What to know about your Newborn Signature Session
First and Foremost, I am so very excited to meet your precious new baby and be a part of these first days. It is my desire to capture that sweetness through photos so you will have them forever!
Time:
Relax and know that this is something that will take time. To get babies to sleep and pose them takes some calm patience...then we move them and do it again! So plan on 2.5 - 3.5 hours. (especially if there are sibling photos involved!) YES! I did say that it is typically 2.5 - 3.5 HOURS. (I want to stress that so there are no dads showing up totally freaking out that we are not done in 30 minutes!) :) Bring a magazine, favorite snack and beverage! Newborn is not an age you can do quickly - if they are awake their eyes are half open and as I endearingly like to say, can look a little “wonky”! So, our goal is to get these shots sleeping. AND they need diapers changed, to be fed, consoled, etc….
Temperature:
To best love your little one and allow for maximum comfort I will have the temperature up and will also have a space heater going to make the area we are doing the photos even warmer! (Ideal temp is 85!) So wear layers!!
Noise:
I will be using a white noise app, and also will have music on. Babies are actually used to all that noise inside mom...so we try to create that a bit. I will also have music playing with your favorite artist. (Hence the question on the contract!) :)
Sleep:
We are aiming to have your little one as sleepy as she/he can be when we get started so they sleep the majority of the time! So, try your best to keep them awake the hour or so before coming, this really matters! Give them a bath…keep them a little on the cooler side (they tend to stay more awake)!
Food:
Ideally you will have fed your baby just prior to arriving. Yet, we realize that can be logistically not possible if the drive is longer. There will be a buffer time to “top off” or feed your baby upon arriving if necessary. We will also take breaks as needed for them to be fed if they get hungry during the session.
Outfits for baby:
I will have props (wraps, diaper covers, hats, head bands, accessories, etc.) so you don’t have to prepare for anything. YET, if there is an outfit that you would love to have them photographed in, please let me know! Or any cute hat/accessory that you have that you would want—this is YOUR time!
Siblings:
If you are doing a session that includes siblings here are some helpful ideas. If you are able to drive in two cars (or have a friend/mom help) we can divide the session and either have siblings come later with dad, or a friend brings them. Or the opposite, once we are done with family and dad they are able to leave and we finish the newborn pics. I highly recommend this as a way of self care! It is actually a time of restfulness. I am fully taking care of baby (unless he/she needs to eat…even then if bottles are being used I am happy to help!) and it is quiet, with white noise, low lighting….a time to rest. Otherwise, siblings are very welcome - you just may want to bring along some favorite toys!
Clothes for you:
We will typically do the mom/dad/family pics against a white/creamy backdrop, but we have options. We now have a beautiful bed set up in our studio and can use that. Also, we can do a wood background or black. So, I encourage to scroll through Pinterest and look around your house. If you picture using these on your walls, what would look best? I have done it all. I am open to no shirts and skin to skin look, to the full bright colored coordinated family outfits. What is your preference when you look at newborn photos on Pinterest? Dramatic black? Soft creamy whites? Color? If that is too much to think about….go neutrals. Cream/whites/khakis/denim - always works. You can also do the flowy cream dresses for the bed set - almost nightgown feel or boho. If you would want some help please feel free to reach out to me and I would be happy to consult if that is overwhelming!
Send photos:
If there is an image of a newborn that you are just totally in love with and want to see if we can capture that, send it to me! Ideally, send it to me via email so I can set up for it if necessary. But, if you can’t, just have it to show me! Tell me what you like and don’t like if you have ideas or preferences—I am open.
So, that may seem like a lot of info for one tiny little bundle getting their picture taken! But to make it go smoothly and have it be the best success we can it is good to be prepared and know what to expect! Ultimately I want you to know that your baby’s comfort, safety, and wellbeing are priority! As well, you being comfortable, relaxed, and enjoying the process. So, bring a magazine if you want. There are comfortable chairs in the studio, it will be warm, quiet, and relaxing!
Please let me know if you have any questions at all! This is such a special time and it is an honor for me to be a part!
Warmly, Carrie
847-754-7701 | carriecunninghamphotography@gmail.com