When it comes to booking a newborn session there are more tips we can give for what to expect than what to wear. Since newborns are Michelle’s most popular type of session, there are lots of outfit options that she can provide if you just aren’t sure what to put on your little pea. Let’s just take it one tip at a time, starting with wardrobe:
Stay away from logo’s or anything with small font or pictures
This is probably the easiest tip we can give and we mentioned it in our last post when dressing your little ones. Newborns are just so teeny tiny and a lot of the poses they get put into will most likely coverup any cute phrases written on an outfit. I know they can be tempting to buy but what ends up happening is it either doesn’t get used in the shoot or you just can’t see it because baby is all scrunched up on his/her little belly.
The best newborn sessions are tentatively booked BEFORE you deliver your baby
I know this sounds crazy, but newborns are learning new things and developing everyday so they are most cooperative within the first two weeks of life. Although your one month old is still technically a newborn, he/she has already learned to start squirming around even more than they did at one week old. If you book your session for two or three weeks after your due date, it’s safe to say it should work just fine. We aren’t saying the session won’t work if your baby is past two weeks old, it will just be a lot smoother for everyone involved, including the little one.
Expect to your session to take up more time than you think
For pretty much every other type of session we can always expect to be shooting for around two hours maximum. For a newborn session we really can’t put any time limit on the session because if baby needs to eat, or get settled you could be looking at 45 minutes of non shooting time. It’s always best when the baby is in a deep sleep so we can put them into all of those cute little poses and sometimes that can take a lot longer than expected especially if you are a first time mommy. So be sure to bring a day’s worth of all the baby essentials, just incase! Also, if you have another child you wanted to get in some photos, it’s best to make arrangements for them so they can leave when finished. It usually works best to have them come at the beginning of the session. You will be as actively involved in this session as the baby will be so we want to make it smooth sailing for you too.
Talk about what you are wanting from this session before you arrive
Be sure to communicate exactly what you are expecting and what you want from this session. There are endless adorable ideas for newborns, and I often incorporate some sort of theme or style to the shoot. Whether it be vintage inspired or really girly, I try to make each session a little different from the last. If there are certain things you prefer not to do, it’s best to communicate it before shoot day. If you don’t like anything too styled and would prefer more classic, simple baby shots then thats great. Maybe you are in love with the cute little themes I’ve come up with and you are thinking you would be up for doing something very unique, that’s awesome! It just makes my job easier because I will often put a lot of time and effort into making things and prepping for the shoot. It’s best when we are both on the same page about what you are looking for and then we don’t have to scramble around the day of making changes.
Bring snacks
Not only is your little one going to be hungry but you will be as well! It never hurts to take some snacks along with you incase the day ends up taking longer than expected.
Consider turning your newborn session into a newborn lifestyle session
If your little one is one or two months old, there’s a good chance it will be a little harder to get them into those snug poses. If they are really active but you still want to capture them at that age, a lifestyle session may be a better fit. Lifestyle sessions take place in the comfort of your own home and we can incorporate the nursery, as well as any other cozy spaces you have to offer! It works best if can see where I am shooting before the session takes place, just to be sure there will be proper lighting in your home.
.png)
.jpg){kind=small}
