Safety is always first.
Please let me know if there are any special medical considerations that I should be aware of when handling your baby. I always take great care in holding and positioning the baby with safety in mind, but if there are any additional things I should know it would be helpful in creating the best environment for the baby.
COVID-19 Precautions.
My studio is equipped with a HEPA and UV Air Filter system. I will also be wearing a mask for the duration of the session and using hand sanitizer throughout. Upon arriving, please wear a mask or face covering and be sure to use hand sanitizer (provided at the studio) or wash your hands. Masks and face coverings can be removed once in the studio (basement).
During this time, I'd like to limit the number of guests in the studio. It is appreciated that only family members that are involved in the photos attend the session. Physical distancing will be implemented when possible. I will try to use verbal cues to pose rather than touch. With newborn sessions, it is much more difficult to physically distance from a newborn when wrapping, posing and even taking photos because I have to follow trained safety precautions. Please speak with me if you are uncomfortable with this and we can avoid posed and wrapped newborn shots.
Any person that attends a session that is showing symptoms of a cold, flu, cough, fever etc. will be asked to kindly leave, and a rescheduled session will be planned for a later date.
FAQ
What is the best age to photograph a newborn baby?
The ideal time is when the baby is five to twelve days old. Newborns sleep more soundly at that age and easier to pose. However, some families have circumstances where they can’t make it in during that time, whether it be a longer hospital stay or schedule conflicts. In those cases, I can still work with older newborns. It takes extra care and time to pose older newborns as they are more alert and restless. Poses for older newborns may differ from poses that we can achieve for newborns younger than 2 weeks, so please keep that in mind if there are certain poses you hope to achieve.
How long should we expect the session to be?
I set aside a maximum of 3 hours for the session. This will leave enough time for breaks for feeding, soothing and changing diapers. Typically, sessions for first-time parents who come within the 5-12 days of birth, will be here for an average of 2 hours. Families with older newborns and/or other young children (toddlers) may expect to be here the full 3 hours.
Typically, I begin sessions with portraits of parents and siblings with the baby. Then, we move towards portraits of the baby alone using various wraps, props etc.
What should we wear?
My photography style is quite natural, so the best attire to wear would be light, soft, natural, earthy and neutral (beiges, light greys, blush, pastels etc). Avoid busy patterns, bright/bold colours or dark clothing. Soft floral patterns are fine.
Photos are meant to be cherished for years and years to come, so try to choose classic pieces. Adding pieces with texture are also a nice touch, such as lace and knit. Coordinate your outfits with your family members, but do not choose matching items (i.e. please do not wear all white shirts and blue jeans. It’s nice to coordinate, but not look like you are all wearing uniforms.
What should we bring?
Other than the essentials for your baby (diapers, formula etc), it might be a good idea to bring a change of clothes for yourselves in the event of any small accidents that may occur while your baby is naked.
Snacks for toddlers/kids and books or a toy are a good idea, as sessions can be quite long.
Can I bring my own props?
I generally like to use the props I have in my studio, as they are specfically geared towards newborn photography. However, if you have special sentimental items that you would like to bring, please let me know and I can see if I can incorporate it in the session. Keep in mind, babies are small so smaller items are best, rather than large items.
How do I prepare siblings for photos with the new baby?
Sibling photos are the most desired photos for parents. They are also the most stressful for parents if their little ones are less than cooperative. My best piece of advice is: just go with it. Kids, in general, do not like being pressured into taking photos. The best photos come from an organic place: siblings playing naturally with their new baby sister or brother. If a child is not being cooperative, most often the best thing is for parents to take a step back or give the child a small break. I like to create a stress-free environment, so don't worry about getting a perfect shot. It will happen, and most often happens on their own terms. :-D
The best way to prepare your other kids, especially toddlers, is to make them feel special and important prior to the session and during the session. Having a new baby in the house is a pretty major change in their little lives. Chances are, they may feel a little overwhelmed.
Should we do anything to prepare the new baby for the session?
Try to keep the baby awake for at least an hour before the session. I know this may be hard (especially on a car ride over), but it helps to have a sleepy baby for photos. It’s also best to feed right before the session. You can do that as soon as you come in. A full feed is best, rather than having to stop multiple times during a session to soothe the baby with short feedings.
Dress your baby in a footed sleeper that is easy to remove. I have several wraps and newborn outfits to use, so you don’t need to bring any outfits for the baby to be photographed in. Store-bought newborn clothing rarely fits their little bodies, so they don’t photograph well.