Newborn and family photo session preparation guide

When to book your newborn session?

The best time to photograph a newborn baby is when they are under two weeks of age: they sleep more soundly, allowing me to pose them to create the very best portraits. Also, new babies are more flexible at this stage. Older babies tend to be more alert and restless, a little harder to settle and things like colic and baby acne can start to flare up. You can contact us at any time during your pregnancy to give me an estimated due date, we will then make a tentative booking and when you arrive home from hospital with your brand new baby you can contact us to arrange a suitable time and day for your session.

Where is your newborn photo session will take a place? Your newborn photo session will take place in our studio in downtown of Indianapolis (Stutz Art Building), where I have all the props available. The studio kept at 80F for the baby’s comfort, especially if we do nude poses.

Unless you plan on life styled newborn session, those will be done at comfort of your home.

How long will your newborn baby photo session take?

Newborn Photo Shoot usually takes 2-3 hours, but keep in mind the key to successful session is a deep sleeping baby! Once in a while, session might last up to 4 hours (make sure you have had a good breakfast, if not, I always keep some healthy organic snack packages in my studio)

How can I prepare my new baby for the photo session? * Schedule feeding 1-2 hours before arrival * Interact with your baby for at least 1-2 hours before your scheduled session to keep him/her awake. This means keeping them awake during the car ride ;) I know, I know, it is very hard, but try your best! * Dress your baby in comfortable clothes with button up or zip up clothing for easier transition. Please DO NOT dress the baby in anything that I will have to pull over the head.

* Pacifier...Please bring it with you, it helps to calm your baby down during transition poses... If you don't have one, I will be more than happy to provide one to your baby during session...

* Bottle...Even if you are a breastfeeding mom, please, try to pump a little bit of milk: while baby is posed, it's so much easier to give baby a bottle instead of me trying to repose him/her after feeding. * Dressing tips for parents: Beige/ cream/ white all would look amazing for your baby’s newborn pictures no matter what gender your baby is! Gray, blush, or brown are also great options. Pastels like soft blue or blush pink are beautiful as well. Same applies to significant others and siblings.

* Siblings... I always welcome siblings to come and be a part of the family photos. Please, try to keep them calm during the session since a quiet atmosphere is very important in obtaining newborn photos. You might consider to drive two cars and have someone available to take the sibling home after they are done their part for their own safety. Remember, I have very limited space in my home studio plus newborn sessions might take up to 3-4 hours and siblings will get bored very quickly.

What to expect?

I will guide you through every single step and pose! I always start my sessions with a wrapped baby, it allows an easy way for mom , dad and siblings to be involved, plus those are my “safety” shots; even if baby is fully awake, I still can produce beautiful images of wide open eyes.

“My baby doesn’t like to be wrapped?!” Believe me, they do! They are used to be in your belly for the past 9 month; they actually feel more secured being wrapped...Trust me! Usually, I start with mom, will add dad, and siblings if there are any (since they are the one who loose patience fast) and will then move to the baby itself. I do try to do at least three different set ups, but it all depends on baby. And, PLEASE, DO NOT worry about your baby having accidents on my props! So many parents worry about that – but I am used to it, and I am well prepared for any type of accidents! All of my props are washable and been hand washed after every use with perfume free detergent....

While I photograph the baby, I want parents to be relaxed; take a nap; I know what sleepless nights are like, so if you do need to take a time off and take a small nap, feel free to do so...

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