How to prepare for a Newborn Session

Congratulations! You've just had your bundle of joy and have booked them in with me to have their newborn photo-session in the Belfast Studio. This is so important as babies change and grow up super fast, I mean SUPER fast! So capturing baby between 5-19days old is so precious as they're still in their sleepy and delicate mode. Here are a few tips to prepare for your upcoming newborn session with me below.

* SLEEPY *

Try and keep wee one awake the morning of the session.. Most of the images we’ll be shooting work best if the baby is in a deep sleep. To encourage this, we recommend that you do whatever it takes to make sure baby is nice and exhausted. Keeping your little one awake on top of your own sleep deprivation might feel like torture, but we think it will be worth it in the end!

*HOT HOT HOT *

The studio will be very warm, bit warmer than normal during the session. (Like a toasty 80 degrees or so.) Newborns are used to being all bundled up,warm + cozy…and then we come in and yank off all their clothes for those adorable naked baby shots. They tend not to like that too much! Pushing up the thermostat is guaranteed to make the session flow more smoothly and help them sleep better. We may be sweating, but baby will be nice and warm…and that’s really all that matters!

*HUNGRY? * A well fed baby is a happy baby! Please feed and burp baby right before our session to ensure a happy, sleepy (“milk drunk”) baby. This is also best to be done in the studio itself at the beginning which means it will run more smoothly. We’ll also be more than happy to take as many breaks as needed to help him/her re-fuel. It’s tough work being a model! Bring plenty of bottles! Your baby will need to eat more often during the session than they normally do. Do not make any sudden changes to the baby’s diet that may contribute to fussiness.

*WHAT TO BRING*

Bring a pacifier (if the baby doesn't use one - we advise on bringing one so we can use it if all else really fails to soothe baby. It's much more hygienic that daddy's finger.), extra diapers, extra supplies for feedings (if you are not breast feeding). You can pack a snack for yourself, or use the shop or cafe's down the road (if you’ve forgotten to eat before you come!). A spare top or two for yourself, one that keeps you a bit cooler in the studio, one for the portraits with baby and one for when you leave if its cold outside!

*WE'RE SO EXCITED, CAN WE TAKE PICTURES DURING THE SESSION?*

Generally speaking, we prefer that you refrain from any picture-taking during your session…. after all, we take the time and care to set everything up for that perfect portrait using our special props and years of experience! However, that being said, we understand that social media is a big part of our lives and if an opportunity were to arise where you were able to capture a fun behind-the-scenes shot, we are all for that. And if you do, we’d LOVE it if you tagged us in the post!

*PATIENCE IS KEY!* Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2-4 hours. It all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately…this isn’t something we can predict! We ask that everyone remain calm, should he/she not want to sleep, since your baby will pick up on any frustration in the room. And if sleep doesn’t happen, that’s okay! Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful too.As the session can take up to 4 hours, we provide beverages (water, tea and coffee) and some light refreshments for the parents

*WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO SPEND ON MY PORTRAITS?*

It’s entirely up to you how much you decide to invest in from your session, choosing from our high resolution digitals, framed wall art pieces, gallery wraps or smaller prints which range between £80-399.

*POOP HAPPENS!* Your baby is going to be in the buff for the majority of this shoot. Please don’t panic if your baby decides to use our blankets (or us) as his/her own personal potty. This is natural and we expect it! Please don’t feel embarrassed or worry when this happens, because they all do it. We wash all of our baby props and blankets between each session with non-scented baby detergent. (This is why we only schedule one newborn session per day!)

*DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH ME WITH BABY?*

Yes, of course. We encourage it. We adore when the parents choose to be photographed with their baby, as there is a lovely connection between a parent and a newborn infant. This is typically done at the beginning of the session just incase of sweat etc.. The relationship between you and your baby at this early stage is precious to behold. You’ll want to remember just how tiny your baby was at the time.

*BUT WHAT DO *I* WEAR?*

I know! You just had a baby and aren’t feeling your best. But we think this is the perfect time to pamper yourself! Go have your hair + makeup done (or better yet, have someone come to you!), schedule a massage or have your nails done. Looking super relaxed and at your best will make you feel more comfortable during the session. This is an exciting time in your life and we want to capture all of that…so take care of yourself first! And feel free to tell your husbands that we’re making you if they need a little convincing! We’re also big fans of skin-on-skin portraits with you holding your baby against you. They’re so simple + timeless! As far as clothing? Keep it simple. So if you want some portraits like this with your newborn, consider a strapless top or tank as an alternative.

I look forward to seeing you and your bundle of joy!

Any questions, please ask!

Jade

x

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