SIT BACK AND RELAX!!! WE GOT YOU!
Scheduling
Since it is pretty much impossible to know exactly when your little one will be born, at this point the best we can do is have a tentative date, based upon your “due date”. However, once your baby is born, make sure to email or text me at 214-216-BABY(2229) so we can confirm a date that will work for us both! Babies are often best photographed at approximately 10 days of birth.
If including a sibling or pet for a few images, we will likely take their pictures first. Therefore, please plan to have someone that can take them away from the studio immediately following their part of the shoot. Toddlers and pets do not often create a calm environment and can easily affect a successful shoot.
The studio should remain quiet and may be warm, so we ask that you please take this into consideration and avoid inviting others to attend.
NOTE: DUE TO COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES, ONLY IMMEDIATE HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS BEING PHOTOGRAPHED WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE STUDIO.
Rescheduling
If for any reason you need to reschedule, please contact the studio as soon as possible. Retainers are non refundable, but may be applied to another session within 2 weeks of original date. Sorry, but retainers/session fees are non-transferrable.
Please reschedule (as soon as possible) if you suspect your baby may be feeling “not up for a photoshoot”. Although it is never anticipated, please understand that the photographer cannot be held liable for any non-cooperative or sick baby resulting in an unsuccessful session, and retainers will not be refunded.
Tips & Tricks
We will get the best images if your baby is sleepy and full. If you live close to the studio, feel free to feed prior to arriving. Otherwise, please plan on feeding your baby upon your arrival, I will complete my set-up during this time so you do not feel rushed. I’ve found that it is easiest if you loosen his/her diaper and wrap the baby in a blanket (vs clothing) for this feeding. That way we won’t have to bother the baby with undressing before we start. I will ensure that the room is a comfortable temperature FOR BABY, and be using a space heater in the studio as the baby is usually more relaxed when the room is REALLY warm. Please understand that although you may be hot, the baby will be comfortable. You may want to dress in layers for this reason.
- If breastfeeding or pumping, please, NO CAFFEINE 24 hours before or during shoot.
- I like to ask, even nursing, Moms to bring a bottle to the session. It helps if Mom has little involvement so baby doesn't sense your presence, limiting what may be done in the session.
- PLEASE bring a pacifier, even if your baby does not take one. I find that a pacifier can be a lifesaver in many sessions. Pacifiers will only be used if absolutely necessary, for only a quick moment. Should a parent refuse a pacifier, please know that the photographer cannot be held liable for a baby that does not cooperate otherwise, which may result in an unsuccessful session. Retainers will not be refunded should this occur.
- Please do not dress the baby in anything that has to be pulled over their head, and keep clothing loose. Snap up onesies are best.
- Please avoid dressing baby in hats, socks, or anything tight around the arms/legs as this will leave lines on babies skin.
During the Session
Since the baby will spend alot of time undressed, we will most likely have an accident or two, It’s totally ok! I use a waterproof cover under each of my set ups so only one blanket gets soiled if that happens. Please also expect plenty of feeding breaks. You may need to feed the baby more often than you've become accustomed since we might disturb baby's sleep with posing and that is the quickest and most effective way to get baby back to sleep.
You may want to bring a change of clothes for yourself or other family members, just in case!
Poses & Props
As far as poses/inspiration images go, I cannot guarantee that we will get any specific images but I will surely do my best to get the images that are of most importance to you and your family. If baby allows, I will start with your priority shots and then fill in the gaps.
We typically get between 3-5 different setups, depending on your package. I will have enough (newborn) blankets, wraps, hats, & headbands for the entire session but if you have something special you'd like to use, please feel free to bring it along. I love using family heirlooms or hobby items to personalize our session, but please consider the sizing of items you'd like to include, as oversized clothing, bulky knitted outfits, or hats do not photograph well.
During the session please sit back and relax. We have a wonderful lounge area just for you! I won't need much assistance, so take advantage of this time to rest. You are more than welcome to peek, but often when parents are too close baby can smell or hear you and may wake thinking it is feeding time. Some poses may require assistance and I will give you instruction at that time. Remember that a nervous, hovering parent, may also make the photographer and/or the baby nervous, resulting in an unsucessful shoot. Thank you for respecting the space in which I need to work to create the beautiful photos you are here for.
If you are planning for a Parent pose, please wear solid colors.
Session Length
There is no telling how long the session will take. I usually try to keep it under 2 hours but have had to go to 3 in some instances. As mentioned, approx 10 days is ideal since the baby is the boss, but regardless of age please just remember that I am not in any hurry.
Please don’t feel the need to apologize if the session is on the long side, it’s totally ok. Please be aware that while I am more than happy to photograph your baby at any age, babies over 2 weeks old will take much more time and effort. Newborns become increasingly more alert every single day, and this will affect the babies tolereance and cooperation during a photoshoot.
Parents, Please know that I have invested a tremendous amount of time and finances in educating myself on tips and tricks, as well as important details regarding Newborn safety. I have had many of these items make or break a shoot. Therefore, please note that failure to follow the photographer's recommendations, releases the photographer of any liability of an unsuccessful shoot, and retainers will not be reimbursed due to the photographer's time and effort invested.
*Photographer meets required TDap vaccinations for the safety of your Newborn.
* See our COVID-19 tab on the website for all safety requirements and precautions.