There is very little more precious than a brand new little human (ok truth be told there is nothing better than a newborn baby) So as you can imagine, newborn sessions are the most favorite types of sessions and life moments to celebrate with our clients.

To help you prepare for your baby's first photographic experience we have compiled a list of most often asked questions along with tips and information to ensure your session is a stress-free and wonderful experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I start planning a newborn session?

We recommend that you schedule your newborn session PRIOR to your baby’s birth to ensure we will have a date open for you. Contact us during your second trimester and we’ll pencil you in for a date range around your due date. This is when we like to have the consultation appointment. During this time, you tour the studio, look through our props and plan your ideal session. We ask that you call or email us as soon as you can after your baby is born to set up your session time.

When is the best time to schedule a newborn session?

Newborn sessions must be scheduled within the first 14 days of life. However, the BEST time is between 5-14 days after their arrival. In order to get those adorable, sleepy images we all desire, it’s best to do the session while your baby is still unaware and tired from birth. Plus, babies just tend to do a lot better with the session within their first 7 days. Around 8 days old, babies figure out that they can streeeeetch out and it’s more difficult to get them into those curly newborn poses. After day 14, it’s almost impossible to get baby into that deep sleep that came so easily in their first few days. And, keep in mind that newborn acne (and sometimes colic) is likely to flare up after day 14. While I can edit problem areas, I prefer to do as little retouching as possible to baby’s skin, so newborns are best photographed before two weeks of age.

What if my baby won't fall asleep?

All of those classic, sleepy newborn images we like to capture, require your baby to be in his or her deepest sleep. It may sound counter intuitive, but try keeping your baby awake 30 minutes to an hour just before our session time. Don’t stress if you cannot do this! It’s simply a suggestion. We all babies have their own ideas of when they want to sleep and that’s ok too, we will capture your baby beautiful sweet personality regardless of if they choose to sleep or stay awake.

How long do newborn sessions last?

Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2-4 hours. The key to getting good images is to be patient and realize that a truly beautiful images is worth the wait required as baby relaxes into the pose. Relax and try to enjoy the memory and adore your babies cuteness while I work. We ask that everyone remain calm, should he/she not want to sleep, since your baby will pick up on any frustration in the room. And if sleep doesn’t happen, that’s okay! Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful too. But don’t worry, every baby eventually sleeps and I am committed to wait as long as needed to capture those dreamy images. I am never in a hurry to get done, as I always block out an entire day for your session.

Can I snap a few phone pics during session?

As a rule, we ask that you not use your cell phone or camera during the session. If you would like a pull back shot of us in action, please ask first, so we be sure to give you our “best side”. Don’t worry, your day will be well documented.

Is it possible to also include siblings in newborn session?

Of course! If you would like to have some sibling images done, we’ll do those first and then the older kids will be able to leave with Grandma, Dad or whoever can watch them. We are in a block away from Sweet Frog and a few doors from the Children’s Museum. Neutral, earthy tones are best for clothing and jeans with solid color shirts are preferred.

How to Prepare for Newborn Session

Dress in Layers

Temperature is one of the key factors in comfort for baby, when baby's body temperature is kept between 97 to 100.3 degrees Fahrenheit baby will remain cozy and happy. Our newborn suite will be heated prior to session to a warmer than normal temperature to ensure baby is kept comfortable, make sure that you dress in light layers to regulate your own body temperature for comfort as it can sometimes get warm for adults (prepare to sweat a little). Newborns cannot regulate their body temperature which is why we focus on baby's temperature for optimal comfort during outfit changes. Either way, the newborn studio will be quite warm, so dress for that, and be sure to warn anyone coming with you. There are rooms in the studio to escape the heat including a nice dining area and sitting area which is where most families hang out while at one parent stays with me and the baby at all times.

Loosen Diaper

Please loosen your baby’s clothing and diaper at least 30 minutes prior to our session. This gives time for those little imprint marks and redness to disappear. Your baby may be naked for most of the session, unless you want only wrapped images, so we want his or her skin to be its natural, flawless self. If you preferred the baby to be clothed, you will be able to see the extensive newborn collection of adorable rompers, bonnets, hats and wraps during your consultation.

Plan For Milk Breaks

Getting baby into that Milk Drunk state is what we shoot for so try to wait to feed your baby until right before we start. Of course, we’ll take plenty of breaks for messes, feeding and cuddling.

Relax

Let us say it again… Relaxxx! We’re pretty comfortable holding and posing newborns. (Juls is a previous Labor and Delivery nurse, a mother of four, grandmother of one, and over the years I was a foster parent to over 20 newborns (not all at once of course). Photography assistants are personally trained for safety. Your baby is in safe hands, we promise! It’s perfectly fine to use the time to surf the net, walk around, and rest. I’ve often looked over and seen both mom and dad have dosed off on the sofa due to the calm and relaxing environment. The soothing baby noise machine works on parents too!

Speak Up

Your baby’s safety comes first! If there is ever a point where you become uncomfortable, just let us know! We take every measure to ensure that your baby is never in any danger. For that reason, we will always make sure that a parent or assistant is nearby to lend support if needed. Also, if you see a prop or color being used that does not fit your taste, please let us know. This is your session, and we want you to love every image taken.

Poo Happens

We expect your baby to poop and pee all over the blankets and props, and sometimes even me. I had a lot of experience with this as a labor and delivery nurse and trust me when I say I am very used to it. It happens! I wash everything after each session I do, so don’t worry about it.

Pacifiers

If you can bring a pacifier for your baby, even if only for the session, this will make the work much easier. Baby’s often love to suck and it helps soothe them into the poses we are looking for and makes for easier transitions and getting them to sleep. If your baby won’t take a pacifier or you do not feel comfortable offering one, don’t worry. I can work with whatever is right for you and your family. Supplemental milk from a bottle is also very helpful if you are comfortable with that. Sometimes a few quick sips and the baby settles right into sleep.

Wardrobe

For Babies

We offer a great selection of props, hats, headbands, bowties, blankets, baskets and backdrops for your choosing. Please be sure to discuss your desires with me before the session and let me know of any special items of your own that you would like to use.

For Moms

We get it! Part of baby heaven is that all we think about is the baby, and you may not have had a chance to think about what to wear or had a chance to shop for something you love. If you just gave birth and aren’t feeling your best. Give yourself some time and your body to feel yourself again....now more than ever we think this is also the perfect time to pamper yourself! Go have your hair + makeup done (or better yet, have someone come to you!), schedule a massage or have your nails done. Looking super relaxed and at your best will make you feel more comfortable during the session. This is an exciting time in your life and we want to capture all of that…so take care of yourself first! And feel free to tell your family that this is part of the process so they give you the extra support and time you need! As far as clothing? Keep it simple. Throw in a little color if you’d like, but skip the busy patterns. (And please don’t feel the need to match everyone in white shirts and jeans – there’s simple…and then there’s boring!) For moms, we suggest cotton knit camis and knit tops. We’re also big fans of skin-on-skin portraits with you holding your baby against you. They’re so simple + timeless! So if you want some portraits like this with your newborn, consider a strapless top or tank as an alternative.

For Dads

Your hands, and possibly even your feet, will play a major role in this session, so it’s important that you tend to them too! Even if you aren’t planning on participating much in the session, you’ll still be handling your baby a bit, so it’s a good idea to touch up on your grooming. Trim and tidy your nails and apply lotion to any dry skin. (It also never hurts to dab a little moisturizer on your face to help you look more refreshed. Those late nights can take a toll on your skin!) A little clothing advice? Long or short sleeved knits are best. (Make sure there isn’t too much bagginess in the sleeve.) Undershirts also work well. We suggest you NOT wear button down shirts, and make sure your t-shirts are free of logos or too much writing. *Wrinkles do show up in photos, so please make sure all clothing is ironed or steamed. The retouching involved is extensive and will incur an extra fee.

Ready to plan your baby's newborn session? Give us a call or send us a note we love creating beautiful experiences for our clients!

(828) 989-3112

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What to Expect for Baby's Newborn Session