Newborn Session Preparation
Below is just a little information that I have put together to help with newborn session preparation.
Location, Location, Location!
Newborn sessions take place in my studio. The address to come to 17 Port Hill Road, Benson, OX10 6NF. We are 3/4 way down the road on the left-hand side. We have a long driveway and plenty of parking outside the house.
Sleepy, Hungry!
Babies do very well in the studio for posing when they are in a very deep sleep. To encourage this I highly recommend, stimulating the baby at least two hours before your scheduled arrival. A warm bath always does the trick. This also means keeping them awake during the car ride here and try and refrain from feeding 2 hours before arrival as well.
Once you arrive you will feed your baby right away, we will then start preparing him/her for their session. All clothing must be taken off, except for the nappy. As you might know babies don’t like the feeling of being naked, they want to be warm and completely snuggled. That alone completely startles and wakes up a baby faster than anyone expected and because of that, they are now fully awake. Some babies fall into a deep sleep once picked up, wrap in a small blanket and soothed for about 15 minutes and then there are the babies that have been asleep for 3+ hours before arriving and are now refusing to go to sleep. Ahhhh, gotta love being a newborn..lol!♥
Keeping in mind these two instructions will most certainly give you a well rested baby. In return we’ll be able to maximise the time you have in the studio with plenty of scenes and photos so for that reason please do not underestimate and risk how well your baby sleeps after a feeding. We need your bundle of joy to be very exhausted, tired and a bit hungry. I know it will be hard, atop of your own sleep deprivation but I promise you, it will be well worth the effort!! ♥
Feeding!
I highly recommend if you’re solely breastfeeding to pump and bottle feed your milk for your babies session. I’m really happy for you to breastfeed if this is your option, but feeding from a bottle usually means a fuller sleepier baby. As a newborn photographer, I just feel it’s my duty to offer any advice or tips that you as a parent can use to maximise the time we have in the studio and in return you’ll be able to showcase and display more than the average number of baby photos! ♥
Wee and Poo!
It happens! This is completely natural for babies to use blankets or props as there own personal potty. Please don’t feel embarrassed, I reassure you it happens more times that I can remember, and does not phase me in the slightest! Plus, all used props and blankets are fully washed after each newborn session.
Shhh!
Please do whatever you can to keep the noise to a minimum during our session. Maintaining a calm environment is also a big key to a successful newborn shoot. I do have white-noise that I will keep close to baby during the session to help soothe him or her. Babies love strong and rhythmic sound. Amazingly! that’s the sound the heard 24/7 in the uterus!
Regulate the Temp!
Since babies are usually photographed naked, the studio will be set at a temperature of around 80F to ensure baby is warm and comfortable. If we’re not sweating, it’s probably not warm enough for baby! Parent’s please make sure to wear comfortable loose clothing.
Safety!
Safety is my utmost priority when handling your baby, so either mum or dad will be my assistant if needed. All eyes and hands are to be kept around baby during posing. During the session I will be handling and posing baby, but don’t worry I have plenty of experience handling a newborn.
Mum, Dad!
Chances are you’ll be here close to 3 hours so I recommend eating a good breakfast before you arrive. I know this can be a very exciting and stressful time for you, especially when adding sleep deprivation in the mix! As much as my goal is for baby to be comfortable, I also want you to be comfortable and at ease! Having me photograph this precious moments for you, means a lot to me. Anything I can do to make it a smooth journey for you, please don’t hesitate to let me know!
Finally – please make sure you arrive on time for your shoot – I reserve the right to cancel the session if you are more than 20 minutes late. If you are running late please give me a call on 07876 135729.