***IMPORTANT ~ PLEASE READ***
This will help us ensure we achieve great poses from a contented baby, and prepare parents to get the best results, that is beautiful memories of this special time.
Welcome to the Newborn Portrait Experience! Newborn photography is very different to your standard photoshoot. It is a specialised genre, and most reputable, trained newborn photographers will already know the secrets to a smooth, relaxed newborn session. I have developed this guide to help you prepare for your newborn photo shoot.
You have chosen to capture this fleeting time to remember them forever exactly as they are now, and I can promise this will be all worth it. The sleepy, peaceful babies shown in newborn photography all have one thing in common: their parents followed this simple prep guide before their session.
The ultimate goal of our newborn session is a peaceful state of sleepiness, together with some contented awake shots. To ensure this, I’m asking for your help. I have already used all of these tips with my own babies and clients before you. A sleepy baby is essential to the success of your newborn session, so please follow all of the helpful tips and instructions. This perfect sleep recipe has proven very effective in newborn photography worldwide.
Could you be on time?
Please arrive on time; if you are late, this time will be taken off your scheduled time and will unfortunately mean less shooting time. I will allocate three hours for a newborn session. I need to utilise every minute of your newborn session and we don’t know how baby will settle during this time. I allocate a certain amount of time to ensure we achieve all that we need to, to create your special memories for you to always have. I have a very full diary and can not go over the allocated time given due to other appointments in the afternoon. I am a hectic bee!
Preparation for the session.
1. If your baby has slept solidly in the morning before your session we may spend a long time trying to get your baby to sleep, this may mean we will struggle to get as many posed shots or be able to use the props you’ve requested. In the morning of your session, try to keep your baby stimulated by bathing them, and interacting with them. Giving them their feed at the studio rather than before you leave home is best. A full tummy equals a sleepy baby. This may not be doable, as these things are always easier said than done! But this little bit of prep can make a difference to your session, especially if the baby arrives nice and sleepy.
2. Dress baby in a simple loose babygrow that doesn’t have to be lifted off over the head. It is also easier to undress babies if they aren’t wearing a vest. This makes it easier if the baby is asleep; we don’t have to disturb them when undressing—no tight socks or vests to avoid lines on their skin.
3. A dummy is extremely helpful, even if your baby doesn’t usually have one. Please bring one along. It can be a lifesaver when the baby continuously wants to feed/suckle for comfort. Sometimes, it really is the difference between settling babies without moving them or giving them back to mummy to feed! A dummy can help to avoid contact with mummy while we are in the “rhythm” of a session. Baby can smell mum and hear her voice, which triggers their instinct to feed—quite a distraction for a little newborn. Using a bottle or a dummy for a couple of minutes can help maintain the session’s fluidity and helps the baby settle easier.
4. If you are breastfeeding, it may help not to eat spicy or acidic foods or drink caffeine 48 hours before your session, as this could make the baby unsettled.
When you arrive.
When you arrive. I need to utilise every minute of your newborn session. Please arrive on time. If you are late, this, unfortunately, will mean less shooting time. I have a full diary and can not go over the allocated time. A full baby means a sleepy baby, and we need a very tired & calm baby to achieve the sweet, flexible poses you see in my portfolio. If the baby is awake when you arrive, I will ask you to undress the baby, wrap them in a blanket and give them a complete feed. Baby will tend to feed more during this session, so please bring plenty of milk with you to the session. A full baby is a happy baby who will sleep soundly.
It will be hot, hot!
The studio will be heated intensely to keep your little one warm, so dress in layers so that you can remove some if you get too warm.
Soothing and feeding the baby.
The session is very relaxed. Much of the session might be spent waiting for Mummy to nurse, making nappy changes, and soothing the baby. This is normal. You and your baby’s well-being is more important to me than getting a shot.
The three P’s!
It is only natural that the baby will pee, poop, and puke. I can assure you this happens constantly, and it’s completely natural. Please bring with you baby wipes, extra nappies, and a towel. After each newborn session, I launder all of my backdrops and other items the baby comes in contact with. An additional set of clothes for the parents is a good idea, just in case. Someone always gets weed or pooped on; it’s usually me, but sometimes you!
Siblings.
Parent and sibling shots are included in every session. Newborn sessions generally take 2-3 hours, so please plan for that. Older siblings, please be aware that young children can find this a long time. Arrangements may need to be made for young children to attend at the beginning or towards the end of the session so that they will not get bored and disturb the baby throughout the session. This is particularly important with very young children under five. This is where Grandparents or very good friends come in handy!
Family Photos – What to wear.
Could you keep clothing simple? To ensure that your images remain timeless, I advise parents to think about the outfits that will be worn. Plain, neutral colours work well. If you prefer colour, then I suggest you colour co-ordinate, avoid busy patterns, logos or printed T-shirts. I am a big fan of skin-on-skin portraits with you holding your baby against you. They’re so timeless. So, if you want some natural portraits like this with your newborn or mum, consider a strapless top or vest. Alternatively, I could wrap you in a scarf with the stretchy material I have available. These can come for some very tender images.
There are things to bring with you.
Milk ~ You should bring plenty of milk; more is better than not enough, as the baby will probably feed more than usual during the session.
Essentials: Spare nappies, wipes, and a baby blanket. If your baby tends to have flaky skin, it is advisable to bring a little oil/vaseline and cotton wool. This can also be done before you leave home.
Unique item ~ You may want to bring a special toy or blanket that you would like featured in some images.
Picnic ~ Please feel free to bring yourself a picnic. A newborn session can be hard work for parents, and this is also your chance to sit back and relax and grab a bite to eat. It might be the only meal you have in quite a while that isn’t disturbed! We have a fabulous coffee station where you can help yourself to various coffees, a selection of tea’s tea and cold drinks.
Dummies! ~ Even if you do not give your baby a dummy/pacifier, it is a good idea to bring one to the session. This is a huge help in soothing the baby during the session and can make the session quicker and more straightforward than the constant feeding that can sometimes occur. As it is used for such a short time, the baby will not become reliant on it if you prefer that your baby not have one. Some babies settle better with a dummy/pacifier during the session. It can be a lifesaver when the baby continuously wants to feed/suckle for comfort. It really can make a massive difference during the session. Baby can smell mum and hear her voice, which triggers their instinct to feed. It can be quite a distraction for a little newborn. Using a bottle or a dummy for a few minutes can help maintain the session’s fluidity and help the baby settle more quickly. However! I understand if you are against using a dummy, and we will do without it.
CHECKLIST
LOTS OF MILK!
NAPPIES & WIPES
BABY BLANKET
PARENT & SIBLING OUTFITS
***CHANGE OF CLOTHES FOR PARENTS JUST IN CASE BABY PEES OR POOS!***
PICNIC (IT HUNGRY WORK RELAXING IN THE STUDIO)
DUMMY (OPTIONAL; WE MAY NOT HAVE TO USE IT, BUT VERY HELPFUL JUST IN CASE)
COTTON WOOL AND OIL FOR SKIN (IF BABY HAS FLAKY SKIN)
SOMETHING SPECIAL YOU WOULD LIKE INCLUDED IN THE PHOTOGRAPHS. (SPECIAL TOY/BLANKET ETC)
Please bring anything with you that you think you may need.
Thank you again for choosing Maxine Sarah Photography to document this special time in your lives. I am honoured you chose me, and I consider photographing your newborn a great responsibility and privilege.
CLOTHING IDEAS
