What to expect at your newborn session

What to Expect From 

Your Newborn Session

The months and weeks before you deliver your lil babe can be so overwhelming!  Having gone through it twice myself I totally understand the crazy lists of stuff to do, the exhaustion, the stress, the hormones and the increasing excitement over meeting your baby.  Getting your newborn session scheduled and done shouldn't be one of those items that causes you lots of stress.  This post is to help you get familiar with how your newborn session works and what you can expect.  

Getting your session scheduled

It is never too early or late to meet!  I have met with clients as early as 3 months along to clients who were due any day.  Ideally, I like to meet with every client at the studio to show them the space, go over backgrounds, poses, etc.  Some clients who are on bed rest aren't able to meet and that is entirely ok!  A phone or email consult can work in those situations.

After your initial consult you will receive an electronic contract and model release to sign and return.  An initial $75 deposit is due at the time of the booking to hold your date.  This $75 is applied to whichever newborn collection you purchase.  

Because babies like to make their arrival when they are ready it is hard to schedule an exact session date.  I ask that my clients just keep me posted when baby is born.  Most clients shoot me a text from the hospital, birthing center, etc after baby is born.  I, then touch base again once you are home and we get a date on the calendar.  Newborn sessions are best is done between 7-10 days after birth.  However, I have done sessions earlier and later than that!

 How to Prepare for your session

Newborn sessions are seem very overwhelming for lots of parents!  I'm here to help make this experience as easy, relaxing and fun as it can be!  The first thing I want all my clients to know is that your baby's safety and comfort is my number one concern.  There are some poses that not all babies like to be in.  If baby appears to be uncomfortable I will make a decision to move on to another pose. In the Pinterest world we live in there are lots of parents who like to search for poses they may like to try.  I am more than happy to work with you and try my best to get every pose you like.  Just keep in mind that your baby is my #1 priority.

Preparation for your session begins that night before.  If you are nursing baby it is best to avoid any spicy foods that may upset baby's tummy.  Although I know that it may not be possible it is great if mom and dad can get as much sleep as possible.  Make sure any blankets, outfits, bows, etc that you want to use are clean and ready to go for the next day.  It helps a lot to pack your bag the night before also.  Make sure to include extra diapers, wipes, pacifiers, bottles (if needed), extra clothes for baby and you, lotion for dry skin (Aquaphor or something equivalent works great).  

 Day of Your Session

Your newborn session can take anywhere from 1-3 hours so make sure that you have allowed for that time.  Try your best to keep baby awake as much as possible before the session.  To prevent weird lines on baby's skin from clothing try to bring them in just a diaper and blanket.  I know we live in Colorado so if you aren't comfortable bringing baby outside with out clothes please use your best judgment.  It works out best if you are able to hold off feeding until you get to the studio.  The first thing when  you arrive at the studio will be to feed baby if they are hungry.  

If you are wanting any parent or sibling poses those are done first.  It is best to wear something neutral and solid (black, white, gray, light pastel colors, etc).  The studio will be quite warm to make sure that baby is comfortable.  It is best to dress in layers in case you get too hot.  
            
Because sessions can take a number of hours it usually works out best if a parent/grandparent can take any siblings after the family/sibling poses are finished.  This allows for us to focus completely on baby.  The studio is located next to several parks, restaurants, library, swimming so there are lots of things that they can go and do!
             
The session is tailored to baby so when they are hungry, we will stop and eat.  If they need a break, we will take a break. 

 What happens after your Session

I will be in contact with you 7-10 days after your session to schedule your in studio viewing session.  I offer appointments both during the day and evening to accommodate schedules.  At your viewing session you will get to view your images in a slideshow, pick out which package you want to purchase and pick out your poses.  Also, during this time you can make any print or product orders.  Most clients use this session to purchase birth announcements, wall portraits and albums.  

What to expect from your photographer

My goal is to make this as easy a process as possible for you and your family!  I am here to walk you through the entire process.  I am available via phone, email, text, etc to answer any questions you may have about your session.  Please don't hesitate to contact me about anything.

  What else is available for you

Newborn sessions are just one of the services that I provide to my clients. I also offer maternity, birth photography, milestone sessions, and cake smash sessions.  There are several collections that I offer that include a number of sessions.  If you are interested in purchasing any of these collections or have any questions please feel free to contact me.

 www.foothillsphoto.info

970-324-7806

www.facebook.com/foothillsphotography

foothillsphoto@gmail.com