I get asked quite often, what do I need to do to prepare for our newborn session. I want newborn sessions to be relaxing and calming for parents, at a time that can sometimes seem very chaotic! It is a chance for you to sit and rest for a couple of hours and really take in your newborn, you can watch as I get them to doze off to sleep and once you see them fast asleep, with the cutest little hat or headband on - you just won't believe they are all yours!
Before your Newborn Session
I always start my newborn sessions at 10.30, they are based in my home studio in Newark, Nottinghamshire. I have found it is a good time of day and babies are quite chilled and also not too early to get everything ready and out of the house. The morning of your session, if you try and keep baby awake for as long as you can, give them a nice warm bath, keep interacting with them - ideally they will be ready for a nice long sleep when they get to the studio. I know if you are coming by car, it is virtually impossible to keep them awake in the car, so don't worry if they do nod off on the way! If you try and dress baby in something simple - a white baby grow is fine, if you try to avoid anything that has to be taken off over their heads, as this can often upset them. Bring along a nice outfit or baby grow that you would like them to be photographed in when we do family images or I can leave them wrapped if you prefer. Other than that, I will provide everything we need for baby for the session. Feeding wise, if you live close, try to feed them before you arrive at home. If you live a little further away, plan to feed them when you get to the studio. These are just little tips, they may help the session to run smoother and make baby more relaxed!
What to Bring
Just bring along the normal baby bag items that you would when out and about:
Nappies, wipes
Dummy - if you are using one
Extra formula, if you are breast feeding, you may need to feed more often during the session
A blanket for baby to snuggle with when feeding in-between poses
Any sentimental items you may wish to bring
During your session
Newborn sessions last between 2-3 hours and I work completely at babies pace. When I am doing my set up, I always prepare more props/set ups than I will need, as if baby is not happy, we just do the ones we can do. We start by doing some poses on the posing table, usually baby is awake, they may go to sleep on the posing table. If not I will wrap them up and do some poses in props. We always stop if baby needs more milk or changing. You will always be surprised that I actually don't spend so long with a camera in my hand, it is more about settling baby and getting them comfortable. I have everything here in the studio that will be needed for the session, outfits, props, headbands, hat and some backdrops for family images.
What to Wear
I keep the studio really warm so if you try to dress in layers, it can help! If you are wanting some family images at the end of the session, it is best to try and co-ordinate what your family are wearing. Don't completely match - we don't want those cheesy 80s images where everyone is wearing denim! Colours such as grey, cream, light blues, light pinks and white all compliment each other, so any clothes on these colour palettes are great. It makes such a difference to your images! Try not to wear anything too patterned or with any large logos on, it just distracts the eye and takes the attention away from a beautiful family image.
Overall, the most important thing I would say with a newborn session is to enjoy it. Don't worry if baby cries, or takes a long time to go to sleep. I have lots of experience with babies and will always ensure that we get a lovely gallery of images of your gorgeous new baby!
To book a newborn session follow the link below, or let me know if you have any other questions.
Simona xx
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