WHEN SHOULD I SCHEDULE MY NEWBORN SESSION?
It’s best to contact me before your baby is born. Newborn babies photograph best between 6-14 days old. Since we never really know when your little one will arrive, I will put you on our calendar to hold a spot for you. Once the baby arrives you, or someone who have tasked with the job of informing me, can just call or text to let me know.
If older toddler aged siblings will be in the photographs, we recommend doing the session at 5-10 days. Siblings will typically be in the honeymoon period with their new baby up until then, avoiding any issues of jealousy or rejection.
If your baby is already born or came early, that’s Ok! I will always find a spot to put your newborn session on the schedule. Also, it’s never too late to do a new baby session. Families can contact me weeks after the birth, simply because circumstances prevented them from doing a session earlier. We will still capture the joy and beauty of your little baby at ANY age.
WHAT WILL THE SESSION BE LIKE?
Prior to your session, I’d like for you to keep the baby up as long as possible before I arrive. As soon as I arrive, you will feed the baby while I’m setting-up, helping them drift off into a deep, satisfied, sleep. We allow plenty of time for feedings, diaper changes, and mommy & baby breaks, so newborn sessions typically last about 2 hours.
We will do a combination of posed/propped baby photos and family lifestyle photographs, focusing on capturing your interaction with your new baby in a comfortable, relaxed and natural setting of your home.
WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR?
Newborns photograph best without any clothes at all, but you can start baby out in something solid colored, best no stripes or patterns. Solid white, grey or neutral colors are timeless and classic, and allow us to focus our attention on your beautiful baby. You can also add hats, headbands and bows that coordinate well with blankets and props, especially if they are meaningful to your family. So if you have a special blanket or two feel free to gather them up.
DO I REALLY HAVE TO BE IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS?
I am a strong believer in keeping mom in the pictures. We tend to be the ones taking the pictures, hardly ever are we in them. Here is your opportunity! You are beautiful and perfect and you’ve just brought a human into this world! Let’s celebrate you as well as your new baby.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
You and your spouse can wear solid colored clothing; whether that be jeans and a long sleeve top, or a solid colored flowing dress, we don’t want anything that will distracts us from your beautiful baby. Usually maternity clothes are still a good option at this time.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY NEWBORN SESSION?
Sleepy babies with a full tummy photograph perfectly, so we will start with you feeding the baby. I will ask you to undress and swaddle baby before the feeding so as not disturb them by undressing them after the feeding. Gather up any special hats, headbands, blankets and stuffies. Treat yourself to a shower, get dressed, hair & light makeup if you wish. Set-up plain white sheets or comforter on the bed that gets the most light. Gather up a few towels and cloths for bare bottom photographs. Other things to have handy can be a pacifier, wipes, diapers, and baby hair brush.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
Please send me an email to either book a session, ask questions, or to request a phone consultation. Please do not make inquiries by phone text, Facebook or Instagram. From there, we can set-up a quick Pre-Session Phone Chat, where we’ll talk about your goals for the shoot, my approach, where and when to shoot, etc. And if you’d like to book at that time, then we can go ahead and schedule the booking.
Due dates are only placed on my calendar when your session fee and contract are submitted. To ensure the best possible service to each client, spots are limited. I recommend booking at the start of the second trimester. The actual session date is booked the day baby arrives. It is important to contact me the day baby arrives (or as soon as you can) so we can have the session when baby is 6-14 days old.
I look forward to meeting the new addition to your family and capturing this special time in your life!
Warmly,
Maggie