Prep Guide
Preparing for your Session The information in this guide is very important in determining the success of your session.
Please review and follow these instructions. If you are nursing, the day before and day of your session it is important to eat clean simple foods that will not upset your baby’s tummy. Get as much rest as possible. I know this is hard with a newborn, but do your best to sneak a bit of extra sleep in when you can. If you have a moment to get away, go enjoy a post-pregnancy massage! If everyone is rested and happy it will show in your portraits. On the day of your session it is important to keep your baby awake for appx 2 hours with as little feeding as possible. We want him/her to arrive at the studio a little hungry and tired. Some things you can do to keep your baby awake... give them a bath, tickle their feet, keep them unwrapped/unswaddled, play with them, even let them get fussy. In the car ride over be sure someone stays in the back seat with them to keep them from falling asleep on the way. Even the sleepiest of babies that do not follow these guidelines are awake for most of their session, keeping us from producing our best work. We keep our studio a bit warm during the session with a heater in the room and everyone dresses comfortably. Sessions normally last for 2-3 hours but can run longer depending on the baby. Prepare for a slow, easy and patient morning. As soon as you arrive you will give your baby a nice big feeding that will put them to sleep for the majority of our session.
Clothing
For Mom and Dad You both are a big part of this new baby’s life and trust me, you will want these photos no matter how tired you are now. Photographing the connection between you and your new baby is one of the biggest reasons I do this work and my favorite part of the session. I believe that skin on skin contact creates the most beautiful images and love the simplicity and timelessness that the look creates. For dad, a nice but simple tshirt looks best, not a thin undershirt but something with a bit of weight and texture is nice. Keep the color simple and muted so that it does not compete with your baby. Whites, creams, beiges or light grays work well. Feel free to bring a few options to choose from. Nothing with buttons so we can get baby close to you. Moms look wonderful in a simple white or neutral colored nursing tank. A thin strap works best. Keep the color and the design simple. Don’t forget to look at your nails as they will be in these images. A manicure will help you look your best but I prefer a simple nail with no color or decoration. Simple is timeless, you want to enjoy these images forever!
Additional Thoughts Siblings
Attire is usually dependant on age. For sisters, a simple neutral tank also works best. Hair should be natural or in a braid but free of hairbands, ties and bows etc. No nail polish please. Brothers may be shirtless also or wearing a nice neutral tshirt. A nice pair of jeans or neutral colored slack work well also. Please be sure to have something to keep them occupied for a little bit. It helps to have someone with you who can take them out of the studio after they are photographed while we work with your newborn.
Props Personally my style is to keep your images timeless. Current trends, while cute now, do not stand up well over time. We want your images to last a lifetime. However, I do love incorporating special heirloom items that have importance and meaning to you and your little one. Please let us know if there is anything you would like us to incorporate into your session beforehand so we may plan for how to best use it.
Questions It is my hope that whether we are photographing in our studio or in your home that you feel at home with me. I am truly honored to document this time in your lives for you and look forward to sharing that time with you and your family. If there is anything I can do to help ensure a comfortable and smooth portrait session please let me know! e: info@littlemomentsportraits.com
ph: 407-719-8741
Other Information Notifying us Sessions with your newborn are best 7-10 days after birth. After this time it is more difficult to keep them asleep. They are not as flexible and they will want to stretch out more making it difficult to capture the traditional newborn poses. For scheduling purposes it is very important that someone contact us immediately after birth so we can get your session on our schedule.
Cameras You are welcome to use a phone camera to take behind the scenes photos of your session ONLY. You MAY NOT take close up photos or photos of only baby. All images must be taken from a distance of the whole set/session. If you post these photos to social media please tag Little Moments Portraits and share your experiences of the day. Please do not abuse this policy, it is subject to change.
Accidents Your baby will be naked for much of the session and we expect that accidents will happen. No need to apologize or worry about props or blankets, it’s completely normal. You will also be holding a naked baby at some point and an accident is certainly possible during this time. Be sure to have more than one outfit and bring plenty of wipes.
Baby Skin Dry skin, flaking and baby acne are all normal and nothing to worry about. It is best to bathe your baby and apply a light coating of Aquaphor or Eucerin to soften/loosen flakes. The rest will be taken off in post production of your images.
Circumcisions If you have a little boy and are planning on having him circumcised please be sure to do this at the hospital after birth or after our session. Circumcision less than 7 days before your session will prevent us from having a successful session and your session will be canceled and rescheduled if circumcision has taken place less than 5 days from your session date.
During your Session Mom, your new baby is very tuned to your smell and they have a natural feeding instinct when you are near. During the session there may be times where you are asked to be further away from your baby. This is only to make it easier for us to work with your newborn. We have lots of experience with handling babies and safety is our number one priority. Please feel free to stay in the area and peak in on the session and if there is anything we can do to make you more comfortable do not hesitate to ask.
Foods that make a fussy baby Here is a quick list of foods to stay away from the day before and day of your session if you are nursing. Any and all dairy products, eggs, corn, fish, peanuts, soy, chocolate, wheat, beef, nuts, caffeine, and citrus fruits
Things to Remember Contact us immediately after birth. Give this task to someone so you don’t need to worry about it. Eat clean simple foods. Get plenty of rest. Keep baby awake for 1-2 hrs. before your session. If you are coming in to the studio, don’t let baby sleep in the car on the way over. Soothie pacifier, the round one the hospital provided you with works best for our session. Bottles with milk. Even if you are nursing it is helpful to have bottled milk for quick feedings and calming. If you are willing to bottle feed for the afternoon it is the easiest way to ensure a happy sleepy baby. Plenty of diapers and wipes. I have water but bring snacks, this will take a little while. Manicure and light natural makeup. Dress comfortably and bring clothing for parents and sibling photos.
info@littlemomentsportraits.com | 407-719-8741