Your Newborn Photo Session FYIs

During the newborn session, your photographer will focus on a combination of (1) artistic portraiture of your Baby asleep, using a variety of props such as blankets, bowls, hats, etc, (2) portraiture of Baby with Mom (and Dad and any siblings mostly for "at home" sessions), and (3) candid portraiture of Baby using your home environment, such as feedings, bouncy seat/swing, playtime and interaction. Please let your photographer know if there are props / memorabilia / poses you would like to include in the session! Your photographer will get to know your style, priorities and preferences during the pre-session consultation.

For "asleep" shots, your photographer will help you soothe your newborn and pose him or her (you can be as much or as little involved in this as you wish). Typically, "asleep" shots take about 1.5-2 hours, depending on Baby's activity level and routine, much of this time spent comforting/soothing/feeding your Baby until (s)he is ready to pose.

Your photographer will work around your Baby's needs, wants, likes and dislikes during the session. Baby seems hungry? There's plenty of time for feedings! Baby wants to play with Mom? Perfect, we'll take some fun "awake" portraits! Baby does not like being posed? No problem! Your photographer will photograph your Baby just the way (s)he wants to be photographed!

How to prepare your home for the newborn photo shoot:

- De-clutter as much as you can

- Prepare any props meaningful to you that you would like to include in the photoshoot (hospital bracelets, memorabilia, special blankets or toys etc). Your Baby photographs best au naturel, but if there are any outfits that you would like to include in the photoshoot (for example, your Baby’s home coming outfit, personalized blanket, toys), have them ready as well!

- Prepare outfits for Mom and Dad. In addition to your outfit of choice, it is suggested that you have both black and white/light tops (shirts/t-shirts/tank tops). Depending on your preferences and how the session goes, we'll use them for portraiture.

- Make sure your home is as warm as possible. Babies sleep best in warm environments. If you have a white noise machine, a CD with white noise, an ipod or a computer application with white noise readily available – please have them ready. The sound of white noise will help your Baby sleep during the photo session.

- If your Baby started using pacifiers/bottle, please have them readily available during the shoot

General FYIs:

- Based on your likes and dislikes, the photographer will have several props to use during the shoot (background, hats, bowls, blanket, etc). All props coming in direct contact with your baby will be carefully washed/cleaned before the shoot.

- If possible, the photographer prefers to have only Mom and Dad present during the shoot (one parent must be present at all times). While family and friends may be eager to spend time getting to know your newborn, they may distract your Baby during the shoot.

- During the shoot, keep in mind that each baby is unique. Some babies cooperate really well with the photographer, others – not so much. If your Baby is fussy or messy, please do not worry (your photographer’s seen it all!).

- When the photographer arrives, she will spend about 15-20 minutes setting up equipment as necessary and taking test shots. She will also spend some time talking to Mom and Dad to understand Baby’s routine.

- You will not be in front of the camera all the time. There will be plenty of time for breaks for Baby, Siblings, Mom and Dad. While you are resting or caring for your baby, the photographer will have time to photograph memorabilia and Baby's room (if you wish) or to fine tune her settings and test light.

- Ladies, please avoid make up with glitter, glassy or shiny jewelry, lipstick that smudges easy and powder foundations. Also, whatever your choice of outfits, please avoid reflective/glossy/shiny fabrics and red outfits (red details are fine, but please no pure red or magenta shirts)

-  Your ideas/comments/questions are always welcome and appreciated before, during and after the session.