Newborn Session | What to expect
Planning for Your Session
I love to photograph newborns when they are 5-21 days new. Although, if your baby is slightly older then that, that is fine too. There is no magic number. While yes, when the baby is under a month new, he or she is typically more co-operative – i have had a newborn 8 days new that cried and cried and cried, the mother had to schedule a new session, and i have had a newborn 6 weeks new that slept like a charm! Each baby is different.
For those having a planned C-section, we can pre-book based off that date. Those having a natural birth, we can either tentatively set a date or book once your baby arrives (providing i have availability). It is best to call me (message or text) as soon as possible (even as early as finding out you are expecting!) as i often book 2+ months ahead.
During the Session
Newborn shoots are shot in my studio. There is a seating area for parents where you can relax and watch your baby’s first photography session take place. It is best if I do the handling of your baby during the session, while you sit back and relax, so that she will get used to me moving and posing her. In order to make things comfortable for you and baby, we will take breaks for feeding, comforting and cuddling as needed. It will be very warm in the studio during a newborn session. Newborns are happiest when it is very warm, so we may be uncomfortably warm for a short time, but your baby will be nice and happy, and the photographs will be well worth it! If your session is in the afternoon or early evening, try to keep the baby awake as much as possible during the day, to ensure he or she will want to sleep during their session. If baby is due for a feeding before the session, try to feed 75%, and save the remainder for when you arrive to sure baby will be nice and sleepy. 
I have a small room well equipped with a changing table (spare wipes, unscented), a couch, which breastfeeding mommies are more then welcome to use, as well as a breastfeed pillow. This room can also be used if an older sibling is joining for the session. We typically start with any family pictures, followed by sibling pictures, and if no one is available to leave with the older sibling (they usually get restless for the remainder of the session), then they are more then welcome to come hang out in this room. Feel free to bring a tablet, books, toys, etc for them to do!
My Supplies
I have all the necessary supplies for the session including newborn hats, backdrop fabric, props, blankets and wraps, and of course, my photography equipment. You don’t need to supply anything for the session except for your newborn baby. If you have favorite hats or blankets, or anything else you desire to have photographed with baby, please feel free to bring them so that we can include them.
The Session
Newborn sessions are my longest sessions, approximately 2-2.5 hours (or sometimes more time is needed – additional time can be added, same day if avail or future date for an overtime rate on top of the session fee). Please allow 2/2.5 hours around the session (in case additional time is needed), and do not schedule any other appointments or commitments during this time. I work around your baby and his or her schedule, so every newborn session is different. My goal is to get a variety of portraits of your new baby. I want to capture your baby while he or she is comfortable and content. During this time, baby may need to be fed, soothed, diaper changed, etc – this is why the long session.
After the Session
Please allow approximately a week for me to put together your viewing gallery. I will send you a message or email with the login information once ready. Then, once your order is placed, I will let you know when you can expect your beautiful (lightly) edited digital files to be ready for download.