What To Expect - Newborn Preparation Tips

Congratulations on the newest edition to join the family. I love having the privilege of capturing beautiful moments in the earliest of babies days earthside.

For newborn sessions I tend to aim under 12 days old. Ideally aiming between 7-8 days to achieve those super curly sleepy shots.

What you can do to help baby be in their deepest sleep for those cute curled up poses, nice and
relaxed is try keeping your baby awake at least 30 minutes or maybe even a full hour just before the
session time.

Another suggestion to keep babies awake is to give them a nice long sponge bath an hour before the session, so that when they arrive to the studio they are ready for a long nap (depending where you are travelling from of course). However, do not stress if you cannot or feel like you should not do this! 

II have had many clients with newborns travelling over an hour average in vehicle and we still manage to get some really special moments captured. It is simply a suggestion, babies often have their own ideas of when they want to sleep.

Session time - Regarding session timing, newborn sessions can take between 1.5 - 2.5 hours to allow for messes, nappy changing, more feeding etc.

Dressing baby - If baby can be dressed in something that can be easily removed, nothing that needs to go over the head. Zips or snap buttons are a winner and loose socks to prevent any markings on babies skin are also a suggestion.

Feeding - Besides a sleepy baby, a content baby with a full tummy will ensure a successful photography session. I recommend to feed baby full right before you come to the session. And can top up if need to on arrival. Of course, during the photo shoot itself, there should be plenty of breaks for messes, feeding and cuddling. Newborns will need feeding breaks throughout the session, especially if they are a little fussy. Feeding times also allow photographers to capture intimate nursing moments between mommy and baby, if that is what clients wish.

Lighting - Studio lighting is used professionally and safely during photo shoot.

Safety - Always keep in mind that I will always first take into account the safety of the baby, and only then the quality and creativity. There will be times during photoshoot I may need an adult near baby as I photograph a particular pose for extra safety (please insure someone is present that can do this).

Temperature - The temperature in the room will be at a comfortable level about half an hour before
your session start time. The warmer temperature will help your newborn stay asleep and feel safe
and happy.

Personalised Props - Feel free to bring anything you may want to include in some photos to create a more intimate, personalized tone to the photo shoot. Bear in mind I have a few props and fabrics we can use too. Please send me some photos and I can work out where to slot them in.

Pacifier - If baby is using the pacifier, bring that as well. It often helps soothe babies into the poses
and facilitates getting them to sleep. If your baby is not used to a pacifier or you do not feel
comfortable offering one, do not worry, it is not a must.

Parent photos - What to wear? Wear what makes you feel comfortable. There are couple of tips and
tricks though. Parents or siblings should wear solid colours and avoid patterns so they do not catch the attention from the main subject – the baby. If you are after the Pasifika modern theme then poly patterns look beautiful when it is matching and runs through the whole family. One of the most common suggestions is to pick one or two colours and then coordinate those colours together throughout the whole family.

Hope this helps. I look forward to catching up and meeting your new edition to the family...

Checklist
O - Bring plenty of diapers and wipes
O - Feel free to bring any props or toys or special wraps for photos (please send me a photo so I can plan ahead a special setup)
O - If siblings are coming, bring some entertainment for them, cards, tablets, headphones, snacks
O - Bring at least one change of clothing for baby just incase of any accidents
O - Bring everything for changing and feeding baby, including any special creams and products you use
O - Feel free to bring a change of clothes for yourselves and for siblings as well
O - If your newborn has hair please bring a bush
O - If you can keep baby up, minimum 1 hour prior to coming that helps for a sleepier session
O - Before you leave to come make sure to feed baby so baby is nice and full. The car ride to the studio will hopefully help baby get into a deep sleep

I hope there are some tips in here that may help in some way. Thanks again for supporting a small business and I always look forward to capturing
something special and unique for you.

Many thanks,
Mandy - New Way Photography