Helpful tips for a successful photo session

**For Moms with newborns: whether you’re seeking a clean and classic, sleepy curly, or swaddled angel pose, your newborn needs to be photographed within 10 days of entering this world, fully fed, burped and ready for their nap.  After day 10, babies tend to be more awake and a bit less moldable as they were just a few days earlier.  

 

Session Day

Being a super baby model makes a baby very hungry!

Feeding your baby  -  On session day, I prefer that you feed the baby when you arrive.  Babies tend to get sleepy after they’ve been fed.  Feeding them in the studio will ensure a nice start to the session.

If you must feed the baby before you arrive, try giving just a half feeding.  For bottle fed babies, please bring extra bottles.  If you’re breastfeeding, please be aware of the foods that typically affect babies under 4 weeks old.  Acidic foods and drinks, e.g.,  cranberry, pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, chocolate.  Gassy vegetables can also cause your baby serious distress.  Please avoid these foods at least 48 hours before your session:  Asparagus, onions, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and cabbage.
 

Babies skin  -  Dry flakey skin and acne will occur as babies get older.  It’s best to bathe your newborn and apply Eucerin or other natural baby oil to their skin to soften the flakes.  For baby acne, cool wash cloths will help in cleaning.  If all else fails, retouching is an option.
 

Sleepy baby – I will need to be able to manipulate baby’s position without waking them, in order to achieve the sweet little sleeping baby poses. This works best when the baby is very sleepy.  For a little extra assurance I ask that you attempt to keep your baby awake for at least an hour before arriving at the studio or location.

A few tips for keeping baby awake: 

·stretch out the time between feedings

·burp the baby more often than necessary so they don’t fall asleep
 while eating

·bathe or sponge bathe baby if possible – I have yet to see a baby
 sleep through a bath!

What to wear – Stay away from busy patterns and prints.  Solid colors and layers work best.  It’s better to coordinate than to match exactly.  If you are completely uncomfortable with the extra baby weight, black clothing will easily blend into a black background helping to camouflage your body, placing emphasis on your face.  I photograph newborn families as close as possible, avoiding anything below the chest.  This allows your newborn to be the main focus of the photo and it’s most flattering to mom. 
 

Props – there is no need to bring any props.  I have more newborn props to choose from than we could possibly use in a single session.  Your creativity and ideas are totally welcome.  The best newborn photos are those that include something meaningful to you and your family.   Whatever you bring, I will do my best to artfully integrate into the shot. If there’s a specific pose you’ve seen or have an idea you want to try, just let me know.  
 

Newborn Session Check List

• Baby is on track to be fed when you arrive at the studio. 

• Baby has been kept awake for at least an hour by the time
  you arrive at the studio.

• Hands-your hands may be shown in some photos. 
  Please have nails trimmed and clean

• Want Dad clean shaven?  Better tell him.

• Clothes to wear in the photo. Best to avoid prints, patterns,
  and super bright colors.

• Marriage rings-if you have them, please be sure to bring them.

• Special blankets, wraps, headbands, family heirlooms,  e.g.,

      Grandmom’s rosary, Pop’s dog tags, Dad’s guitar,      
      Commemorative Flag

• Diapers & wipes

• Baby’s favorite blanket

• Extra bottles if you’re bottle feeding

• Binky, in case of emergency