Preparing for a newborn session can be a bit confusing and overwhelming for one baby, let alone TWO. Just know that I’m fully stocked with everything you might possibly need for your baby in our Newborn Studio located at 3 N Main st Salado, TX .
Mayce contacted me for her twin newborn session before these precious babies were born after she her research looking to book a newborn photography session near her home. she read tons of reviews for newborn photographers in the area. When she saw my work and all the great reviews my amazing clients have left me, she decided I was the photographer for them!
She came to my studio with her babies and amazing big sister, she was a dream big sister to work with and was so excited to take photos with her babies.
Here are some tips for a successful newborn Session:
I will be aiming to keep the studio/home as warm as possible (typically close to 80 degrees) to ensure that baby is comfortable and will settle for us as easily as possible. Be sure to dress appropriately! If it is warm outside, doors and windows may be open during the session to warm up our working space. Also, space heaters will be in use. If bringing additional children to the session, it is important to have a parent or guardian to observe them and ensure their safety around these items.
Noise.
I will use a noise machine to provide white noise during the session. This helps drown out little sounds that might disturb or wake baby. Conversely, too much of the wrong kind of noise can be bad. Please limit the number of people attending the session to only those that are necessary to be there if possible. I will have a few quiet activities on hand for children/siblings that attend the session, but you might consider bringing entertainment and snacks for them as well as newborn sessions can be quite lengthy.
As mentioned, newborns sessions are quite lengthy and can be VERY boring for young siblings. Some clients opt to have an extra family member on hand to help or even pick up siblings once their photos are complete. While such arrangements are not required, it can reduce noise and stress during the session (and thus better the outcome of the session.) Just let me know what arrangements you decide on prior to the session!
I prefer to photograph babies as natural as possible. Many times this means we undress them down to a diaper and/or remove the diaper as well. If you would not like your baby to be photographed in the buff please let me know ahead of time so that I can plan. I have several wraps and things of that nature that we can use to wrap or swaddle baby (many times we use these anyhow.) Outfits on newborns do not photograph well and tend to hide their sweet and squishy forms which is what we are trying to capture! If you have a special outfit or item you would like worked into the shoot, please mention it to me ahead of time!
We will take breaks during the shoot to meet babies feeding/changing needs. This is why newborn shoots take quite a bit longer any other type of session – I will be working very much on baby’s schedule! Sometimes making sure baby has a full belly at the start of our session will help us get to work a little quicker, but do not feel you need to alter baby’s schedule dramatically. I will do our best to work around their needs and you are welcome to feed baby upon arrival if it’s been an hour or more since their last feeding. Make sure to read the ‘what to bring’ section below as I have some suggestions listed concerning feedings.
Yep, they happen! Please do not worry about baby ruining blankets, props or even my clothes! I would much rather baby get me messy than you – I’m not the one being photographed! 🙂 Blankets and props are washable and have seen many accidents throughout the years as well.
Yes, sleep is important during newborn sessions! Much of our time will be spent getting baby relaxed and sleepy to allow for easier posing and those sweet newborn images that everybody loves. This takes time (lots of it!) So please be patient. Also keep in mind not all newborns sleep during their sessions. When this happens, we go to Plan B and will capture images of your newborn awake or with mom and dad. Please be prepared for the possibility that you will be photographed! Solid tops and neutral colors make it easier for me to coordinate newborn items to your outfit for shots with your baby.
. Babies may require a bit more comforting than usual during their session. This is due to the fact that we are continually touching and moving them! I will never force a baby into a pose, however…if they start to wake and fuss, I will attempt to calm and soothe them for a bit before handing baby back to you for a feeding or a cuddle. Even though mom and dad are the best at calming baby, sometimes smelling mom’s milk and sensing her close by will encourage wakefulness For this reason I will occasionally encourage parents to sit back and relax on the couch while I try my best to get baby sleepy and ready to pose.
I mentioned it before and I’ll go ahead and mention it again – please be patient. Babies will be babies. This means that even the best of sleepers or the calmest of personalities might choose the day of their session to throw us for a loop and be wide awake or fussy. I always come mentally prepared for this possibility! When parents become anxious or stressed about the outcome of their session, baby feeds directly off that energy and it can very much change the situation for the worse. Take deep breaths, put your feet up and know that we are going to capture sweet images of your newborn no matter what. Realistic expectations coupled with patience and love will go a long way in determining the outcome of your session 🙂
THINGS TO BRING:
Since these sessions run quite long it’s never a bad idea to bring extra drinks and snacks for yourself or your children. I usually have bottles of water, and a coffee station in the studio.
Entertainment for the little ones (and let’s be honest – maybe for daddy too!)
Extra clothes – If possible, consider bringing an extra set of tops/clothes for yourselves. Since we do have baby undressed for a majority of the session, sometimes accidents can occur before you get an opportunity to be photographed!
Feeding supplies – babies will tend to nurse/feed more often during their session due to the fact that we are often disturbing them. If you bottle feed, please bring extra formula/bottles/breast milk to cover this need. If breastfeeding, be prepared for multiple feedings throughout the session. Cover-ups provided if needed and my studio is private and remains locked during the session.
If you are located in the areas of Salado, Austin, Cedar Park, Waco, Round Rock, Georgetown, Temple, Belton and Surrounding areas, Contact me to book your newborn session. I can’t wait to meet your family and your newest little addition!!
Special Thanks to Lullabies for Josephine photography for assisting me with this twin newborn session!