Newborn prep guide
Hello and welcome!
Congratulations! Having a baby is a very exciting time in your life! It does not matter if this baby is your first, second or even your fifth, it is still a very exciting time for your family.
There is so much time that passes between purchasing maternity clothes to picking out your baby’s first birthday cake. This time goes by very fast and no one wants to forget about it. You will want to remember every moment of the first year of your baby’s life.
This is where I come into the picture. I would love to help your document and remember those special milestones. This can be done from the time of maternity to when your baby turns one year old, and beyond.
My job as a photographer is to capture all of these moments and turn the photos into something that you will treasure forever.
Ulina was so patient with my sooky newborn and was awesome when we got 6 month photos done as well. And the photos turned out better then I expected.
-Stacy Cameron
Before your session
If you have any special requests, eg colour schemes or specific poses you’d like, let me know ahead of time. Please note that while I will endeavour to capture requested poses, some babies have certain preferences and I will not force a baby to do a pose if I feel it will unduly stress them.
Once you have your baby, message me as soon as you’re able to book in your day. I’m happy to do newborn styled photos up till around 6 weeks, however 4-14 days is highly recommended for the sleepy poses as babies are more sleepy and still use to being curled up in the womb. Older newborns, or fussy babies are more likely to have more wrapped poses.
I provide all props. However if you have something of particular sentimental importance, I’m happy to include this. Please let me know ahead of time so I can prepare complementing props/set before your session.
Please do not try and keep baby awake before your session. I have found that over tired/overstimulated babies actually find it harder to sleep well. Try to stick to your normal routines before your session. This will help your baby to feel safe and content, aiding in obtaining the deep sleep we want for the curly poses.
If your child is sick, please let me know at the earliest convenience and we will reschedule. Likewise, if I become sick I will let you know. The safety of our little clients is our top priority.
What to wear
Baby - dress baby in easy to remove clothing - nothing that needs to be pulled over the head, or will cause yanking to remove.
I provide quality props and outfits for baby to wear. If there is an outfit that you’ve seen on my site that you particularly like, let me know before your session day.
If your baby is use to a dummy, please bring it along with you.
Parents - neutral coloured clothing works best. Try to avoid clothes with big logos or bright colours that can take attention away from your precious bundle of joy. Pay attention to your nails, often we will do photos incorporating Mummy and Daddy’s hands with baby. Cleaned and filed nails will greatly benefit these photos, and help protect your little one from accidental scratches.
Siblings - neutral coloured clothing works best. I have some outfits in my client wardrobe, let me know if you would like to use something of mine. A white button down shirt with jeans or chinos is a great look for little boys, and a pretty dress or jeans and a white shirt look great for little great for little girls.
During your session
Expect the room to be hot - wear layers. This is to ensure your baby is comfortable while posing for photos.
Newborns take time to feed and settle. Please don’t feel you need to rush. Keep calm and see to your baby’s needs. We will take the time we need to ensure baby is comfortable, content and well fed. Please allow 2-4 hours in your schedule for a full session. Most average 3 hours.
Expect baby to feed more often. Photo day (or any day out of their routine) is a big thing for them. It’s not uncommon for them to want to nurse more often than usual, and sleep extra afterwards.
It’s normal for babies to cry and fuss a little. Please don’t feel stressed over this. I’m a mother too, I’m not going to be upset about normal baby behaviour, nor will I let baby get overly stressed out if they are not feeling a pose. I have designed my workflow to to be calming and gentle for baby, so I will keep going unless baby becomes distressed or hungry.
Babies poop and pee. They all do it. It’s nothing to be alarmed about. Most poses are performed without a nappy so we can capture baby without the added bulk of nappies. I wash every prop that baby touches with a sensitive washing liquid. However if you prefer baby to keep their nappy on just let me know.
Too many people at your baby’s session can be distracting and stressful for baby. I suggest coming with one support person. If siblings are coming for photos consider bringing someone who can take them to a park or cafe after their photos while baby continues with their photo session so they are not getting bored and distracting. I will usually endeavour to take sibling/family photos first thing.
Leave your worries at home. Babies are very connected with your moods. While I’m capturing special images of your little one, take the time to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, read a book or magazine. If I need assistance, eg someone to spot baby, I will let you know, however most poses I can capture on my own so you can sit back and relax.