Newborn Session Prep Guide
Everything You Need to Know for an Amazing Newborn Session Experience
What to Expect
Newborn sessions take place in my beautiful natural light studio in Minneapolis or, in some circumstances, in your home. These sessions are not overly posed, but seek to capture the connection between you, your baby, and the rest of your family. Sessions run approximately 1-2 hours.
When You Arrive at the Studio
When you walk into the studio, I want you to take a deep breath, have some coffee or tea, and get settled in. Beautiful wraps and hand made outfits will be laid out for baby. Your client wardrobe dresses will be hanging on a rack by the changing room. Snacks are available for all who are there. Little toys are available for big brother or sister.
Congratulations on welcoming a new little one in your life! My newborn sessions capture the simple, natural beauty of your baby and your family. From their constantly changing expressions, dimpled hands, wrinkly toes, big yawns, and, most of all, their connection with you - I will preserve the details that you and your family will cherish for generations!
What if…..
Feedings and Diaper Changes
Babies are unpredictable with everything from when they are hungry or need to change or when they sleep! Time is allotted for you to do all these things during your session. Couches and comfy chairs are available for when you have to feed baby and a changing table is set for those diaper changes.
Baby is Fussy
No worries! Baby runs the show and this is expected. We will take our time, allowing as many breaks as needed.
What Should I Do in Front of the Camera?
Focus on loving on baby and other kiddos: sweet kisses on foreheads, touching noses, breathing in baby, cuddles and hugs.
Movement is good: sway with baby, rock baby, hold there hands and fingers.
Engage with your older kiddos: sing your favorite song, play with a favorite toy together, cuddle in close, hold them and dance, read them a story...simply connect.
Session Flow: Relaxing and No Stress!
Remember, ALL IS FLEXIBLE. Baby runs the show! Being in front of the camera can be awkward. I want you to focus on loving baby and I will guide you through.
Typical session flow is as follows:
1) Photos of the entire family with baby.
2) Siblings with baby.
3) Baby Alone.
4) Baby with Mom.
5) Baby with Dad.
6) Baby un-swaddled and lying next to you to capture details of hands, feet, eyes, etc.
The Studio is a Welcoming Place to Relax
All of the details will be ready and waiting for your arrival. From clothes for baby to dresses for you to toys for brother or sister. Tea and Coffee, soft music, and a relaxing place to care for baby.
Tips for Preparing Baby
A Full Belly is Key!
A warm and full baby is the key to happiness during a photo session! Babies are relaxed when it is warm and cozy. Try to feed baby shortly before you arrive, but know you will have plenty of opportunity to feed and change baby during your session. If baby needs to take a break mid-session for a snack, or just to be comforted, we there is plenty of time to take a break.
A Bath Before Does Wonders
Give baby a bath the evening before your session. A nice bath often relaxes them and also makes their skin and hair nice and fresh for session day!
Helpful Tips to Prepare Big Sister or Brother
Approach Your Session as a Celebration
It is important for mom and dad to set positive and fun expectations at home first, so that big brother and sister know what to expect. Help them to know that this day is important and will be fun for them too - not just baby!
A Happy Sibling is a Happy Session
Snacks, Toys, and Special Awards All The Way!
I will have some little toys available for siblings and snacks, too. But, feel free to bring some of their favorites, too. Cheerios and puffs are perfect for toddlers. For older kids, fruit snacks and small crackers are good too! Avoid chocolate altogether! Tic Tacs and Smarties are good bribery treats for kiddos 4 and up! When session time is done, I will give a special gift to siblings. They deserve it!
Work in Partnership with Me
Never force a toddler to pose, sit still, or look at the camera. We will work together to engage your kiddos so that you will connect as a family.
“Shoot and Run!” Breaks are a Must
With toddlers especially, I call it the "shoot and run". Because their attention spans only go so far, we will work together to engage sister or brother, and then let them run off and play. Then in a little while, we will bring them in to engage again. Sometimes, it takes just a split second to get an images you will remember forever!
Activities to Do Together!
I encourage you to simply be a family together while I capture the connection, comfort, and love: play together, tell jokes, ask for hugs, sing, cuddle, kiss each other, tickle and laugh, but also quietly snuggle! I will have toys available and lots of books for reading, too! I will guide you through the entire way and offer up suggestions.
How Does Styling Work?
I take care of all the details saving you time and money!
Styling that is Effortless
Our Styling Guide with color combinations and helpful tips will be sent to you via email 30 days prior to your session with links to a Client Wardrobe for Moms, Children and our special site with inspiration looks for Men called “Men’s Picks”. If you still feel uncertain, we can also send you a Style Board with looks for the whole family.
A Wardrobe to Bless Every Mom
My beautiful wardrobe will not only take away the stress of figuring out what to wear, but this special curated collection of dresses that are perfect for new moms will give you confidence and allow you to feel beautiful during this unique time in your life! Sizes range from XS-XXS and are cleaned and steamed before and after each use.
Ideal Colors: Earth Tones
When you receive your styling email, you will receive color palate examples to follow as well as links to my Client Wardrobes for Women and Children and my Men’s Picks page with inspiration for what men should wear. Wearing colors which are warm and earth toned not only results in timeless images, but also lend well to complimenting baby’s delicate skin.
Colors To Avoid:
Bright or contrasty colors like black, magenta, or bright whites take away from the beauty and softness of baby, so, we want to focus on earth and warm, neutral tones. You will not all wear the same color or busy patterns. The goal is combine colors that compliment each other!
Can I Try on a Dress Prior to My Session?
When you receive your Styling Email, you will be able to select your favorite dresses and outfits from the Client Wardrobe website by simply “hearting” your favorite items. We will have all of these items and more that we think may work ready and waiting for you come session day. If you would like to schedule a try-on, you may do so, but most moms wait until session day! I will have an entire rack of beautiful, flattering, and comfortable dresses waiting just for you!
Important Styling Tips to Follow
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For Men
PERFECT COLOR CHOICE: EARTH TONES! Bright colors take away from the beauty and softness of baby, so, we want to focus on earth and warm, neutral tones. Dad should wear a light and muted colored, solid colored henley shirt and preferable brown, olive, muted mustard, or khaki colored pants. Brown shoes or non athletic tennis shoes are great or barefoot too!
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For Women
When you receive your styling email, you will be able to select dresses from the Client Closet Website. A variety of beautiful, mom-friendly dresses will then be ready and waiting for you when you arrive at the studio. Please bring a strapless bra and wear skin toned undergarments.Make sure your nails and toe nails are soft and natural with no harsh or chipped colors.
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For Baby and Kiddos
Outfits for Baby will be ready and waiting for you at the studio. I have an array of special outfits, vintage blankets, swaddles, flower crowns, and bonnets for you to choose from. These will be laid out for you to choose from when you arrive at the studio. Children’s clothing may also be selected from the Children’s Closet when you receive your Styling Email. These outfits will also be ready when you arrive. I have girl sizes up to size 12 and boy sizes up to 4T.
Some Business Reminders
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After baby arrives, text or email to confirm the date you chose at booking or request a date change. Life happens and having a new baby is unpredictable. If you need to reschedule, we will work together to select a new day that fits both our schedules.
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A week after your session, you’ll receive a preview of your beautiful images! This is when your Collection remaining balance is due.
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3-4 weeks after your session, you’ll receive a slideshow of all your images set to music, and your gallery. Within the gallery, you’ll have the option to upgrade your Collection for more digitals or special print products or stick with your current collection. For more information about collection offerings, see my pricing page.
What if baby comes early or late? What is the payment process again? Can I get prints or more digitals?
Have questions? Take a look at my FAQ page or contact me!