I shoot sessions in my home studio and I will also travel to your home. As a mom I know it's a little scary to bring a newborn out and about the first few days, so ensure your comfort I am willing to travel. *Some cases require a travel fee, which will be determined during your consult. Some things to expect during the session is for it to be in a warm room. It is ideal to keep the area around 75-80 degrees since baby is going to be undressed most of the time. I encourage parents to dress comfortably as it will get very hot. I will have a space heater which will run on low to keep baby warm, and I'll also be using a heating pad to warm up the blankets before laying baby down.

Your baby's safety is my number one priority. There is one pose that many moms request and that is the froggy pose. If you request that pose please be aware that your assistance will be needed. Doing the froggy pose is dangerous if the baby's head is not supported correctly and all froggy pose photos are photoshopped, The baby is not setting his or her head up on their hands unassisted, I will assist you and teach you the proper way to support your baby's head. Please be aware that not every baby will sleep during this pose and I will ONLY attempt this pose if your little one is fast asleep otherwise a moving and crying baby will not be able to be safely posed. If you have any questions about this pose please feel free to ask me. I also request that you be within arms reach for the entire session unless I have an assistant with me. You'll often hear me say "Mom/Dad, I need you to be his/her spotter."  I myself am a mother, my daughter was in the NICU the first 2 months of her life which required me to learn everything you need to know about newborn safety. 

Let's get started on the specifics! 
 

Here are some things that I encourage you to do to ensure your baby's session goes as smoothly as possible:

• Baby needs to be fed as often as possible in the twelve hours before your session. This helps baby stay in a deep sleep for as long as possible.
   

• Try to keep your baby awake for 1-2 hours before your session. I know this sounds difficult because it seems like all baby wants to do is sleep. Some helpful tips are to undress your baby, play and interact with them, talk and sing to them, and if they still want to sleep you can try giving them a bath. This will help ensure a sleepy baby.
   

• Please don't feed your little one until you get to my studio. This is so helpful because once baby is fed it starts its sleep cycle and we don't want that to start while baby is in its car seat. We want that to begin in the studio. If you are bottle feeding make sure to bring extra bottles. If I'm traveling to you I will ask you to feed your baby while I'm setting up my equipment. 
   

• You will want to put baby in loose fitting clothes, preferably a zip up/button up sleeper. This helps reduce lines on the skin from clothing. You also want to avoid any onesies that would need to be pulled over the baby's head as this usually just leads to an upset baby. 

Things you will want to bring or have on hand:
 

• Drinks for yourself and any younger siblings. I also would recommend bringing a snack. Especially for nursing moms. These sessions are long and nursing really makes mommas want to eat. 
   

• Plenty of diapers and wipes, babies poo... a lot. It never fails. Poo happens and it's nothing to worry or feel bad about.
   

• 2-3 receiving blankets to wrap baby in between poses. 
   

• Pacifiers. I know not all parents plan to use pacifiers but please bring one. Even if you have to buy one for the occasion. Sometimes babies just want to suck intermittently for a few minutes and it truly helps while trying to pose. Once baby falls back asleep the pacifier will be removed. The soothie type pacifier that they give away at the hospital are helpful because they don't leave marks on the face. Go ahead and ask for one at the hospital even if you don't plan on using it. That way you can have it for your session.
  
   

Props I have in my studio:

• Headbands

• Wraps

• Blankets

• Bowls

• Bonnets

• Rompers

Family portraits: 
If you are planning on having family portraits taken during your session remember simpler is better. Try to avoid patterns. White, black, navy, cream and tan are always good options. Try to avoid anything with a logo or wording on it. Little girl in dresses and little boys in plain t shirts and jeans. Don't worry too much about shoes because little bare feet are cute. 

For Breastfeeding Moms:
Please try to follow this guide for 48 hours prior to your session. It is a list of what not to eat to ensure baby is very comfortable. Gas is very uncomfortable for the little ones and it will help baby to stay calm and relaxed if a gassy tummy can be avoided.






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patience will matter most. Please keep in mind these sessions can last up to three hours. This will all depend on how stubborn or willing your little one is. Mom You just had a baby so please relax! If you are stressed the baby is more likely to be stressed too. Dad can be my assistant if you're not feeling well, I totally understand! 

My goal is to capture you baby in the first week in a safe, beautiful, and creative way. Using this guideline will increase our odds of the session going smoothly with a beautiful outcome you will cherish forever. I can't wait to work with you and meet your beautiful little one!