newborn session information
Newborn sessions feature naturally posed portraiture and are held when baby is 5-14 days old. Babies are on their own schedule and often need extra time to settle into a good sleep, so newborn sessions typically last between 2-4 hours. Babies are perfect as they are, so they are typically undressed or swaddled for sessions. Above all else, your baby’s safety and comfort are my top priorities. Every baby is different and may have particular likes or dislikes during their session, I will never put a baby in an unsafe situation or pose they are uncomfortable with.
I ask that parents notify me of baby’s birth within 48 hours of delivery so that newborn sessions can be scheduled as soon as possible. Newborn sessions are scheduled for the morning, a time when babies are their happiest and the light is best. I have an assortment of blankets and wraps in neutral colors to use during your session. If there are particular items you would like incorporated into your images please don’t hesitate to let me know. To capture the best images and help your baby sleep, please refrain from taking your own photos.
As the studio space is small, and newborn session require a calm environment, only immediate family members are permitted during newborn sessions. And finally, please don’t worry if there is an accident during the session. It happens all the time! All of my items and props are washed after every session.
If you have your baby boy circumcised please let me know. To keep him happy and comfortable for his session it’s important to allow at least 4-5 days to heal before being photographed. For your baby’s health and comfort, I do not photograph boys within 72 hours of circumcision.
siblings & newborn sessions
I welcome older siblings to participate in newborn sessions, with the understanding that a parent or other caregiver be available to take the older sibling(s) elsewhere (park, ice cream, playground) when they are not being photographed. If you have an older child who will be part of the session, we will take any images with them at the beginning of the session, then someone (usually dad) can can take them home or out for lunch while we capture baby-only images for the second half of the session. Newborn sessions are long, hot, and require a calm environment - a recipe that's sure to make even the most well behaved child frustrated and uncomfortable.
Please let older kiddos know this is fun! No threats, as it usually brings about tears and added stress. Instead, I’m a huge fan of bribery - everyone gets stickers and ice cream after! However, please don’t bring candy or treats for bribing during the session, they tend to just be a distraction (and I have plenty of stickers to share in the studio). If you feel it's necessary, you may bring a small “clean” snack with you for your toddler that won't make a mess on his/her face. Foods that are sticky, have dyes, or may otherwise damage or stain items in the studio, are not permitted.
Likewise, please do not bring additional toys or caregivers with you to "entertain" older kids during your session. I promise that the session will be entertainment enough! While they are in the studio, we want them to be having fun with you during the session, not playing with firetrucks or glow toys. Bringing toys and books (or Aunt Sarah) will at best distract them when we are trying to capture images of them, or at worst, make them upset when they can no longer play with their favorite things.