Preparing for you Newborn Session

Booking a date and time
I encourage morning sessions; come late afternoon/evening most babies tend to hit their “witching” hour. We want him or her to sleep as much as possible during our shoot so that they will relax and curl into those cute newborn poses.

Ideal age of baby for newborn session?
 Within the first two week of birth unless doing a lifestyle session, we have much more wiggle room for this type of session. 

How long does the session last?
 Due to the frequent breaks needed to feed, change, sooth and get baby to fall asleep, newborn shoots often last longer than the average session. Please be prepared for your session to last anywhere between 1 and 3 hours.

Location:
In studio or at home?
Studio:  these sessions are a little more formal. If you are doing family photos within the studio I do set up a lifestyle like bedroom for the family photos. From there I move onto focus on baby and continue with prop photos. 
At Home:  I generally shoot within the main living areas such as Livingroom, Master bedroom, nursery and even outdoor living spaces (porches). I do suggest having these areas tidy, but please don't go out of your way to clean them. No one will see the dust in the photos, trust me! Save your energy. 

*Please let me know what colours you love, so I can incorporate it into the prop photos with baby. I like to suggest thinking of where you plan on hanging these photos, choose colours that will compliment your room. Silly I know, but trust me, you'll thank me later. 

What to expect:
It is important to be as relaxed as possible during the newborn session, it is easy to become uptight while baby cries or gets upset. The baby will sense that mommy is frustrated and will in turn become frustrated. Be patient and remain calm; if baby is cranky and not cooperating please do not worry. We have plenty of time to allow him/her to get comfortable. Remember that this is a milestone within your lives, sit back and embrace this experience. Feel free to bring your laptops to catch up on some work, write thank-you notes … or just take a NAP! :)

Temperature of the room?
Since baby will be undressed we want to make the room as comfortable as possible for him/her. Please turn your heat up a couple of degrees before I arrive. We may get a little warm, but baby will sleep so much better in a nice, warm environment. I will also bring/have a space heater to keep near baby.

What to dress baby in?
Nothing over the head; zip-up or snap up solid coloured onesie/sleeper. I like feet and skin! If you need help with finding one, I highly suggest our store here in town; Little Local. She has lots to choose from!

What to bring?
Pacifier – Essential!!! The “soothie” pacifiers are best for newborns, extra bottles, extra diapers, favourite receiving blankets and clothing for yourself (in case of accidents and comfy's for once your photos are complete).

Day of photo session:
*It's helpful to give baby a bath a few hours prior to your scheduled photo session, I know this add more to your plate trying to get everyone including yourself ready, but trust me this helps calm and put baby in a good sleepy mood for their session.  
*Feed baby right before your session time. Or if you are traveling from afar, come early and feed once you arrive. (Just give me the heads up so I'm prepared)