From the warm cuddles to the unpredictability, I LOVE photographing newborns!
Heads up, things book up fast so be sure to contact me during the middle to end of your pregnancy. If you are planning on doing maternity photos they are best to be done between 32-37 weeks. Here are a few tips to help prepare for your newborn session.
Booking
Once your due date is penciled in put me on the list of people to notify from the hospital, then shoot me a email/text so I can get you booked in.
The best time for newborns is within the first 10 days when they are the sleepiest. After that they tend to be more aware of their environment and harder to get those cute sleepy poses.
Location
All newborn session are done in your home, in your natural environment. Don’t worry if your house isn’t spotless, you just had a baby. If you have time make sure to tidy the rooms we will be shooting in, bedroom, living room, and nursery. For the most party the main focus will be tight in of just the baby, using the best natural window light.
Session
Typically newborns sessions take about 2-3 hours and are done in the mid morning when baby is most content and we have great natural window light. This allows time for feeds, changing and if they do become fussy to have some snuggle time.
Keep your home a bit warmer by turning up the heat as it helps baby stay sleepy. Yes, by the end of the session we may be sweating but anything to keep baby cozy and sleeping. I also have a white noise machine that I bring, to help sooth and relax baby.
Right before the session, strip the baby down to a clean diaper and swaddle them. Then give them a good feed so that they are happy, aka “milk drunk”.
My style for newborns is as seen in my portfolio. I keep it as natural as possible without props or unnatural poses. Less in more! I will bring a few swaddles and blankets but for the most part if you have any of your own set them aside, it’s nice to use a few of your own items to make the photos more personal. As well neutral onesies are great, have a few set aside as options. For mommas, wear what you feel most comfortable in. Something neutral and loose fitting, here is a link to some inspiration on what to wear - https://www.pinterest.ca/corrinawalker/what-to-wear-family-session/
If we are incorporating parents and/or siblings we will either do that at the beginning or the end of the shoot, babies and children will dictate how the session will flow. Then when it’s just the babies turn, best to have the other children leave the room to keep a clam environment for baby.
Finally it’s very important to be relaxed. I’m very comfortable and have many years of experience handling babies. A baby can sense stress or anxiety so it’s important everyone stays relaxed. Feel free to put your feet up, have a coffee or even take a quick nap!
