NEWBORN SESSIONS! We have learned that not a lot of new moms really know what is going on when they schedule a newborn session with us. Questions like "What do we wear, how long will it take, and what if I have to feed my baby?" are all commonly asked. We wanted to shed some light on the beauty that is a newborn session. This blog post has oodles of information that will help you properly plan for such an important day in your baby's life. They are only this small ONCE!
1. When should I schedule my newborn session?
You can schedule a session as soon as you know you are pregnant, or you can wait a couple of months until you know the gender and are more sure of the due date. We will mark your due date in our calendar. As soon as your little one arrives, let us know! We like to schedule newborn sessions within 10 days of them being born. A 1-week-old will sleep and pose more easily than a 2-week-old! We want them to still be comfortable in those "womb like" positions.
2. What if my baby is early/late?
Communication is key! If your bundle of joy arrives early, get a hold of us and we will work things out! We know due dates can be unexpected, and we are always ready to work around that.
3. What do I wear?
In the following images, you will see many of our families choose to show up in simple, white shirts. While you do not have to choose white, we usually suggest that you wear something solid. Bold prints or crazy patterns do not read as well in photos, especially when we want all of the focus to be on your precious new addition to the family! You do not have to show up "matchy matchy," but you defiantly want to color coordinate with your family to make sure all of the colors look good together. For information on what your baby will wear, refer to number 6 below. Also keep in mind that we keep the studio warm to keep the baby is as comfortable as possible. So you might want to wear layers that can be shed, or a change of cooler clothes!
4. How long does a newborn session last?
This is a very tricky question to answer! We have had a newborn session last as long as four hours, but have also had some last an hour and a half. We usually tell parents to plan on being at our studio for at least 3 hours. Anything less than that, great! But MOST of the time, we find that our sessions can last a while.
5. What is actually happening at my newborn's session, especially if it takes that long!
Yes, 3 hours is A LOT of time to carve out of your busy schedule, and what if you have a toddler who cannot sit still for more than 10 minutes?? All perfectly normal concerns, but we have some answers for you.
6. What should I bring to the session?
We provide all the props and clothing we need already in our studio. When baby is not naked, he/she will be swaddled or wrapped in a cloth or blanket. Unless you have a sentimental outfit that you really want photos in, baby clothes are not necessary. When you show up, do bring baby in loose clothing that will not leave marks on baby (ex. tight socks or a headband that will leave an indent on baby's forehead). We are going to take the clothes off anyway, UNLESS you have a specific request to keep an outfit on.
We also love it when parents bring personal props for us to work with. If you have any special stuffed animals, crotched items, baby blankets, military gear, or anything else sentimental, bring those with you! We will try and incorporate anything you bring. This is your session and we want to make sure you get the images you want!
7. How should I prepare my baby beforehand?
8. What if I have more questions?
Never fear! We are ready to talk to you TODAY about any more questions you may having regarding our newborns sessions. Feel free to contact us! You can Facebook us, DM us on Instagram, call us (leave a message), text us, or email us! Our contact info can be found here on our website or on our other social media pages. Also, one big thank you to all of the families who are featured in this blog! You make us look good!
- Melanie and Lindsey