Newborn Session Prep Guide
Hello!
Thank you so much for allowing me the amazing and rewarding job of photographing you new little baby in his/her first few weeks of life. Newborns are my passion and I consider myself truly blessed to be around these little miracles.
My studio is located behind my home:
1320 N 8th Ave.
Decatur, MS 39327
Directions
At the stop light in Decatur on Hwy 15 turn west towards down-town. Drive through town and past ECCC, the take your first right onto 8th Ave. Go straight through the stop sign, we will be just over a mile on the left. It is a gray house with white columns.
GPS will not bring you far enough down 8th Ave, Just keep going. If you feel lost give me a call at 601-479-6164.
What to Expect - For Baby
Before the shoot, please feed as you regular would, if you need to feed again once you arrive that will be just fine. Also, please try to keep baby awake, give him a bath, let him kick with only a diaper, tickle his toes. I realize this may be hard. If he refuses to stay awake, that's ok, please don't get stressed about it. Most will fall asleep on the car ride over.
It will be about 80 degrees in the studio. Due to this, I come dressed for a few warm (hot!) hours and suggest you do too. Layers are best.
Sessions last between 1-2 hours. The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottle feed off and on.
If you can, bring the smoothie pacifier the hospital sent you home with. It's the bendable, green/blue/orangish one, and won't leave marks on baby's face. Even if you haven't used a pacifier, just for the 2 hours that I'm posing him usually really helps. No pacifiers with attached lovies.
Your baby will lead the session. I will take pictures of him asleep or awake, swaddled or lightly covered. Whichever he likes best.
What to Wear - For Mom & Dad
Mom & Dad are a big part of the show. Photographing the connection between you and your baby is one of my all time favorite things.
Dads: I ask that you wear a good fitting neutral colored t-shirt, henly or button up with a nice pair of khakis. No polo type shirts please.
Moms: should wear a loose fitting blouse or pretty dress. Keep the color neutral as well. Be sure that you have neutral or no nail polish as your hands will make their way into the images. Also, rest assured, I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in your family.
I also have a small studio wardrobe for moms that you are welcome to borrow for your session.
What to Wear - For Siblings
Including older brother/sister(s) in your newborn's portraits is the perfect way to document this fleeting time in your lives.
Sister(s): Please bring along a snug fitting tank top or simple dress in a neutral color. I ask that girls hair be natural (or in braids) and free of large bows. Just as with mom, no nail polish please.
Brother(s): A nice pair of neutral colored pants or shorts or jeans. Also a neutral colored top with no collar. If he prefers topless is adorable too.
A Few Additional Thoughts
If sibling will be joining you for the session I ask that you bring a quiet toy for them to play with. We will do sibling and family shots first. It would be a great idea to arrange for them to be picked up or go get a special treat with dad while we finish up with baby.
You are also encouraged to bring a snack and a drink for both you and your children. If siblings do not plan on being in the pictures please have them stay home with a sitter.
It is my hope that you come to the studio feeling comfortable and at home. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in you lives and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby.