Planning a Newborn Session
Newborn sessions are best done within the first 2 weeks of baby’s life. Around this age your baby is squishy, tiny and sleepy, which makes it easier to get the adorable sleepy newborn poses we all love so much. After your session you will have a gallery full of images that capture your baby’s perfectly tiny features. I have canvasses printed of all my kids’ newborn photos; I cherish being reminded of how tiny they were brand new every day.
Your newborn session will vary in length between an hour and three hours long. The timing can vary because your baby runs the show! Session length is impacted by so many factors. Newborn photography can be tiring for little babies, they may be more hungry than usual, so it’s a good idea to plan for extra bottles or nursing session while you are here. Some babies also may be more difficult to settle into a deep sleep. The studio space is kept nice and warm, with white noise on to help keep babies extra sleepy.
While you are here for your session, I will work through 2 or more set ups for your baby depending on the package you select. If you opt for a mini wrapped session, we’ll keep baby wrapped up for the session and put them in coordinating set ups to create a varied gallery. Full sessions involve more set ups as well as posed portraits on the beanbag. The baby will either be clothed or naked for this part – depending on your preference and how sleepy your baby is!
You may also choose to add family portraits as well. These are typically done at the start of the session so that if you have other children, your partner or support person can take the older children to the park afterwards so to not distract and wake up your baby.
Choosing Sets
Ahead of your session I will ask you for your colour preferences for your session as well as any poses you really hope to achieve. You can use inspiration from your nursery, pull colours from your maternity photos, or even incorporate things that are important to you and your partner (some parents choose to incorporate favourite hobbies). Once I have this information, I get to work planning your session by preparing coordinating wraps, backdrops, outfits and other props. If I don’t have what you are looking for, I can usually find it in time for your session! I’ll prepare 2 sets for a mini wrapped session, and more for a full session!
What to Bring to your Newborn Session
It’s a great idea to bring extra bottles, pacifiers, burp cloths and wraps. I, of course will have wipes on hand as sometimes babies have accidents during the naked poses! You should prepare for baby to have a bigger appetite than usual, so it can be a good idea to bring extra bottles even if you are nursing so we can keep baby’s tummy nice and full! A full baby is a sleepy baby, and sleepy babies make the best photos!
