Newborn Session Prep
Congratulations!
You did it!
Bringing new life into this world is HARD. But you did it!
Having the honor of documenting your newest family member for the first time isn't something that I'll ever get over -- even after hundreds of newborns!
Over the next few pages, I'll help get you ready for our session, along with walking you through my process so you can relax and enjoy this magical time in your life!
When To Book
I like to give new parents a week to acclimate to life with their baby, and newborn’s heaviest sleep days are before the two-week mark, so I try to get you in the studio between 7-12 days old.
Sometimes schedules (both mine and yours!) make that window tough to catch, but don't worry!
I've successfully photographed babies as young as 2 days and up to three months with modifications. Your baby is in experienced hands with me.
To help ensure a timely scheduled session, I recommend reaching out to me right after baby is born. This means that after you text your family the cute “he’s here!” photo, you send that same text to me!
When you wait a few days or until you get home from the hospital, that’s precious time you risk having your session pushed pasted the ideal window.
I recommend saving my number to your phone for easy access when the time comes: 801-669-1944.
Location
Newborn sessions are done in my studio, The Muse Room. (unless otherwise requested).
It’s located at 1202 Town Park Ln, Suite 108, in Evans.
My studio sessions are scheduled Monday - Friday. Weekends are available with a $49 fee.
For siblings in school that you want included in the session, I recommend treating this like any other appointment. We have school excuses available if requested.
What If Baby Doesn’t
Sleep?
Newborns can have awake periods of up to two hours so we can spend this time taking awake photos! While a sleeping baby is always ideal, my style does not require it.
To help encourage your newborn to sleep for their session, 1-2 hours before you leave the house, create an environment at home where baby is NOT sleeping.
Some ways to keep baby awake:
Feed baby 2 hours before session start time
After feeding, don't actively try to get baby to sleep--let them be awake!
If baby is fussing, you can soothe them--we don't want a crying baby.
This is a great window of time to give baby a bath! Not only will it keep baby awake, but it will fluff up greasy hair and clean off any grimy folds newborns can get around their neck.
Letting baby kick unswaddled in a warm room is a great way for them to wear themselves out.
BUT: if any of this is stressing you or baby out, please just let baby snooze and we'll still have an amazing session!
What To Wear
To match the style you see in my portfolio, I recommend everyone wear neutral colors. Avoid having everyone in blue jeans.
What to Wear - Moms
Finding something that fits after birth can sometimes be challenging. My goal is to show you how beautiful you truly are - even if you don't feel it.
Whether it's a maternity gown you love or a favorite comfy sweater you feel beautiful in--bring it! Maternity jeans/leggings work well, the focus will be on you + baby.
Please be mindful of your nails, as your hands will be photographed. Chipped polish or dirty nails will distract from your images.
What To Wear - Dads
In the spirit of keeping this session stress free, I highly recommend dads go simple with their clothes. Snug, neutral colored, plain t-shirts or sweaters are the way to go, excessive fabric from dress shirts and collars can hinder posing tiny babies in their dad's arms.
Don't worry about any "dad bods", because first and foremost all bodies are good bodies, and secondly, the focus is always on baby.
What to Wear - Siblings
To help family photos stand the test of time and not look dated, pick classic, neutral colors from your children's closets or head to target and buy clothes that complement your color pallet.
Be careful with everyone wearing the same color. It can look too matchy-matchy. And don't hesitate to reach out to me with outfit ideas if you need help or inspiration.
Again - avoid collars, clothing that is too large and skirts and dresses that are too short without bloomers.
Bringing Items From
Home
I love incorporating personal items and family heirlooms into sessions! But not all items are actually appropriate sized for tiny babies or photograph well.
DO: bring a special receiving blanket if you have one! Bonus points if it has a pretty matching headband.
DON'T: bring "newborn sized" crocheted hats and rompers. Spoiler alert: they don’t typically fit newborns very well, and can look awkward in photos.