NEWBORN PREP | JRines Photography

NEWBORN SESSION PREP GUIDE

Hi! Congratulations again on your new baby! Thank you so much for allowing me the amazing and rewarding job of photographing your new little one in his/her first few days of life. I consider myself truly blessed to be around these little miracles so much. Below are a few tips to prepare for your session.

For baby:

-If nursing or bottle feeding breast milk, try to eliminate caffeine from your diet for 72 hours prior to your session.

-If bottle feeding, breast milk or formula, please bring along a bottle if we need to feed baby during your session.

-Please feed baby about an hour prior to your session, and then that hour prior try and have some ‘awake’ time if possible, bath, let them kick with only a diaper on, tickle their toes, even letting them fuss for a little bit, etc. This will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn pictures! I can’t stress enough that it is so important to do your best to keep them awake. Many parents come in saying “baby has been sleeping all morning, but don’t worry, they sleep SO well this time of day!” only to have baby wake up, since they will be unclothed and unswaddled.

-Dress baby in a button/zip up outfit, just ideally nothing that goes over baby’s head so if they’re sleepy when you arrive we don’t disturb them too much :)

-Please bring a pacifier. Even if you haven’t used one yet or baby doesn’t seem to take to it, just for the 2-3 hours that I’m posing baby it can really help.

-I have a huge and ever growing collection of headbands, hats, bonnets, wraps, boxes, outfits and more, so no need to bring anything from home unless there is something special or important to your family that you’d like included.

For you:

-The studio will be warm and toasty so please dress in layers!

-If you are planning on parent photos, a simple white or light colored top or tank will be perfect (black works, too!)! Same goes for dad. Parent photos will take place the beginning of your session. I do love photographing the connection between you and your baby! Even if you don’t think you want a photo with you and your baby, please do reconsider. For the most part, parent shots are taken chest up and take just a few minutes. They are only little for a little while :) If you do decide to have parent and/or family photos, please be sure that your nails are manicured (nothing fancy, just not chipped polish ideally as your hands will make their way into the photos. Also, please know that I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light to create beautiful images you will cherish.

For siblings:

-I typically photograph siblings (and parents) at the beginning of the photo session. It works best for siblings to arrive do the photos, then leave with a family member, parent etc. That way they don't have to sit through the entire session as they will become bored and restless.