NEWBORN SESSION PREP GUIDE
Thank you for the privilege of photographing your little miracle.
Below you’ll find lots of helpful information to make your session a success. I have put together these tips after working with hundreds of newborns and parents.
I can’t wait to meet your little one!
When to Get in Touch to Schedule the Session:
- Essentially, as soon as babe is born. Once things settle down, please send me an email or call (or text whatever method you prefer) to let me know your sweet babe is here so we can get a spot reserved for them in the studio!
Email me at info@kphotography.ca anytime, or text/call me at 250-797-0102
My in-home studio is located at: 5341 Leslie Cres, Nanaimo BC
- Sessions take place between 6 and 30 days old. The sooner you can let me know baby has arrived, the sooner we can make sure you have some date options to choose from during the 6-30 day age range.
- Let me know if there is a certain set up or prop you would love me to use. Feel free to take a look at my website, Facebook or Instagram account & if you see something you want us to try, shoot me an email so I can have it ready.
On the Day of the Session:
The following instructions are suggestions only. You know your baby best, so some of these instructions may not be possible. However, I have found that these tips work WONDERFULLY to help make the most of our time together for a successful session. I find that lack of preparation can cause the session to be much more difficult and last longer. Please don’t stress if you can not do everything perfectly. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and I totally understand this is a crazy time for your family! However, willing to alter your schedule just a bit for the day can help make your session a success!
- Stimulate & keep baby awake for an hour or so before the session. This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session & when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing & going from one set to another easier. A warm bath is a great way to do this as well as talking & interacting with baby while keeping he or she in just their diaper.
- Feed baby right before the session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. If you live nearby, feed your baby immediately before you leave your house to come to the session. If you live more than 45 minutes away, please feed your baby about 2-3 hours prior to the session, then, plan on feeding your baby again as soon as you arrive at my studio to get your baby nice and full before we start the session.
- If you are okay with baby using one, bring a pacifier, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it. Sucking is a soothing mechanism & can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos, even if I have to hold the pacifier for a bit to help.
- When you arrive, please leave the baby in the car seat when bringing into the studio. I will remove baby very slowly in the warm studio to avoid disturbing them as much as possible.
If you are coming to the session….
- WITH BABY ONLY (no siblings): Dress your baby in loose clothing so it will be easy to undress him without waking him (onesies are header to remove). We will start with your baby’s portraits right away, and will finish the session with parent photos.
- WITH A TODDLER OR YOUNG SIBLING: Please feed your baby immediately before you leave your house to come to the session. This will allow us to start sibling photos right away when you arrive. Young siblings have a short attention span for photos, so we want to make sure we take those photos immediately so the sibling will not have to wait through a feeding. When you get here, I will swaddle your baby in a beautiful wrap and begin the sibling photos. Dress your baby in loose clothing so it will be easy to undress him without waking him. We will start sibling photos immediately upon arrival, then family photos will follow.
- Full newborn sessions can last over 2 hours, and children do not enjoy sitting still for that amount of time. To keep things flowing as easy as possible you might consider bringing 2 vehicles so your partner or a family member/friend can bring them home or to a nearby playground right after.
- Mini newborn sessions last about 45-90 minutes total.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR.....?
PARENTS should wear solid colors and avoid patterns so they do not catch the attention from the main subject – the baby. A well-fitting t-shirt, black (any darker color), or tan works well, and looks nice for photos.
After your session
The photos from your session will be presented to you in a private online proofing gallery. I will email you the link to access this gallery within a couple of days/weeks after your session. From your gallery, you will be able to select your favorites. The number of images you may select depends on the package you choose.
Thank you for choosing me to photograph this special time!
It is my hope that you come to my studio feeling comfortable and at home. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives, and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!