Newborn Session Guide


Please take a few minutes to thoroughly read and understand my newborn session guide. If you have any

questions, let me know, otherwise I’ll see you at your session!


GENERAL NEWBORN SESSION INFO

• To book a newborn session, a non-refundable retainer may be required. Once the retainer is paid, your due date will be penciled in on my calendar. Once baby has officially arrived earthside, please reach out within 48 hours to officially schedule a date and time for your newborn session.

• Newborn sessions are best photographed when babies are 7-18 days new. I have found the sooner, the better. If your baby is too alert and less moldable, it can be difficult to get the posed images you often see on my social media and website, and your newborn session may consist of awake photos and different posing.

• Newborn sessions are generally photographed on weekday mornings only.

• Newborn sessions are designed to be simple and sweet, light and airy, natural, modern and timeless.

The Studio - General Info


• The studio is located in the basement of my pet free and smoke free home in Clyde Township, MI 48049. The exact address of the studio will be sent prior to your newborn session. Read more about The Studio here.


• Park on the pavement in front of the garage. Follow the signage and take the front sidewalk down the stairs to the back of the home.


• Safety and cleanliness is my utmost priority when handling your newest addition. Sessions begin with a handwashing and hand sanitizer is used often throughout the session.


• The studio is sanitized thoroughly after each session.


The Studio - Rules


• No shoes please! Please remove your shoes right inside the door. If you wish to wear shoes for your session, please bring an alternate clean pair to change into.


• Food and drinks are allowed, but please consider bringing food and drinks that aren't too messy.



PREPPING YOUR BABY


• Arriving to your session on time is a great way to have a successful session. Arriving late may cut Into scheduled time. Full newborn sessions are allotted 2 hours. More or less time may be needed at photographer's discretion.


• Please fully feed your baby right before leaving for the studio. If you have a drive longer than 30 minutes, you may need to top baby off upon arrival so please arrive to the studio 15-20 minutes earlier for this.


• The goal is to have a fully sleepy baby which allows me to position them easily. This usually means feeding longer than you would think so that way baby is fully milk drunk.


• Please bring a pacifier even if your baby doesn't typically use one. They can be incredibly helpful in keeping your little one happy when moving from pose to pose. Bring a back up pacifier incase the other accidentally drops on the floor.


• To begin the session, I will have you get baby down to a clean diaper. I will not photograph you baby in special outfits brought from home.


• Most newborn sessions have a mix of fully swaddled and slightly unswaddled/natural posing, dependent on baby's cooperation.


•  If baby has lots of baby acne or dry skin, it is difficult to edit out. Lotion your baby prior to your session and bring additional just incase. Fresh flaky skin is normal - so you can absolutely leave as is and embrace it.



• You don't need to bring any props. It is highly recommended that props from home aren’t brought to the studio for safety and cleanliness reasons. Small heirlooms upon request can be brought for photographing - please let me know in advance.

 

DURING THE SESSION


• Expect my patience and attention to detail to rule the day. Newborn sessions are baby-led and can last up to 2+ hours depending on baby's cooperation as well as older sibling cooperation. I spend a majority of the session perfecting poses, backdrops, fingers, etc. and I believe these little things are what makes the difference between a snapshot and a work of art featuring your baby.


• If siblings are going to be part of the session, it is best to have them come at the start of the session and then to arrange someone to pick them up after their portion. This is NOT required, but may be helpful. In the past, parents find the experience much less stressful when one parent or a friend/grandparent cares for the other sibling(s) during the remainder of the session.


• Should siblings stay, please keep them out of the shooting area unless it's their turn. Keeping distractions to a minimum is best for a successful session. Consider bringing things for your kiddos to stay entertained.


• I ask that there are no more than 2-3 adults present at the session as seating is limited.

WHAT TO WEAR | MOMS AND DADS



• I want all of the focus of the image to be on the connection you share with your baby, rather than the clothing. Therefore, I suggest simple, neutral outfits. I love seeing mommas wear dresses or neutral cozy outfits and dad’s in a simple plain tee with jeans or solid colored pants. For more outfit inspiration, Check out my What To Wear Guide!


• Professional hair + makeup goes a long way in photos.


• Your hands/nails will show and this goes for both mom and dad. Be sure to take any nail polish off or paint your nails with a neutral color. Consider bringing lotion if you tend to have dry hands. Remove any smart watches as well.


• Most often your feet aren’t visible in the photos and so fancy shoes aren’t needed. Many clients go barefoot OR wear cozy socks.


• If you have furry friends at home, consider bringing a lint roller.


WHAT TO WEAR | SIBLINGS



• A simple, neutral colored tee with jeans for little boys and neutral colored dress for little girls. For little girls, please avoid obnoxious hair accessories, keep them very small and neutral in color. For more outfit inspiration, Check out my What To Wear Guide!

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY BABY DOESN'T COOPERATE?



Don't stress. Babies *usually* love to eat, sleep, and be swaddled. But even if baby is awake, we can work with it. In the rare event baby is inconsolable and/or simply unable to successfully complete the session, I may offer the opportunity to try the session again on a new day. It is important that you prep baby as recommend above, arrive a few minutes early to the session, and keep sibling distraction to a minimum to help ensure success! Try to stay positive and have patience.

AFTER THE SESSION


• I will post sneak peaks within 48 hours of the session to my social media feeds. Should you not want the photos to be shared, please let me know in advance.


• Images will be edited and delivered to you within 1 week following your session. You will receive a link to a private online gallery for viewing, downloading, and sharing of the photos. The link stays live for 60 days. Once the link expires, your images are gone. Be sure to download your images to multiple sources for safe keeping.


• If extensive editing is required, 5 of your favorite images will be edited at no additional cost. Beyond that, additional charges may occur.