Preparing for a newborn session
When you are thinking about booking a newborn session there are a lot of things to consider and think of, which might feel overwhelming because, let's be honest, you are already thinking about so many things. But that is why I am here, to help you! Booking a newborn session and preparing for it doesn't have to be overwhelming, because once you reach out to me, it is actually my goal to make it as easy for you as possible. So, hopefully I can answer a few commonly asked questions for you that would make the experience of booking and preparing for newborn photos as easy as possible.
How early should I book my newborn photos?
The answer to this question can depend on a few things. One major factor it can depend on, is how in demand your photographer is. I think the best practice would be to book before baby comes to make sure the photographer you want saves space for you that month. There is a possibility that if you wait until after the baby comes and they are booked, then you would have to wait. Additionally, finding and booking a photographer might prove to feel a little less overwhelming when you aren't also feeding a newborn around the clock! But don't worry, there are plenty of times where you are able to book for the same month if you didn't get things booked early.
When should I schedule my NEwborn photos For?
I usually suggest that you schedule the photos for when baby is 10 days to 2 weeks old. At this point they have usually gotten past any jaundice, have regained their birthweight but are still sleep a lot, and so, we are able to get lots of those sweet sleepy photos that everyone loves. However, I have still done some sessions where the baby was over 4 weeks old. All of that to say that lifestyle newborn is really just an in home photo session so any age works, the only thing impacted is wether or not we can swaddle your baby and get those sleepy photos easily.
How do I prepare my home for newborn photos?
I want this to be stress free, so I don't want you to feel like your home needs to be spotless to do these sessions. I need to be able to move around relatively freely, but if there is any clutter in the background, then we can just clear that away as needed to get the photo we need. Don't get in your head about it!
HOw do I prepare the Baby?
I always suggest that my clients make sure that they have just finished feeding and changing the baby for when I arrive. When this is done the baby usually stays awake for a few minutes and then just drifts off once they are swaddled and being held by Mom or Dad. When baby has a full tummy it makes for a very smooth session. When my clients follow this advice, the photo session almost always goes smoothly.
What can i expect with a lifestyle newborn session?
My lifestyle newborn sessions last about an hour and tend to be very relaxed, even if you have a toddler or older children. I keep this sessions very low key and we go with the flow. If your toddler isn't wanting to be in a photo, we take a break and do some photos they don't have to be in. If the baby poops and needs a diaper change, then we can take a break for you to change the baby. Taking this "go with the flow" approach helps everyone relax and stay relaxed and makes it an experience where you can just enjoy your newborn and the rest of your family. Do you have other questions about newborn photos? Send me an email and let me know!
