The session

 

My newborn sessions will take place in your home once your baby has come home from the hospital, but within their first 14 days. Doing these photos as early as possible is key to those sleepy poses that so many people love about newborn photography. This kind of photo-shoot focuses on the baby and incorporates some shots of baby with the parents or siblings towards the end of the session.

 

Please keep in mind that a posed newborn session is different from a lifestyle newborn session that is more casual and focuses on natural family shots in the usual home environment.

For a posed-newborn session I will need about 4 m2 in your home to build a “mini studio”. Ideally it should be in front of the brightest window in your home as I work with natural light. For the baby posing I use a special beanbag. The temperature of the room where the session will take place must be warm, about 30 degrees Celsius. It allows to keep the baby warm, cozy and comfortable during the session. If necessary I will need to use an electrical heater.

 

Age of the baby

 

Ideally babies should be 5 to 10 days old at the time of the session since they sleep very deeply at this early age. Babies are still flexible and make it easier to get into that lovely tight and curly position they held in their mothers belly. Additionally babies generally won’t have developed colics, baby acne or cradle cap at this stage. If your baby arrives early, we have a longer time frame to work with, whereas if baby arrives late, we’ll need to schedule the session promptly.

 

How long will the session last?

 

My sessions usually last about three hours. It takes this long  because I do take care of babies needs and leave enough time for nappy changing, feeding and cuddles to help the baby sooth and settle into the desired position. But don’t worry you will not be bored, the session will fly by.

 

Posing and outfits

 

I will pose your baby prior to each photograph. Not all babies are able to achieve every pose, so if your baby appears uncomfortable at any time, we’ll abandon that pose and move on to the next. Your baby will be naked for some of shots, but private parts will always be discretely concealed, so never photographed.

 

I have a choice of different blankets, wraps and knitted cloths and hats for boys and girls. If you have any particular color or outfit preference please let me know in advance.

 

Before the session

 

If possible try and keep the little one awake before the session. Our aim is for your baby to fall into a deep sleep throughout the session and keeping your baby active and feeding just before will encourage this. Dress your baby in loose fitting clothes that you will be able to easily remove. This will ensure there will be no red marks on your baby’s skin.

 

What will I need during the session?

 

You will need plenty of milk as the baby will probably feed more than usual during the session. Spare nappies, wipes, baby blanket and of course pacifier if they use them. It is advisable to prepare a little oil/vaseline and cotton wool if your baby tends to have flaky skin, this can also be done before the session.  I have a wide range of props and hat’s that I will use although you may want to prepare a special toy or blanket that you would like to be featured in some of the images.

 

Family shots

 

If you would like some family shot’s it is important to let me know when booking. If you are planning on having pictures taken with your baby I would suggest preparing a change of clothes for yourself (just to be prepared for any unexpected accidents). Plain colors work well particularly black or white. Please avoid patterns or printed T-Shirt’s.

If you would like other children in the session, please arrange for them to be there during the first or last 15 minutes of the session only. This prevents them from becoming bored and disrupting the baby.

 

After the session

 

In a timeframe of two weeks you will be offered approx. 30 images to choose from. It takes quite some time to edit a full gallery. I erase any imperfection’s that baby may have. At this age little milk spot’s, scratches and rashes are quite common. I will also ensure you have a selection of color and black and white images to choose from. Depending on the package booked you will get a CD with digital images and/or printed images via the postal service.