Newborn Sessions take place Monday-Friday Starting at 9 or 10 am in the morning. Family pictures will take place first so dad can leave with kiddos or go back to work.
Please make sure you have completed the questionnaire so I know your vision for your session.
Newborn sessions last 1-3 hours, depending on your chosen package. I encourage you to use this time to sit back and relax! This should be stress free and enjoyable! The Day of your Session:
I have everything you need!
No need to bring any props, wraps, or outfits with the exception of the item(s) we may have already discussed. I have everything provided in studio so come, relax and enjoy.
Babies Love Heat! Newborns are used to being in 98.6-degree temp of your womb. We want them to be comfortable when we get those cute naked baby shots. Heat also helps them sleep better. We will be hot, but the baby will love it! So please dress yourself accordingly. It will be very warm in my studio.
Preparing for Your Newborn Session
Quad Cities Newborn Photographer
The most important thing is baby having a full feed and tummy right before you leave your house!
Before you head out the door for the session, please loosen up your baby’s diaper. This allows the little imprint marks time to disappear. Your baby may be naked in some of the shots, so we want the red marks to go away. Because we want the baby sleepy for the session. We recommend that you try to keep your baby awake for one hour prior to the session. I know this will be hard but do your best. Trust us, it will be worth it! A bath prior to leaving helps keep them alert and awake, perhaps that's one thing you can try!
When you arrive, bring baby in the car seat into the studio, do not take baby out. I will go over how the session will unfold and the choices in props/colors, then when we are ready to begin, I will take baby out of the car seat and proceed with posing. This allows baby to stay asleep a little longer from the car ride and I can gently take him/her out with minimal disturbance. Dress your baby in loose fitting clothing that zips or buttons in the middle. Please no onesies or other articles of clothing that go over the head. I will swaddle them for the first pose. We love “milk drunk” babies! I may ask you to nurse (or feed) your baby during our session if they start to get cranky. If you do need to feed the baby at my studio, please take the time and give them the full feeding necessary. Just a small "snack" will cause baby to wake several times throughout the session not allowing them to sleep because they are hungry.
Another note: although you may not be offering a pacifier, we prefer to use one just for the session, it's a real help for soothing your baby when posing. I cannot stress the importance of bringing a pacifier even if they do not accept one at home or you do not want them to take one. It's an excellent tool used to soothe the baby that we might not be able to otherwise, ergo not accomplishing the pose.
Feeding note: If you live father away from the studio, please arrive early and feed your baby in the car or let me know prior to the session, so you can come in the studio and feed your baby.
Preparing Your Baby
Pacifier, please bring a pacifier to your session. It is sometimes needed when baby is still happy and sleepy but the pose, we are doing requires baby to touch their face. This can startle the rooting reflex and wake baby up, preventing us from getting the picture. Having the pacifier close by, I can give it to baby just long enough to get them soothed and asleep again for the shot. Not all babies will be happy in all poses, even with a pacifier, I cannot guarantee every pose.
Change of clothes for you and baby (sometimes baby pees or poos on mom and dad too!)
Extra milk or be ready to breastfeed when/if baby needs a snack (if possible, don’t feel you HAVE to bring formula, but if you have some pumped milk, feel free to bring it with you!)
Extra diapers & wipes.
What to Bring
Wear solid colors that coordinate with each other, no loud prints or stripes. Neutral colors work best, Grey, white, ivory, browns, pale colors etc. Nothing that will distract from your beautiful baby! Only 1 outfit for family photos.
Moms, I recommend wearing tinted chap-stick or lipstick.
We will shoot family and sibling poses first and it will last about 30-45 minutes. Please drive in separate vehicles or have someone come and pick up the children to go and play after their session.
Please note that there are only two chairs in the studio, so I recommend that only two adults stay for the baby-only portion to ensure seating is available.
Family Poses
(These are just suggestions) This list is a helpful guide of common foods to avoid while nursing. These foods typically affect babies under 6 weeks. As they get older, introduce foods one at a time to see how they are affected. Every baby is different, be sure to consult with your pediatrician. Check with your pediatrician if Dairy is an issue. Please try to avoid any of these foods at least 12 hours before your session if you are breastfeeding, Citrus Acidic foods and drinks such as: -Cranberries -Pineapple -Grapefruit -Oranges -Lemons -Tacos/Spicy/Mexican Food/Salsa -Ketchup Gassy Vegetables such as: -Asparagus -Onions -Cucumbers/pickles -Broccoli-Cauliflower -Brussels sprouts -Cabbage Restricted foods such as: -Soda -Coffee/Tea -Alcoholic Beverages -Strawberries and all berries -Tomatoes or tomato products-Chocolate (rarely but sometimes affects babies) -Peanuts – nuts in general -Pizza -Spaghetti -Chili We highly suggest if your baby is gassy, to avoid the foods mentioned 48 hours before your session.
*Adapted from Guide by Dr. O’Connell, CA
Breast Feeding Guide
To make your baby's newborn photography session extra special with a one-of-a-kind creative digital composite, please let me know ahead of time. These compositions require thoughtful preparation and a specific approach to capture perfectly. Let's make some magical memories together!
I'd love to hear about any theme ideas you have in mind. The earlier, the merrier!
Creative Digital Composites
