Questions you may have:
Q. Why should I get my baby photographed before 20 days old?
How to prepare and what to expect:
Once baby is asleep or near there, I will go ahead and start off posing baby taking my time, step by step. We will stop for feedings or potty breaks as needed. Which is why you should expect 2-4 hours for a full session. And lastly RELAX! Babies can smell fear!
I have plenty of patience so please don't stress out if it takes a bit for your baby to zonk or if they poop or pee. It happens, expect it, so if it doesn't then it's a bonus ;) It's very rare but if it takes more than 1.5 - 2 hours and baby isn't settled, we may have to reschedule.
Q. Why should I get my baby photographed before 20 days old?
- Once the baby is beyond 20 days, they become more difficult to pose and keep asleep. Often the result is a lot of crying and very upset parents. This doesn't mean that it's impossible, we just may have to change our plan on poses, props, etc. (Exception for premature babies - we can also work with gestational age).
- For a few reasons:
- Clothes often swallow tiny babies, and then you can't see the babies neck the result is often just a "floating head".
- Diapers can irritate and even hurt baby when posing them, because of the umbilical cord the diaper could possibly catch and begin to pull on the stump (also they are not so pretty).
- I do wrapped shots often so not all shots are naked baby. Be sure to discuss your preferences with me when booking.
- I think 5-20 days old is best (older than 3 weeks I will still take the session but we may not get those curled up poses we all ooohh and ahhhh over and baby may be more alert). (If boy has been circumcised and session can't be held before the procedure then 7 days after circ. is best.)
- As of right now, I come to you, so most of the things you will need will be right there unless we are meeting at a friend or family members home. Bring at least 2 bottles if bottle feeding, or nursing pillow for baby to eat (cover if it makes you comfortable but I have seen it all and don't care). Any special item you may want to incorporate, blankets, hats/bows, special prop. Lots of wipes/diapers/burp rags. A change of clothes for you and baby (everybody poops). If parents will be in the shots neutral colored shirts. Black or white t-shirt or tank top look the best. Lastly bring your patience because we will probably need it! :)
How to prepare and what to expect:
- Planning for space - I just need a room that I can set up a bean bag/stand/light. Most people just have me use their living room as it's the most open. I also just need access to an outlet for my light :)
- Try to wait to feed baby for at least an hour if not two hours before our session so that babe is hungry.
- Keep babe awake for an hour or two before session so that he/she is sleepy or give a bath about 1/2 hour before. You know your baby and what works for him/her.
- Have the room where we will be doing the session VERY warm (high 70's), crank the heat up. Think about how cozy they were in the womb. If we are hot, babe is probably comfortable. (I will probably be wearing yoga pants and a tank top).
- Turn off ALL fans and vents while baby is undressed.
- Have baby dressed in loose clothing. Once I arrive, I will go ahead and have you undress baby keeping diaper on, but very loose to avoid red marks.
- Once baby is undressed go ahead and feed the baby while I set up, this will usually get the baby ready to sleep (hopefully).
- Once baby has eaten and is nice and milk drunk I will go ahead and snag your squishy little bundle and start doing my thing ;)
- If breast feeding I recommend to avoid spicy foods, caffeine or anything that can upset little tummies for 24 hrs before the session.
Once baby is asleep or near there, I will go ahead and start off posing baby taking my time, step by step. We will stop for feedings or potty breaks as needed. Which is why you should expect 2-4 hours for a full session. And lastly RELAX! Babies can smell fear!
I have plenty of patience so please don't stress out if it takes a bit for your baby to zonk or if they poop or pee. It happens, expect it, so if it doesn't then it's a bonus ;) It's very rare but if it takes more than 1.5 - 2 hours and baby isn't settled, we may have to reschedule.