What to Expect during your Newborn Session
Firstly I would like to say how thrilled I am that you have chosen me to photograph your precious little baby/babies! Newborn sessions are one of my favorites! I love capturing those tiny newborn details and providing images that will last a lifetime and remind parents of just how small their babies were and how quickly they change!
Newborn sessions are longer than normal sessions and require a lot of time, planning, and patience on the photographer's part as well as the parent's. New parents can be overwhelmed with what to expect when their new baby is being photographed, so I have written this to help my clients know what to expect and hopefully become a little more comfortable with the process of how I do newborn portrait sessions. After all is said if you still have questions feel free to message me!
Preparing for your session:
1. Once you've contacted me about photographing your newborn, we can set up a tentative date based on your due date. Babies typically come on their own time, however, once you have delivered you can then contact me to set up the actual session. Babies are best photographed within the first 5-10 days of birth as they are still very sleepy, can be easily posed, baby acne hasn't appeared yet and any signs of jaundice have faded as well. So be sure to contact me as soon as possible to book your session. If you have a C-Section, let me know so we can plan on having an extra set of hands to help out with the baby's shoot, whether it is Dad or someone else.
2. When we have scheduled your session we can then talk about what you expect out of it. Whether you want just family shots with the baby, just posed shots or a combination of both. Let me know beforehand if there are certain poses you want me to try with baby or special props that you will be bringing from home; such as if you or your spouse are into baseball and you want a shot baby posed with a baseball mitt, etc. Any props that have meaning to you will make the photos that much more special.
3. My newborn sessions typically take three hours, but plan on your newborn session being anywhere from three to four. Because of this I typically schedule newborn sessions in the morning, around nine or ten. Babies also tend to be sleepier at this time of day. I am not shooting the entire 3-4 hours. Much of this time is spent switching blankets and props, getting baby fed or diaper changed/cleaning up messes, and soothing baby into poses. A fussy or wide-awake baby who doesn't want to fall into a deep sleep can also affect the length of the shoot, but don't worry if this happens! We will get the photos we are able too. It's normal for babies to stay awake for a period of their session.
4. I only shoot newborn sessions in my home, as I have the proper setup and lighting for newborn sessions.
5. Babies are best photographed on a nice full tummy, so plan on feeding baby shortly before your session.
6. I photograph babies without any clothes on, sometimes with a diaper, but otherwise completely naked. I do have adorable little outfits, headbands, and hats that they can wear for images. If you have a special outfit you would like them photographed in let me know!
7. If Mom, Dad, and any siblings are going to be in any shots I suggest wearing simple, light, and comfortable clothing for shots. Black, neutral brown or cream shirts work great!
8. Please dress in light layers as I will often have the house/studio space quite warm for baby. It can get warm quickly!
During your session:
1. Newborns love to be warm, and since they will be naked for the majority of their session turn I make sure to keep the area nice and toasty! A temperature of 80-85 degrees is perfect. I use a space heater, heating pad, and white noise to help baby stay warm and sleepy.
2. I have numerous props to use for baby but I love when clients have special props, blankets, and such to include in images as well! Don't be afraid to bring fun props with you!
3. I like to start off the session by posing baby on the beanbag using a variety of backdrops and small props (bows/hats). Afterward, we can move on to family shots and other posed shots.
After your session:
1. I go through all the photos from the session and pick the best of the best to edit and share. Depending on how the session went the number of images can vary from 15 to 50.
2. After editing a few images I will post a sneak peek on my Facebook page, usually 2-6 images over a period of a few days. The rest of the images will be posted on my website gallery within 2-6 work weeks.
3. I will provide you with a printing release so that you may get your photos printed at the lab of your choice. You will need this with you when getting images printed.
Thank you again for choosing Amanda Leigh Photography as your newborn photographer! I am happy to photograph your family and look forward to our session together and creating gorgeous images that will provide long-lasting memories.
~Amanda