffalo plaid. If you, like me, are a sucker for those little belly rolls, chipmunk cheeks, and tiny toes, it might be fun to get a few shots of baby in the nude. Be mindful of bundling your little one up too tightly before the shoot as tight clothes can leave Photoshop-resistant marks on the skin.
Siblings
If you'd like to capture your little one with their proud new bigger siblings, you'll probably need reinforcements. If your partner or one of your parents is available to come to the shoot, bring them! I like to have as few people as possible on set to try to cultivate a quiet, tranquil space for your newborn. So I sometimes tend to do this portion of the session first. There is a park directly across the street, so after this I always think it's a good idea for someone to take the kiddos out to play!
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