Congratulations! You are preparing for your newborn session and there's a good chance this is your first time. Those first few days of your baby's life are exciting, exhausting, and often a bit blurry. If you are anything like me, you might like to prepare yourself for something like a photo session ahead of time. It may bring you peace of mind to have your ducks in a row before showing up to your session. However, again, if you're anything like me, you are literally a hot mess in those first couple of weeks after giving birth and are likely forgetting everything that's being said to you as it goes in one sleepy ear and right out the other.
For this reason, I've created this blog post to point my clients in the right direction so that they can mentally (and maybe even physically) prepare for their newborn session ahead of time. I've compiled a list of some frequently asked questions I often get as my clients are preparing to join me for a newborn session. Of course, if you read this post and still feel as though your questions haven't been answered - don't hesitate to contact me! I'm always available to chat about your session. Also, if you have any comments and/or tips for ways to improve this list based on your own personal experiences - by all means, leave them in the comments below! I love to hear from you!
1. What do I need to bring to my session?
For your newborn session, I encourage you to bring a pacifier, a bottle (if you are bottle feeding), and perhaps a change of clothing.
Otherwise, I have just about everything you need. I provide a ton of options in terms of props, wraps, hats, blankets, headbands, diaper covers, etc. You will have an overwhelming amount of things to choose from, so you really don't need to bring anything but the baby :) There is no pressure to bring anything to your session besides the above-mentioned items.
However, if you have something special you wanted incorporated into the photos, you are more than welcome to bring those along.
Often, people like to bring things to customize their session: a family heirloom, a knitted hat given as a gift, a special blanket, sports paraphernalia, etc. - heck, I've even put a baby inside dad's golf bag! If you have specific ideas or photos you've seen that you want to "recreate," I am always up for a challenge and love trying new poses and ideas. Don't be afraid to ask for anything crazy.
2. What do I do when I arrive?
The address to the studio is: 131 Morse Street, Foxboro, MA. When you arrive, your GPS will bring you to the main parking lot of The Foundry (a renovated mill building in Foxboro). Do NOT pull into this parking area. There is no entry to my studio from this area. Instead, continue on the main road and pull into the REAR of the building. If you do not see the pond, you are not in the right parking lot! When you see the water, turn into the rear of the building and continue driving through the lot to my studio door in the back alongside the pond. My studio door is an off-white color and there is a wreath hanging. There is also a white sign with my logo above the door. If you have any issues at all locating me, please feel free to give me a call at 401-595-4006.
3. Is there anything I need to do to prepare the baby ahead of time?
The best kind of babies for newborn sessions are three things: full, warm, and sleepy. So, if possible, it's best if you can feed the baby right before leaving for your session. However, we will take as many feeding breaks (including a simple "top off" or two) as necessary to get that baby as content as can be! I create the warm and snuggly environment needed to take care of the other two. This is why it is important to try to stick to the 3-14 days old time frame, as typically newborn babies will fall right back asleep if they're full and warm enough.
4. How long should I expect to be at my newborn session?
If you look at my newborn packages, you'll notice there are a couple of options for newborn sessions and both have varying time frames. My Newborn 1 package has a time frame of 2 hours. My Newborn 2 package has a time frame of 3-4 hours. These both include different things, but I like to give a general time frame so that my clients (especially dad!) are prepared in advance for the amount of time we'll be spending on these photos. Newborn photography takes time, patience, and a lot of "shushing;" and baby runs the show. :) With that being said, the time frames given on my pricing guide are simply a reference point. Your session could run longer or even shorter than the listed time, depending on baby.
5. What is included in my newborn session?
All of my newborn packages include the session fee AND a digital gallery of your images with printing rights. I typically send my digital galleries within 7-10 business days, depending on the time of year. How many photos you'll receive and how many different props/backdrops we are able to use are all dependent on the package you choose. Again, this is because newborn photos take time and the more outfits/props used, the longer it takes. However, if your baby is super sleepy and cooperative, we may be able to accomplish more than what is listed in your package.
6. I'm really not sure which package is for me! Can you help?
Deciding what type of newborn session best fits your needs can feel overwhelming. Below are some things to consider when booking your session:
Lifestyle sessions are exactly as they sound. They are in-home sessions that document your life. I bring very few props; the backdrop to your images is your home/baby's natural environment. These photos often take place in the nursery, the parent's room, or the family room/other common areas. They are often natural, laid-back, and special in their own way.
2. Studio style sessions happen in-studio (Foxboro, MA). These images tend to be more posed. We use props, backdrops, etc. to create unique images that fit your style and showcase baby's perfect features. As previously mentioned, I have SO many fun props, outfits, etc. for you to choose from - the options are truly endless!
7. Can I bring my older children to my session?
If you have older children you'd like incorporated into the photos, I'm all for it! If you're worried about their cooperation/attention span - please remember that I am a mom of 4 young children and I understand it all. I always say, nothing surprises me anymore ;). My priority is a positive studio experience for all - this means most especially for mama. Take a deep breath, relax (I always have champagne on hand to help with this!), and remember that your squirmy kiddos are doing exactly what they're made to do. Let them squirm!
Two things to keep in mind:
1. Feel free to drive separately from your partner if your health and time/location allow it. This way, you can come earlier and bring the baby for his/her solo shots. Then, towards the end of your session, your spouse can bring the other child(ren) for the sibling shots so they aren't waiting around and getting restless. (Alternately, your children can come for the beginning of the session and your significant other can drive them home after their portion of the photos are complete and you and I can focus on the baby's photos)
2. If that is not a feasible option for your family, feel free to bring them for the entire session. There are things here to keep them busy and I can also recommend a few places nearby if bringing them outside of the studio makes more sense (did someone say munchkins?)
If you have any other questions or concerns prior to your session, I am always available to chat! You can email me or text me at any time. I always appreciate it when clients send examples of newborn portraits they've seen on Pinterest or elsewhere to give me an idea of their style. This helps me prepare my props and accessories ahead of time to fit your style and make the most of our time together.
NEW GUIDELINES IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS (updated September 2022):
Just as always, everything is cleaned, sanitized, and ready for your visit (this not only includes the common spaces but also the wraps, blankets, props, etc. used for newborn sessions).
I request that you remove your shoes upon entry of the studio and wash your hands as you enter. I will do the same.
Masking is no longer required. Wearing a mask is the client's choice.
I am happy to wear a mask during your session if you would like me to. If you'd feel most comfortable with me being masked while you are in the studio, please text or email me ahead of time to let me know.
Should you or anyone in your family develop symptoms prior to your session, please contact me directly and we'll discuss the best course of action. There are no financial penalties associated with COVID-related cancellations or rescheduling.
If you have any questions regarding these policy changes during the COVID-19 crisis, please do not hesitate to contact me! I am happy to answer any questions. My number one priority is the safety of your new baby (and your entire family). Please note that I take this very seriously and am happy to discuss this further with you.