How to prepare for your newborn photoshoot

Here you can find a couple of information about how to prepare for your newborn's first photoshoot,

if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me.

PACK & PREP

1. If your baby has slept solidly for 3 hours prior to your session, we may spend a long time trying to get your baby to sleep and not get many posed shots or be able to use the props you've requested. If you can, in the morning of your session, try to keep your baby awake for 2-3 hours by interacting with them and feeding just before you leave your home or on arrival at my studio. Obviously, this may all go out of the window, as these things are always easier said than done! But this little bit of prep can really make a difference to your session, especially if the baby arrives nice and sleepy.

Dress baby in a simple loose sleeper that doesn't have to be lifted off over the head, just in case the baby is sleeping soundly on arrival.

2. No tight socks or vests to avoid lines on their skin.

3. If you are using or considering using a dummy, please bring it along. It can be a huge lifesaver when baby continuously wants to feed/suckle for comfort. Sometimes it really is the difference of getting that shot or not!

A dummy can help to avoid contact with the mummy while we are in the “rhythm” of a session. The baby can smell mum and hear her voice and this triggers their instinct to feed. It can be quite a distraction for a little newborn. Using a bottle or a dummy for a couple of minutes can help maintain the fluidity of the session and helps the baby settle easier.

4. Any eye gunk or boogers are to be removed where possible please.

5. If you are breast feeding, it may help to not eat spicy or acidic foods or drink caffeine in the 48 hours prior to your session as this could possibly make the baby unsettled.

BATHE THE BABY

The purpose of the bath is not just to clean YOUR baby and ensure the fabulous soft fuzzy baby hair; it also makes them smell amazing! While all that is true, the real reason for the bath is to keep baby awake and tire them out. If your baby's umbilical cord is off, please give a full bath, otherwise sponge bathe. The key is to linger during the bath, draw it out longer than you normally would. You want your baby awake so dilly dally and take your time as to tire them out. I recommend to massage the baby`s skin with coconut oil or olive oil after the bath for a smooth skin.

FEEDING

We would be grateful, if you could give your baby a FULL feeding before coming to begin the photo session. A full tummy equals a sleepy baby!

Tip - Get dressed and pack before feeding the baby so it’s the last thing you do before heading to the studio!

ON ARRIVAL

A full baby means a sleepy baby, and we need a very sleepy & calm baby in order to achieve the sweet, flexible poses.

If the baby is awake when you arrive, it is best to undress them first, loosen the nappy and then wrap them in a blanket before feeding. I may ask you to ignore a strict feeding schedule! The only way we will achieve calm, curly poses is if your baby is happy, full and sleeping deeply.

IT WILL BE HOT, HOT, HOT

The studio will be heated intensely to keep your little one warm, so dress in layers so that you can remove some if you get too warm.

SOOTHING/FEEDING THE BABY

Please know that I do not mind waiting for you to nurse or for nappy changes, or just taking a break to soothe your baby at any point. You and your baby's wellbeing are more important to me than getting a shot. If you are bottle feeding your baby, please bring along more than you think you'll need!

POOP

When doing the poses where the baby is undressed, it is normal (and okay) for baby to poo or wee on my backdrop... or anywhere else. I can assure you this happens all the time, and I am not upset or offended. Please bring with you baby wipes, extra nappies, and a towel. After each newborn session, I launder all of my backdrops and other items the baby comes in to contact with. An extra set of clothes for the parents is a good idea, just in case. Someone always gets wee'd or pooped on, its usually me, but sometimes you!

SESSION 

Newborn sessions generally take 2-4 hours, so please plan for that.

FAMILY PHOTOS

If you wish to have a portrait with you, keep the clothing simple. Personally, I think plain tops with neutral colours work best, please bring a black plaid T-shirt for each member of the family with NO busy patterns & large logos where possible.

Most parents are surprised to find out that a rather large portion of the session revolves around the newborn's needs in terms of feeding, burping, diaper changes and helping the baby fall asleep. It is recommended to plan on extra diapers changes, extra feedings during the session, regardless of your current schedule with the newborn. Making sure your newborn is calm and satiated is our first goal - a happily sleeping newborn makes for wonderful portraits! The newborn session is never rushed, we want you to feel relaxed and enjoy the session as much as possible. It really is a once in a lifetime experience - they are only this little for the briefest of moments.

We always make sure to try and capture the newborn with the older siblings and with the parents as well! For the parent/newborn portraits, you will be photographed from the waist up holding your little newborn. When picking a shirt to wear for your portrait, think of a simple shirt (both for mum and dad) in a solid color, as we want to keep the focus on the connection between you and your baby. Mums might want to think of a pretty tunic or flowing shirt with touches of laces or soft fabric. It is recommended you bring the shirt with you and dress right before we take your picture with the newborn (especially breastfeeding moms) - clothes have a tendency to become stained quite quickly when feeding and handling a newborn. Dads look great in a T-shirt or button down (wrinkle-free!) Mum may want to take the time (if you can spare it) to have a manicure prior to the session as your hands will be prominent, as well as get a little extra pampering such as a blow-out, or applying some light make-up. I know first-hand how tired you will be feeling, but it's worth the bit of extra effort so you'll love how you look in the images.

I am a big fan of skin-on-skin portraits with you holding your baby close to you. They're so timeless. So, if you want some natural portraits like this with your newborn, mums consider a strapless top or vest, alternately I could wrap you in a scarf with a stretchy material I have available. These can be in handy for some very tender images.

Though there is a large variety of props and blankets to choose from at the studio, feel free to bring any item that carries special value to you and I will do my best to incorporate it into the session (i.e. hand-knitted baby blanket, unique hand-me-downs, family gifts.)

I suggest you to park at FRIARGATE Car Parking , in the back of St. ANDREW'S CHURCH and from there to the studio are only a couple of minutes walk.

CHECK LIST

• Nappies and wipes
• Milk
• Parents outfits (black / neutral colours)
• Dummy (optional but very helpful)
• Baby go home outfit
• A baby blanket

Anything to make you comfortable (ipad, books, nursing pillow, sleepers). I will provide cold and hot drinks!

Thank you again for allowing me to document this special time in your lives.

I am honoured you chose me, and I consider photographing your newborn a great responsibility and privilege.

We look forward to meeting your new baby!!

As always, feel free to contact Roxana 07512171545 directly with any questions or to discuss ideas/inspiration for your session.