As a mom of three, trust me when I say: I get it. I know getting ready for a session feels pretty daunting.
It might feel a little overwhelming when you hand over your retainer payment for your session. There’s a lot of questions floating around in your head, amiright? Hopefully this guide answers all of your questions and you feel prepped and ready for your upcoming session. Your only job is to show up ready to laugh and snuggle. I’ve got the rest.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions you may have. I am here to help this process go smooth from start to finish.
What To Expect
Before Your Session
- Pick your package
- Questionnaire to get to know you and your session vision
- Pick your location
- Receive your style guide, access to the client closet, & Pinterest boards
- Receive session reminder & final invoice
Day of Session
- Pull together outfits & accessories
- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready
- Show up, have fun, play games, & snuggle
- *Sigh of relief* YOU DID IT!
- Get ice cream (or maybe a drink)
After Your Session
- If your package includes a proof gallery you’ll receive an email about 7 days after your session
- Make your selections within 3 days
- Finally gallery delivered about 3 weeks after your session
- Order artwork
Getting Ready
If siblings are present, I will start with them first. If no siblings are present, we will start with just baby.
From there I will move into photos with mom, dad, and siblings.
If baby is fussy at any point, we will take a break or switch to something different.
Mama, you know your baby best, if you think they want to nurse or have a bottle let me know and we will take a break. Have bottles, pacifiers, (if you use them), and burp cloths readily available.
Where we will shoot
The locations I use most often in your home will be the nursery, master bedroom, and living room. I am open to other well-lit locations in your home upon request.
You just had a baby, there’s no need to clean your whole home for me!
Tidy up the nursery and the master bed area. Remove “clutter” from the changing table and from your side tables. Open curtains and blinds for maximum light. THAT’S ALL I NEED.
Have baby in a fresh diaper but no clothes
Wrap them up in a blanket to keep them warm. For photos of baby alone I will swaddle baby up in one of my wraps. It helps get them sleepy and keeps their limbs from flying everywhere. Do you have a special outfit you want them in? We can use it for photos with mom and dad!
Keep baby up about 45 minutes before I am scheduled to arrive.
You can also take it a step further and give baby a nice warm sponge bath, feed, and burp them. Have their diaper changed before they fall asleep. I try to limit diaper and outfit changes while I am there. However, if they aren’t asleep, it’s okay!
Follow baby’s cues
Today is not the day to follow a strict routine. Baby will likely be hungrier and eat more frequently. We will also disturb their sleep pattern. This is totally normal.
A few other tips
Add lotion to dry hands, keep mittens on their hands the day of (to avoid scratched faces), have a bottle prepped (if they take a bottle), and a pacifier nearby. These are all great ways to help the session run as smoothly as possible.
Siblings
If you have older siblings participating in the session it usually goes one of two ways. They are either super into helping and taking photos with baby OR they are totally not interested. For the littles one who want absolutely nothing to do with their new sibling have stickers or small candy like M&M’s readily available. We can hide the stickers/candy around the baby to get them involved. I know it sounds crazy but it works!
Don’t stress about anything! You are going to have an incredible experience. All I ask is that you soak in every minute of your session and focus on the ones you love. I will take care of all the rest!
A few last tidbits
If you would like me to wear a mask during the entirety of your newborn session please let me know ahead of time. I am happy to wear one.
I will wash my hands upon arrival and multiple times as needed throughout your session. I bring a space heater that helps get baby nice and sleepy. I have several wraps and gowns that will work with your outfits and home decor. I bring additional lighting equipment. If you have an unusually dark home, please let me know prior to your session. I wash all equipment and wraps after each use
Please fill out the client questionnaire upon receipt. I really do read it and rely on your answers to prep myself for your session.
