NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY session guide
WELCOME
I’ve got you.
Thank you for choosing Jessica Hunter Photography for your newborn photo session. You may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for your session so I’ve got a few tips and tricks for you! The most important thing is that you don't stress during this process. I know new motherhood is an exhausting time, so don't worry, I’ve got you!
Jess
BEFORE YOUR SESSION
PREP...
collectung those special items
While I bring wraps and buckets for photos, I do recommend having at least one sleeper for baby to wear In family photos Tip: Purchasing a premie sleeper will ensure it fits correctly as often newborn ones are too big in the first few weeks. You will also want to collect any other special items you would like to incorporate (stuffies, a quilt, a name sign, etc…). Keep it all in an area for easy access
TO DRESS BABY? keep it simple A simple onesie or sleeper ensures that images remain timeless. Make sure it is small enough so that all of babies features are able to be seen! recommended places to get bamboo sleepers littleandlively.com chapters.indigo.ca well.ca etsy.com westcoastkids.ca ryandpen.com Kytebaby.com minimioche.com littlesleepies.com
HOW
WHAT TO WEAR? siblings & parents
CHOOSE SOLIDS
Pick solid colored items that that coordinate with your color palette and go from there. Avoid dressing any family members in clothes with logos or bright colors (neon). Try and keep clothing fairly light colored, as it will help reflect light in your home.
remember...
COMFORTABLE. ALL CLOTHES SHOULD FIT PROPERLY AND BE PRESSED AND NEAT.
BE
THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT
HEAT YOUR HOME
HUNGRY BABY?
A well fed baby is a happy baby. Please feed and burp baby right before our session. This will ensure a nice sleepy “milk drunk” babe We are also happy to take as many breaks as baby needs if he or she gets hungry during our shoot. It’s tough work being new in the world!
Hfkf
This is the single most important tip for an easy session About 30 minutes before your session, turn your heat up to about 27 degrees Celsius. This helps keep baby content and cuts session time in half as baby won’t keep waking up and need to be resettled.
PREP YOUR SPACE (S)
I typically use the living room, master bedroom and/or nursery for picture locations It is totally up to you which of these spaces I use (and can use all three if you wish). Ensure that the space (s) are clutter free and try to hide anything you would not like included in the photos (bottle warmer, remote, kennel, etc..)
LIFESTYLE IN YOUR HOME how to prepare
Warm it up: Crank the heat! It’s super important that your naked babe feel all toasty when we are doing the session. If you ’ re sweating then baby is likely the perfect temp!
Have all your newborn items ready (sleeper, blanket, etc…).
Open up ALL your curtains and blinds. I primarily use natural light so we want to make sure we can let in as much as possible Don’t worry if you think your home is too dark. As long as all the blinds are open, we are good!
If baby takes a pacifier or is bottle fed, have those on hand to help settle baby in between shots!
Timing: It can typically take 1-2 hours for lifestyle newborn shoots Please make plans to spend at least this much time with us. The baby is in charge so we like to give enough time for feeding, cuddles and calming baby
01. 02. 03. 04. 05.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING
The most important thing? Relax Bringing a new baby into the world is tiring and can be very stressful. We are very experienced handling and posing newborns. Your baby is in safe hands! It can sometimes be best if mom steps away if baby is hard to settle. Their little noses know moms scent and it can be hard for them to relax if they want to be in your arms.
stress free
We understand that this is much easier said than done, but we want this to be a stress-free experience for you and your baby. The calmer you are, the calmer the baby will be.
Q. A.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long do newborn sessions typically last?
Most newborn sessions take anywhere from 1-2 hours The atmosphere is very relaxed. The session pace will be determined by the baby.
Q. A.
Can I incorporate siblings and other family?
Yes! It's an incredible experience for the whole family to be photographed with the new baby. Please discuss any additional people with me prior to your session so we can plan accordingly
Q. A.
Who supplies the outfits for baby?
I will bring wraps and headbands but it is suggested you have at least one sleeper on hand for family photos
Q. A.
What's the turnaround time on my images?
Unless otherwise communicated, it is typically three weeks for your gallery to be completed. Once it's complete you'll be sent a link to your online gallery for downloading.
Q. A.
How do I know what colors to incorporate?
I will send a pre-session questionnaire to ask what colors are used in the baby’s rooom and if there are any colors you would like to incorporate.
Q. A.
Do we need to be involved the entire shoot?
I know it will be warm so I always try and get family photos and sibling photos done as quickly as possible so that you can take a break while I photograph baby solo.
jessica@jessicahunterphotography.com
