We have a BABY BOOM coming this summer. I am looking forward to photographing all the sweet little babes! I thought I would do a little post for all the moms-to-be to help prepare for your newborn session! I always send an info sheet but I thought I would put some tips on here for you as well! 🙂

WHAT TO WEAR
I prefer skin on skin for parent portraits if you feel comfortable. You can wear a strapless top or a tanktop that we can pull the straps down on. Stick with neutral colors! If Dad is comfortable, I will have him take his shirt off. If not, wear a solid neutral shirt (black or white is best!)

LIMIT PROPS
I have a TON of props right here in my studio we can use for your session. You don’t have to bring a thing! But if you have a special item you want to use, BRING IT! Some popular items are a special blanket, hat or sleep buddy made by a loved one, etc. Just please limit the number of items you bring. I normally don’t use more than 1-2 hats. Advance notice of any items you are bringing (colors, etc) will help me prepare as well.

FAVORITE POSES
If you just LOVE a certain pose or prop that I have used, let me know so I can prepare to use that for your session! If you have a pose or prop of your own, please know that I only do poses and use props that I feel are safe. Your baby’s safety is my highest priority at all times. Having said that…some poses you see (like above) are the result of photoshop! We keep a hand on the baby at all times! 🙂

TIME YOUR FEEDINGS-
I know it is hard to do sometimes when you have a HUNGRY baby. But if you can either feed your baby RIGHT before you come here or feed them when you arrive, it will help things go smoothly! Full baby= sleepy baby.

BRING EXTRA CLOTHES!
I tell parents to wear neutral colors when they want to be photographed with the baby, but you may want to bring an extra set for yourself too. Naked + full baby = PEE or POOP! Photographing a naked baby is like playing russian roulette at times. You never know who will get peed on! 🙂

BRING PACIFIERS AND MILK!
Bring a pacifier and formula/bottle if you are bottle feeding. Pacifiers can help soothe a baby into a pose at times! I promise they will still latch just fine after using one! 🙂

BRING SIBLINGS AT THE END!
If you have older children, plan on having someone bring them at the end of your session! It is too difficult for a child to sit quietly during the newborn session. Babies need quiet to sleep and pose like a champ!

NO EXTRA GUESTS!
On that same note, please don’t bring Grandma or Auntie with you! The studio is not big enough to provide for an audience. And the session will really go smoother if it is just mom, dad and baby! (If dad can’t make it and you want someone to help you…YES bring ONE person! )

RELAX!
I know as a new mom you feel anxious about this! You want sweet photos and sometimes it just takes time for babies to sleep! Just relax and know that your baby isn’t the first wide awake or crying baby I have had. And eventually they will sleep! 🙂

I look forward to meeting some sweet babies in the coming weeks!