Having a newborn- whether it’s your first or your fifth- is always a wonderful (yet exhausting!) time. Your newborn’s portrait session, however, shouldn’t be. My goal is to make every one of my clients’ newborn sessions as easy, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible. So If you’re wondering what to expect at your Newborn’s session, here’s a little preview!

How long does a newborn session last?

A newborn photo session doesn’t only involve shooting. In fact, my pressing the shutter is only a fraction of the time spend creating the image. Not only does it take some time and patience to wrap a newborn and position them properly for a photo- it also takes time to feed them, change, them, or soothe them if they’re unsettled.

I make time for ALL of these things whenever they’re needed. I NEVER rush a session or rush baby, and never try to push them into a certain “pose”. Because of the relaxed nature of the session, I always allow for about 3 hours for your visit. It may seem like a long time, but remember- this is a morning of relaxation for you! All you have to do is relax, put your feet up and enjoy the coffee, snacks, and Netflix!

What we have in the studio:

You can enjoy the private client lounge- complete with recliners, a changing table, and a a kid-sized table and chairs for brothers and sisters to read, play with toys, draw, or color. Moms can also use the lounge if they’d like to nurse or pump in private.  And the coolest perk we recently added to the client lounge? A wall-mounted TV complete with Netflix and Disney+!  (Go ahead, Mom. Watch Bridgerton on your phone while big brother sings along with Mickey Mouse). 😉

You’ll also have access to the full client bathroom- with stepstools for little ones, and built-in potty seats for brothers and sisters that might be toilet training. And yep- everything is fully cleaned and sanitized between sessions.  

In the studio/shooting space, there is a small couch to watch all the action of the shoot, and a coffee nook with a Keurig for fresh coffee and tea, pre-wrapped snacks like granola bars, fruit leather, crackers, and instant oatmeal (if someone forgot to eat breakfast), and a fridge with water, juice, and cheese & crackers.  Of course, you’re welcome to bring along any favorite snack for your family, too.  (Just rememnber to stay away from messy things like Cheetos or colorful things like fruit punch!)

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We are a FULL-service studio! Everything is designed so that exhausted moms and dads have a nice, relaxing morning!

So, hang out on the couch (or recliners) and catch up on Pinterest or IG.  Relish in some quiet time while the kiddos watch a little TV in the lounge…  Or even take a well-deserved nap. (And no, you won’t be the first!) I’m an experienced momma, so don’t worry- my priority is always that baby is safe and content. So when he or she needs momma, I’ll just wake you up! 😉   

What to bring:

When I say you could forget everything except baby and we’d still be fine, I mean it! All you need to truly bring is yourself, baby & family, and whatever baby needs for feedings- whether it be breast or bottle.  Even if you forget your diaper bag, I have extra diapers, wipes, clean burp cloths, blankets… You name it, I’ve got you covered.  

Though you don’t HAVE to bring anything else, here are a few things that come in extra handy:

1. A sleeper (with zippers or snaps) for baby to arrive in
   This is the easiest thing to get off of baby when they’re asleep and ready for photos! Then, I have lots of coordinated wraps to wrap/cover baby with, as well as some outfits specifically sized for photography sessions. 
2. Your phone or iPad
   The kiddos can enjoy Disney+ on the TV, so you might want your phone or iPad for yourself and catch up on your favorite shows!
3. Bottles/Formula/Pump
   There’s filtered water for you if you use formula, and any nursing/pumping mamas can do so comfortably in the private client lounge. (Or you can do it right in the studio if you want- won’t bother me a bit!)
4. A Pacifier
   If baby uses a pacifier, please bring it along! Oftentimes, when baby is slightly unsettled (yet still sleepy) a quick couple minutes on the pacifier is all they need to soothe themselves. If you don’t yet have one, but you’re fine with baby using one for a few minutes, I keep a couple brand-new (already sterilized and sealed) “Soothies” in my shooting space. And you’re welcome to take it home with you afterward!

Enjoy your session with your family!

This is not only how I create heirloom portraits for you of this amazing- yet fleeting- time, it’s also a well-deserved break for you! If you’d like to see a virtual tour of our studio, click here!