What to Expect?
Newborn Sessions:
Schedule your sessions as far advance as you can! We set an estimated date for your session, around 5-10 days past your due date. A good rule of thumb is to put me on your to call list for the day you deliver. This will ensure we get you in as soon as we can, based on your/your little one’s condition.
Getting your newborn session done as early as possible is really important as they tend to be more sleepy and flexible during the first 2 weeks. Keep in mind the longer you wait the more awake your little one will be which will limit the poses we could get.
Don’t Forget to Bring these:
Pack extra clothes for both you and family (I’ve been peed on more times than I can count, and had fair share of spit ups as well! :) )
Pumped breast milk in bottles or formula, definitely a pacifier. I know there are some of you who have “"no pacifier” policy at home but breaking this rule just for once for short period of time will not cause nipple confusion, please trust me on that.
Non-greasy Baby lotion! I provide baby lotion in studio to help reduce the flakey look but if you have a preference or special condition, please bring your own. It will not help with everything but a little effort goes a long way.
I will have everything we will need for the baby during our session, but feel free to bring any sentimental item, family heirlooms, etc. to photograph with your baby. I had clients bring quilts, jewelry, photo of a late grandparent, parents’ dog-tags, father’s welding equipment and helmet, etc. Just give me a heads up and we can discuss what we can do with them first! I loove including your ideas and pieces of the family into the session!
Do and Don’ts!
If breastfeeding avoid caffeine & carbonated drinks and gassy & spicy foods 24 hours prior to session.
Keep baby awake minimum 1 hour prior to session (a bath works well).
Bring baby to session in a loose clothing. It will make getting them in and out of them easy! Remove any elastic clothing, including socks an hour prior to the session so the skin can be naturally smooth.
If we are doing Parent/sibling/family portraits, they will be done at the start of session. Due to the duration of the session, we will get those photos out of the way first. Then we can send them out for a drive or play while we do mommy and baby and only baby photos. If one of the parents is unable to attend, I highly suggest bringing someone with you who can take the siblings out for a play or drive when we are done with family photos.
Prepare for a 2-3 hour Newborn Sessions… Even though our sessions are listed as 2 hours, we might need to extend to ensure we get the shots we want and need. Sometimes baby needs more time relaxing, more feeding, sometimes siblings take longer to cooperate. I suggest clearing your schedule for the day to avoid over-stimulation prior to session, sessions may run longer than anticipated for the reasons mentioned above and more.
Be prepared to feed baby throughout the session- prepared bottles are great for posing and feeding simultaneously. The studio is a judge-free and breastfeeding friendly zone!
A pacifier is highly encouraged. Usage will be minimal and therefore nipple confusion will not occur.
Room will be very warm, dress in layers for your own comfort.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns!
Maternity Session:
Are you expecting a bundle of joy? Have you been thinking about getting a maternity session done?
More and more moms are realizing that getting professional photos done during this time of their lives is one of the most memorable, most empowering feelings! I know with pregnancy comes the weight, comes the aches, and bunch of hormonal imbalances but also comes the beauty of nature, a miracle, empowerment.
When to schedule your maternity session?
First step in preparing for your maternity session is finding the right photographer. While maternity sessions aren’t as time sensitive as newborns, it is still best to get your appointment as early as you can to ensure availability, enough time to bounce ideas and plan the type of session you are dreaming of. Each pregnancy is unique, keep in mind the health conditions of you and your baby and book your appointment based on that. If possible, book your session for 28-34 week of your pregnancy, you will be just the right size for me to be able to show off your little bump! I have done sessions after this time frame, but you may start to show some swelling, flushing, or have a hard time walking or standing for the extend of your session.
Important details:
Decide if you want to do Studio or Outdoor Session!
Let me know if you would like any nude, partial nude or implied nude images taken so we can discuss and plan your session according to that.
Don’t forget your Hair and Make up! For causal photos, wear your hair less styled, loosely done. For dramatic sessions, don’t be afraid to go all out! I can refer you to some Hair and Make up artist if you wish!
If you are applying your own make up, make sure to keep these in mind;
Ensure your skin is healthy, hydrated and apply a good primer for make up.
Avoid shimmer as they will appear very shiny on camera. Matte photographs better.
Get as much rest as possible the night before! This is hard I know, but it is a must :)
Don’t forget to bring any sentimental items, including ultrasounds, jewelry, heirlooms, other nostalgic items, I highly encourage ditching the watches on your wrists!
I have a client closet that has gowns, dresses, bodysuits, wraps, fabrics, etc. You are more than welcome to check out Client Closet page or bring your own outfits!
You can check out: Sew Trendy Accessories, Mi Estilo, Chicaboo If the gown you purchase is one I would love to add to my collections I may make you an offer for your gown after the session.Bring all sorts of outfits and lingerie to your session! A simple pair of jeans matched with a black or white bra, bare foot can make a perfect bump photo as much as a gown can! Leggings are not entirely off the list, neither tube tops! Be creative. Bring those sexy undies and bras! If you don’t have any, it could be a nice excuse to go get some!
Black, White, neutral and rich colors are best, but I highly suggest avoiding patterns or too many colors at once!
For maternity images with Family, make sure your outfits are coordinated but not exact matches! Avoid mixing a lot of colors, pattern, or using same pattern too much! Remember, sometimes less is more!
If you are planning on nude/partial nude, bring lacy undies and bras available, preferably in white, black and nude.
Just like in newborn sessions, we will do family photos first, and focus on you alone while father and the siblings are doing their thing!
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
