YOUR NEWBORN INFO

Newborn sessions are 'reserved' on their due date, actual session date will be determined after delivery (usually up to 10 days after).

Lifestyle, contemporary newborn portraiture is what I specialize in. I do not provide props or creative backdrops for your newborn session. I also will not force baby in any un-natural poses. Newborns are best represented as they are, this stage fades in a blink of an eye so savor the natural of how your newborn is at this very moment! Book as soon as you know your baby's birthdate, I will always make time for my newborns! Under 5 days is the best age for the truest newborn photos. (please scroll down for more)

Newborn portraits take time, patience and a quick, creative photographic eye! One of the biggest things I have observed throughout the years photographing newborns is that the less accustomed baby is to being in a constant snuggle with mom or dad, the better the overall newborn portrait experience becomes! I am not saying to not snuggle your baby but the more baby yearns for human touch, the less likely baby will want to stay calm and in its sleepy state. Just keep this in mind! The number 1 rule is to not expect your baby to be cooperative. I hear it all the time, 'You have nothing to worry about, my baby sleeps ALL the time, nothing will wake him/her up'. This may be true but re-assess this if baby is constantly in your arms sleeping/snuggling, if they are then once I get there many will protest over being out of that embrace. Just remember: EVERY baby, EVERY session is different! I will work with what your newborn gives me, please do not be upset if your baby is unwilling to fall into that deep, deep sleep for creative posing to be achieved. I will work to give you a personalized newborn portrait but not all newborns are created equal.

Here are my top ten guidelines to help ensure a successful session all around: (please scroll down for more)

1) Newborns should be no older than 1 week (10 days old at the oldest) in order for posing to be easier and comfortable for baby. Note: Peeling may start between 5-14 days old, major peel, acne and blotchiness will be removed during the editing process.

2) Save the 'nice' outfits for special occasions, at this newest stage babies look best in their birthday suit. When there are too many layers on baby we lose the true spirit of a brand new baby. So, keep your newborn in little to no clothes on 1 hour before session so that when posing starts your baby will be accustomed to that feeling. Loosen diapers or clothing so skin is less indented and marked from tight fitting coverings. Diaper covers and cute hats are always allowed and if you just do not feel comfortable enough with baby bare than I will do creative swaddling and blanket shots.

3) Tropical warmth is the key! Turn your heat up...if the adults in the house are dripping with sweat it is still too cold for baby when it comes time to strip down (I know this sounds a little extreme but it is a fair balance of ensuring baby does not get upset because the temperature is not to its liking).

4) Getting baby to sleep and then placing him/her in a bassinet or crib, away from parental snuggles will yield better results. One of the main reasons for a long newborn session is the fact that baby just does not want to be out of the embrace, so preparing him/her by getting them use to time away from mom/dad's arms will aid in a calmer, more satisfying session. Also, feeding baby prior to my arrival will allow baby to have a full tummy and more likely to be in a sleepy state for the session.

5) A quiet, calm and peaceful environment is essential to handling newborn portraiture, less activity will yield a much better result. White noise, soft music has helped with past sessions and I will bring my white noise machine with me. I ask that everyone involved in the session speak in a soft manner. Babies startle easily, even in their deep sleep state anything out of the ordinary will more than likely disturb. Keep it private and leave the family meet and greets for religious rites and/or welcome home parties, not for your photo session!

6) Contemporary newborn portraiture takes time, sessions will never be rushed; I will be working slowly and in a detailed manner, as well as, allow for cleanings, more feedings or anything else that might come about! Have patience and refer to #4, again!

7) I will require a bright lit window that may supplement with my studio lighting so make sure our appointment time is scheduled during the time when there is ample light coming from that select window. If ample window light is not provided I will need to use all artificial lighting so space will be needed to set my equipment up.

8) I usually like to bond with baby soon after I arrive. I will be placing baby on my bean bag or initial shooting spot so baby can get comfortable with the new surroundings. I use several techniques and you will hear me using vocal methods and/or rocking/cradling methods to get baby calm with me. At first it may seem weird and sometimes baby will protest this take over, please be assured this method is tried and true and produces the best results at creating a relationship between me and baby...as soon as you take over and snuggle your newborn, your baby will more than likely not want me around. Take my takeover time as a little breather for yourself...I'll ask for bottles, burp clothes, wipies and anything else on hand that will aid during this take-over.

9) In order for baby to allow me to pose them in curly/newborn poses baby needs to be in the deepest sleep possible. If a deep sleep state is not attained posing will be limited because baby will most likely not allow it. For safety concerns I will not force anything on baby so I will let you know if posing will be limited! Please do not be upset if posing becomes limited...your baby is the boss in this situation and safety is my number one concern!

10) Parental assistance is essential so baby feels safe and secure, I will be using any and all help so be prepared for this - thank you in advance. ;)

This list is a complilation of what has and has not worked throughout all of my newborn sessions (I often update this list as I see fit). Trust my experience!