Newborn Session Preparation Guide
WELCOME
Congratulations again on your new baby! Thank you so much for allowing me the amazing and rewarding job of photographing your new little one in their first few days of life.
I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives, and I look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!
Below are a few tips to prepare for your session.
CLIENT QUESTIONNAIRE
If you haven’t already, please complete our client questionnaire.
PREPARING BABY
If nursing or bottle feeding breastmilk, try to eliminate caffeine from your diet for 72 hours prior to your session.
If bottle feeding, breastmilk or formula, please bring along a bottle if we need to feed baby during your session.
Please feed baby about an hour prior to your session. During that hour prior try and have some 'awake' time if possible (bath, let them kick with only a diaper on, tickle their toes, even letting them fuss for a little bit, etc.). This will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn pictures! I can't stress enough that it is so important to do your best to keep them awake, even if they typically sleep during the time of day that we do our shoot.
Dress baby in a button/zip up outfit, just ideally nothing that goes over baby's head so if they're sleepy when you arrive we don't disturb them too much.
WHAT TO BRING
Please bring a nuk/pacifier (preferably the soothie pacifier the hospital provided, they won't leave marks). Even if you haven't used one yet or baby doesn't seem to take to it, just for the 2-3 hours that I'm posing baby it can really help. If you don't happen to have one, I keep unopened soothies here in the studio (as well as plenty of diapers and wipes!). However if you really prefer that we don't use one, that is fine as well.
I have a huge and ever growing collection of headbands, hats, bonnets, wraps, boxes, outfits and more, so no need to bring anything from home unless there is something special or important to your family that you'd like included, just let me know ahead of time (in your questionnaire is great) so I can include it in the flow of your session.
DURING OUR SHOOT
The studio will be warm and toasty (80+ degrees!) so please dress in layers! You’re welcome to relax and hang out (PS - I promise if you fall asleep for a little cat nap, you won't be the first parent to do so).
I have some beverages and snacks available while you are relaxing as well (and some goodies for the older kiddos, too!).
PHOTOS WITH PARENTS
I generally prefer soft neutrals such as creams, whites, tans, and soft pinks. However, these photos are meant to reflect your style. If you love bold and bright colors, we can certainly incorporate those. These are your photos, and I'm here to ensure they align with your preferences.
Parent photos will take place about the last 20-30 minutes of your session. I do love photographing the connection between you and your baby!
Even if you don't think you want a photo with you and your baby, please do reconsider. For the most part, parent shots are taken chest up and take just a few minutes.
If you do decide to have parent and/or family photos, please be sure that your nails are manicured (nothing fancy, just not chipped polish ideally) as your hands will make their way into the photos.
Please know that I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light to create beautiful images you will cherish.
PHOTOS WITH SIBLINGS
I typically photograph siblings (and parents) at the end of the photo session, about 1.5 hours into the session. It works best for siblings to arrive then, vs staying for the entire session, but I can accommodate your family's needs.
For mini sessions specifically, family is invited to come for the entire session, depending on baby's sleepy status, we may start with sibling/parent poses or even in the middle.
Just like for you, simple is better for clothing! I will wrap baby up in a coordinating color to look best with the family.
THE STUDIO
My studio is located at 53416 Rockford Road in North Mankato.
As you enter the farmyard, the studio is the first gray metal shed on the left. Look for my logo on the black garage door, the entrance is around the corner, under the porch area. Feel free to park up on the concrete portion next to the main doorway.
When you arrive, just come on in—it's my hope that you feel right at home and completely comfortable during your visit.
EDITS & DELIVERY
Proofs will be available approximately three weeks after the session, and an invoice will be sent electronically before proofs are ready. Full payment is required before proofs are sent.
