Ok, so you have just got the exciting news that you are pregnant!!! YAY! Congratulations!!  You have decided that you want to do newborn photos…awesome! I promise you, these first moments are so very fleeting and their sweet baby details change so fast. Believe me…I KNOW! I also KNOW that you will want these moments captured and frozen in time! My girls were born premature at 33 weeks due to my severe pre-eclampsia (super high blood pressure) and we spent 32 days in the hospital. Trust me, I was super overwhelmed with the thought of getting my tiny new humans out of the house and traveling over an hour to get newborn photos! I was an emotional wreck, but I knew that I just had to have these precious moments saved. These precious newborn images can never be recreated. Let me hold your hand as we walk through the steps of a newborn photography session.

Most clients schedule their newborn photos several months before their sweet baby arrives. I say book early in pregnancy to help take that off of your plate! You don’t want to be scurrying around last minute looking for a photographer! Newborn photo sessions are best done in the first 2 weeks after your baby is born, so planning early is best! Be sure to keep in touch with your photographer if you go into labor earlier than expected!

Things to remember when looking for a newborn photographer… it’s ok to shop around, look through photographers’ blogs, social media, read reviews and most importantly listen to word of mouth! I can provide you with tons of testimonials if you wish!  It is ok to ask questions! Your little miracle is your most prized possession and you should feel comfortable emailing your photographer with ANY questions. There are no dumb questions!!  Be sure that your photographer has had proper training, attended workshops, and taken courses in baby safety. You’ll want an experienced newborn photographer to keep your little one safe, especially with the posed newborn style of photography!

What about the cost? Newborn photography is definitely an investment. It’s also a keepsake in time for a moment that can never be re-created. There has NEVER been a day go by that I regretted having these done of my twins. I have several different packages to fit every budget! If a payment plan would help you out, then let’s talk!! I don’t want you to miss out on this.

There are some things to help you be more prepared and help things go more smoothly for your session day. Pack the diaper bag the night before. Extra diapers and wipes. Try to nurse/feed baby prior to coming to the session, also, warm baths may help soothe baby! A sleepy baby is the goal!

What if it’s time to feed during the session? No worries!! If you breastfeed, don’t worry we can allow time and privacy for that! If you want to pump and give a bottle, then great, bring a bottle! If your baby is bottle fed, then that’s fine too! We will allow as much time as needed to feed the baby throughout the session!

Don’t forget the pacifier, even if your baby hasn’t started taking one. Sometimes this little distraction is all we need to capture the perfect shot! I promise, we will only use it as necessary.

If you are doing parent/sibling photos, I always try to do them first! You can bring something more comfortable to change into after family pictures are done if you wish. I always like to mention that you are only photographed from the waist up, so Mama’s feel free to wear cozy pants with a cute top! Long flowy dresses also photograph beautifully.  I always recommend parents sticking to more neutral colors such as creams/khakis/pale blues or pinks. These colors photograph best. Sibling photos will also be done during this time. Remember that the photo session usually last around 3 hours, so if siblings will be staying, bring an activity or snacks for them! Sometimes parents even arrange for a grandparent to take siblings back home. You can do whatever makes you most relaxed and stress free!

After the family photos are complete, we will go into the posed portion of the newborn session. The newborn photo package you choose will determine how I pose, but I typically start with poses on a bean bag. I do a combination of neutral colors and a few subtle pops of color. You don’t have to bring a thing! I have a large selection of hairbows/wraps/blankets and props! After the posed photos I will do a variety of prop shots, where the baby is in a basket/bucket/crate, etc! Depending on how well your little one sleeps, will determine the order of poses! And remember, not every baby will do every single pose. I never force the baby into a particular pose!  Every baby is different and that is ok!! Trust me, I have learned through my years of experience of photographing, to listen to the cues of the baby and adjust accordingly! You should also know that my 20 years of experience being a pediatric nurse and nurse practitioner at Children’s of Alabama helps me to follow my instinct when working with these sweet tiny babies!

I always have drinks and snacks available, so help yourself!! Parents be sure that you eat a little something on your way over! We often forget to take care of ourselves when we are responsible for these little miracles! I want you to be able to relax and take all of these precious moments in and enjoy the experience of your newborn photography session! I want you to have a positive experience AND a beautiful gallery of photos! Please feel free to send me an email if you have any questions at all!! I can’t wait to host your newborn photography session!