Newborn
Session
Prep Guide

The number one component of a successful newborn shoot is a sleepy baby! We want baby to be in a nice milk coma throughout our session, as this is how we achieve the adorable newborn poses, so please plan on feeding baby accordingly. Please feed baby right before I arrive at your home and let him/her fall into a nice deep sleep. Please make sure the outfit baby is wearing is easy to take off so can do our best not to wake the baby.

Please make sure the rooms you would like photographed with baby are decluttered and tidy. This includes hiding chargers and cords so they can’t be seen in the photos.

What to have ready:

• extra diapers

• wipes

• pacifier (even if baby doesn’t take one yet)

• swaddle blanket

• a bottle ready if baby isn’t breastfed

I am fully equipped with all of the essential props and accessories to truly make your newborn photos special. So no need to buy any of the items listed below to help make your session memorable. This includes:

• headbands in a variety of colors

• handmade knit and up-cycled hats for both boys and girls

• stretchy wraps in many different colors

• posing blankets

• vintage crates and buckets if interested

In order to keep the focus of your pictures on you and your baby, simple and natural is best. Colorful clothing and bright accessories take away from the simple image of you loving your baby, so follow these tips to help us create breathtaking images of your new family.

Moms: Wear a lace or neutral color top/dress over your nursing bra or cami - white, tan, grey are best. Don’t worry about your post-baby body! I shoot from flattering angles and have photoshop in my toolbox to create flattering images of yourself you will love. Use only clear or neutral nail polish on your hands and wear your hair down or in a simple, natural style.

Dads: A neutral color, soft henley or t-shirt with jeans/shorts that coordinates with what mom is wearing. Botton down shirts or polos with colors often look too formal for newborn sessions.

For parents, capturing the perfect picture of all of their children together is a dream come true! Highlighting the new sibling relationship can create some of parents’ most precious memories and I love meeting big brother and sister! However, these images aren’t always the easiest to get, as we’re dealing with children, so here are some helpful tips!

• Make sure siblings get breakfast before the session starts so they have happy bellies.

• Welcoming a new baby into the house can throw kids of all ages for a loop, so sometimes simple bribery works great that they can earn after the session. Such as a treat, toy, special show or outing.

• Keep clothing simple! For sisters, neutral color tank tops or dresses. For brothers, jeans and no shirt is adorable! Or, jeans and a neutral henley. Remember, no colorful nail polish for big sis either!

• Keep your expectations realistic based on the ages of your children. While we all want that perfect sibling shot, expecting a 2 year old to hold a newborn and also smile for the camera is a pretty tough task! We can still get special shots of hugs and kisses, the kiddos’ feet next to each other, holding hands, and other candid moments.

Remember, the window for getting these priceless newborn shots is very small! The session is best done between 10 and 18 days of age. As baby gets older, he/she isn’t as curled up, posable, sleepy and new! All sessions booked are tentative and fluid dates, so it’s important to keep me posted on baby’s arrival. If you schedule an induction date or c-section, please let me know! Once baby is here, send an email letting me know as soon as you can, so I can confirm a date for your session that falls into this ever important window of time!

As we get closer to your newborn session day, I’m sure you’re getting excited, nervous, anxious, and just can’t wait to see pictures of your precious little peanut! Newborn sessions require longer hours of editing, but I try my best to get your online viewing gallery to you within 1 to 2 weeks of your session date. Please know that I will do everything I can to capture your baby and family and provide you with those special photographic memories that will last a lifetime.

Please share any thoughts or ask any questions that you might have, as my #1 goal is for you to feel comfortable and prepared for your session! I am so looking forward to meeting your family and I am honored you chose

THANK YOU! - RHP