Baby Scheduling
Newborn babies are best photographed between 5-10 days after birth on the day of their photo session. This also depends on their due date and birth weight. Your newborn baby will generally fall asleep more easily and will sleep for longer periods of time. Baby acne and skin flaking will appear more often on newborns older than 10 days.
The best time to schedule your newborn session is during your pregnancy. This ensures a spot on the calendar while we wait for their arrival. Since babies are rarely predictable, I always leave room for newborn sessions. However during busy holiday seasons it is best to pre-book, I can always modify the schedule.
Newborn sessions generally run anywhere from 2-3 hours with time to feed, change and cuddle your baby. Sessions are held in the privacy and convenience of your home. Plan for a relaxing session with plenty of time for diaper changes, feeding and snuggling. Mom, dad and siblings are welcome to join in for some special pictures.
For working parents, I also offer evening and weekend appointments.
Pre Session Day: Preparation
Please make sure you have the following items on hand for the photo session. Diapers, wipes, a pacifier, babies favorite blanket (to comfort in between poses), extra bottles (if bottle feeding), burp cloths.
You can also prepare any specialty items such as family heirlooms or props to be used in your session. I welcome ideas and your creativity.
Dry flaky skin and acne will occur as babies get older. It is best to bathe your newborn and then apply natural baby oil to their skin to soften the flakes. For baby acne, a cool washcloth will help the cleaning. I will retouch any blemishes so that your baby has smooth creamy skin in their pictures.
Session Day: Feeding
On your session day I would prefer if you feed your baby as I arrive to your home. Babies will tend to feed more often than normal in a new environment and feeding them upon arrival will usually ensure a nice start to a session. If you must feed your baby before I arrive, try giving half a feeding and the other half as I start to setup.
If you are planning to breastfeed your baby, please check out my Breastfeeding Food Guide for a list of foods you may want to avoid 48 hours before your session. Every baby is different, but I found certain foods really affect most babies. Gassy or grunting babies are often this way due to an intolerance to spicy or gassy foods. They will grow out of it as they get older but are more sensitive in the first few weeks. Always consult your pediatrician if there is any concern.
Clothing & What to Wear
Parents, partners, siblings and grandparents are always invited to participate in any newborn session. I suggest wearing solid colors or simple soft patterns that are not distracting. Try not to match clothing, however, keep similar tones in mind and avoid busy patterns when choosing outfits.
You are welcome to have a change of clothing since when handling a naked baby, someone will usually get soiled. If it happens to be me, I am totally fine with it.
I love little boys barefoot, without a shirt or wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans or khakis. Dads should keep clothing simple and similar. For moms I want you to be as comfortable as possible and suggest a nursing or lose fitting top. Maternity clothes or anything comfortable will work great. I suggest wearing light makeup, especially some mascara – it will make a difference in images. For little girls, I suggest a simple dress or gown.
When calling to schedule your session I would be happy to discuss your clothing choices with you. Some of our clients like to send me the outfits in an email before their session. I am here to help if you need anything before your session!
Styling your Newborn Session
My style is more clean and natural, so there are a lot of white, nude, brown and grey tones in my color pallet. The following items are available, if you are having a newborn session in your home, you are welcome to request any items to be brought to the session.
Stretchy baby wraps
Cheesecloth wraps in various colors
Baby blankets
Flokati rugs
Baskets, buckets and bowls
Headbands and tiebacks
Baby crowns
Lace rompers for babies and toddlers
Knit and cotton diaper covers
Knit hats
Baby bonnets
Tiebacks for babies and children
Some Helpful Tips:
-The best time to schedule your session is within the first 10 days after birth. Day 5-9 are usually the best.
-Have your baby fully fed for 6 hours leading up to your session.
-Try to keep your baby awake and alert for the hour before your session.
-As soon as I arrive, please feed your baby until they are full. Please keep them upright and burp them to settle their tummy.
-Please turn the heat up, babies like it warm and cozy. I also have a small space heater just to make the area a little more cozy.
-Please dress your baby in very loose fitting clothes or just wrapped in a blanket, please also loosen their diaper. This prevents lines on their skin.
-If you are planning to nurse your baby, please check out my Breastfeeding Food Guide.
-Have lots of wipes on hand!
Please feel ask me any questions before and even during the session! I look forward to meeting you and your new baby!
Elena Wolfe, Snap Couture Photography
