Often client aren’t sure how booking a newborn session works, or are unsure about how a newborn session normally goes. So, let’s discuss.
There is no time too early to book your newborn session, most photographer’s calendars fill up months in advance. So as soon as you’re comfortable with booking, definitely reach out. Sometimes I have last minute openings, so don’t hesitate to send an email if baby is already here, and you’d like a session. Once you’ve booked, I will pencil your due date on my calendar.
Once baby arrives, shoot me an email and we’ll get your actual session date scheduled. I tend to prefer to photograph babies between days 10-21, but have photographed babies as old as 6 weeks.
I do not send over any preparation tips before our session. I used to do this, and have found that it makes zero difference in how a session goes, and honestly I think it stresses clients out. The only thing I ever recommend is a pacifier, even if you aren’t using one regularly, a pacifier can make a huge difference in a session. But it’s only a recommendation, if you don’t want to use one, that is perfectly fine.
The morning of our session, when I arrive, generally I’ll ask to have a look around your home or if you have a room in mind for us to setup in. Then I’ll bring everything in, unpack, and setup.
I start all my sessions with baby alone, wrapped. I am more than happy for you to sit and watch me work, a lot of my clients enjoy watching the process. However, you’re also welcome to do your own thing, get cleaned up for the family portion at that point if you like, rest/relax in another room to get a baby break.
I am very laid back and easy going at newborn sessions. We aren’t in a rush, and I have nowhere else to be. However many times baby needs to eat, is totally fine. If baby is taking a long time to fall asleep, that is fine too. Patience is truly the key to successful newborn sessions.
Generally, I end my newborn sessions with the family portion, that way client’s don’t have to be ready to go as soon as I walk in the door. I am happy to swap things around if Dad or older siblings need to get to work/school.
On the subject of siblings, without fail at every single newborn session, if there’s an older sibling (under 10) I’ll ask for their help, input, etc. I find this usually will allow big brother or sister time to warm up to me, and also they usually like helping. I have lots of neat stuff that kids like to play with, especially my posing beans, and honestly, it’s totally fine. The more they can interact with me, in a positive way before I try to photograph them, the better.
I will ask at some point during your session about social media; whether you would prefer I use babies name or just a first initial, or would you prefer images stay off of the internet? For some reason, I have had clients that were surprised that was an option. Yes, 110% if you would prefer nothing go on social media, that is perfectly fine with me. These are images of your baby and family, and I would never force a client to let me use them online.
The evening of our session, if you want images on social media, I will post a sneak peek. I also post while I’m editing over the next few days, so make sure to follow me. Within 7 business days, you will be emailed a link to your gallery, where you can download all your images and print release.
And there it is, it really is that simple. I try very hard to keep my clients experience with me as stress-free and relaxed as possible.