THANK YOU FOR BOOKING YOUR NEWBORN SESSION!
I can't wait to meet your sweet little bundle of joy! I have put together this guide to help you feel more prepared for your newborn session either in my Slidell Studio or at your home. My goal is to create beautiful portraits for your family while prioritizing the health and safety of you, your family, and, of course, that new baby!
Preparing for the Session
In-Home Sessions
For your in-home session I will need the following:
- A space large enough for me to setup will be needed. I don't need much space at all! Living room, baby's room, or kitchen, it all works! Lighting is not important for the newborn portraits (It will be important for the family portraits. See below). If you have a coffee table or something similar, that is great! If not, a chair or sofa will work just fine!
- Think about where you will want to do the family portraits. A lot of families opt for the nursery or living room. Somewhere with a window usually works best.
- I will need to wash my hands. This is the one line I hear most, "The bathroom or kitchen is a mess!" Number one, I don't care! I have a baby too! I know that it is impossible to keep the house clean. I am not there to judge you! I am here to get pictures! Your family's health is very important to me, and that is why I wash my hands immediately after setting up.
- Feed and change the baby before I get there. I mean right before. It is best to feed them as much as they will drink. Try to burp them as well. If they have gas, they can get uncomfortable during the session.
- Have an outfit picked out... or not. I provide all outfits and props, but if you have something in particular you want to capture them in, have it ready for the session. Do you want to include a sentimental item (special blanket, picture of loved one, plaque, etc.)? Let me know and have it ready!
- If your family will be doing Family Portraits, I recommend wearing white shirts and blue jeans. Since these portraits will not be in my studio, the portraits will have a lifestyle feel, That means the pictures will be taken sitting on the couch, outside the home, or in the baby's nursery.
- Select the themes for the newborn session. Please view this link to see the various themes available. Please email the themes you have chosen at least the day before the session. You can find the themes and more information here:
- Ensure the contract and questionnaire are completed.
Slidell Studio Sessions
You can prepare for the studio session by:
- Feed and change the baby before or right when you arrive. It is best to feed them as much as they will drink. Try to burp them as well. If they have gas, they can get uncomfortable during the session. There is a restroom, changing table, etc. here in my home studio.
- Have an outfit picked out... or not. I provide all outfits and props, but if you have something in particular you want to capture them in, have it ready for the session. Do you want to include a sentimental item (special blanket, picture of loved one, plaque, etc.)? Let me know and have it ready!
- If your family will be doing Family Portraits, I recommend wearing white shirts and blue jeans. The background colors to choose from are brown, green, black, white, and gray.
- Select the themes for the newborn session. Please view this link to see the various themes available. Please email the themes you have chosen at least the day before the session. You can find the themes and more information here:
- Ensure the contract and questionnaire are completed.
What to Expect During the Session
- We will take breaks as needed. If your baby seems like they are getting hungry or needing a diaper change, we will pause the session and give them what they need.
- Sessions can last up to three hours. Because breaks may be needed, sessions can sometimes last three hours. If all is going well, we will usually be done in 1.5 or 2.
- The safety of your baby and family is my main priority. Sessions may need to be rescheduled or cancelled if baby is too stressed. If after feeding, changing, and soothing, the baby is still crying, I will cease the session. We can discuss rescheduling if enough portraits were not captured.
- I WILL ask you to assist. Some positions will require an assistant to help hold baby's head. I will also ask that you spot to make sure baby does not fall or roll into an unsafe position. If you will be unable to assist, please make sure someone is there who can. I will give you a crash course on what to do when I arrive.
Please note, I have taken many safety courses when it comes to dealing with newborns. I WILL NEVER put your baby in an unsafe position.
After the Session
We made it through! Your portraits will be edited and added to the online gallery. I will send you a link via email to view and download the portraits you choose! The package includes 15 edited portraits for download. Each gallery usually contains about 30 edited portraits. You can choose the 15 you like best. If you choose, you can purchase more or even the entire gallery!
