Congratulations on your newest blessing! It is such an honor to capture your little one during this special time. Here are some tips & tricks I’ve found to be helpful in preparing for your newborn session so it can go smoothly.
When do I schedule my newborn session?
Essentially, one month prior to due date. We will select two dates depending on your due date. Then once things settle down, please send me an email or call (or text whatever method you prefer) to let me know your sweet baby has arrived .
Sessions take place between 4 and 14 days old. The sooner the better! Babies sleep longer during these days and tend to have less dry skin/baby bumps.
Sessions are typically best in the morning/early afternoon. Newborns are most sleepy & content earlier in the day. Depending on the day, sessions can start between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Let me know if there is a certain set up or prop you would love me to use. Feel free to take a look at my website, Facebook or Instagram account & if you see something you want us to try, shoot me an email so I can have it ready. I have various wraps, furs, baskets, and bowls to use. If you have any heirlooms, headbands/hats, anything with baby's name on it please bring or have out.
On the Day of the Session:
Stimulate & keep baby awake for an hour or so before the session. This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session & when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing & going from one set to another easier. A warm bath is a great way to do this as well as talking & interacting with baby while keeping he/she in just their diaper.
Feed baby right before the session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. Also, feeding baby as much as possible in the 12 hours leading up to the session will allow for baby to sleep as deeply and as long as possible.
If you are okay with baby using one, bring a pacifier, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it. Sucking is a soothing mechanism & can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos, even if I have to hold the pacifier for a bit to help.
When baby needs a break, we’ll take a break. Don’t stress if baby gets fussy. If baby needs to stop to eat or have their diaper changed, we most definitely will. Most babies need to eat at least once during their session. It’s hard work looking that cute.
The studio will be warm. Baby’s like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), helps babe stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks and a change of clothes to change out of if you think you’ll get hot.
What to Wear
Go simple for family’s wardrobe. When planning your outfits for the family & sibling shots, stick with neutral,solid colors like grey, black, beige, cream as the dominate colors. This keeps the focus on baby and the family connection.
Avoid neon colors. Vibrant, neon colors cast onto skin changing the color and tint of your skin.
For siblings, I recommend a classic, timeless outfit. Steer clear of logos and shirts with writing. Those can be distracting in photos as the eye immediately goes to the words or picture on the shirt instead of the sweet sibling moment (newborn sessions with full family and siblings will last at least 1.5 hours).
Having me photograph these precious moments for you, means a lot to me so anything I can do to make it a smooth journey for you, please don’t hesitate to let me know!
Again thank you for giving MWalsh Photography the opportunity to capture these unforgettable memories for a long time to come! ♥
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