With a new baby, everything is new. It takes time to get into a rhythm with your new one and predicting when the baby will sleep can be difficult. The following are some important suggestions to keep in mind for a successful newborn session. 

1. Feeding Baby. Every baby is different of when and how often they will need to feed. Feeding the baby an extra time or two will help them sleep more deeply. You will want to feed baby before driving to the studio for your session. This should prepare baby to be ready to begin when you arrive, but note some babies will need to be feed when arriving at the studio. Please note that baby will get hungry during the session and it is normal to stop and take breaks when needed.   When you get to the studio, baby may need to be fed once before starting.

2. Baby’s Clothing. Please dress baby in an outfit that is easy to get on and off. NO pull overs please. I suggest having them wear an outfit that zips or snaps in the front. Also, dress them in loose fitting clothing to prevent marks from diapers or elastic bands.

3. During the Session. Be prepared to sit back and relax. We will give plenty of time so that baby can feed, change diapers, and be comforted.  If you are tense or anxious, your baby can sometimes sense this and also feel tense leading to them not being able to fully relax.  We will provide enough time for the session, which is normally around 2-4 hours.  Also, it will be extremely warm in the studio (80 degrees), so please dress in layers!  If you need to step away from the studio due to the temperature, that is totally fine. I will also be using soothing techniques such as white noise, swaying, and shushing.  

4. Don’t Forget.

                -Extra milk/bottles if you are not breastfeeding. If you are formula feeding, please bring enough formula/bottles for at least 4 hours. I advise bringing extra. It’s better to have extra just incase instead of having to cut your session short due to a hungry baby.

                -Diapers & Wipes (I have extras if needed)

                -Pacifier – A note on pacifiers…Using a pacifier during our session can help sooth your baby.  If you prefer one not to be used, I am happy to respect your wishes. Many new parents worry that baby will become reliant on the pacifier, but for a short 2-4 hour session, this is normally not the case.

-Snacks & drinks for Mom, Dad, and Siblings

5. Baby Style. I have an ever-growing collection of headbands, bonnets, wraps, props, and more, so no need to bring anything from home unless there is something very special or important to your family that you’d like included.  Please let me know ahead of time so I can include it in the flow of your session and allow for extra time if possible. Please note that we hand pick the style for each newborn session to keep consistent with our certain photography style/look/feel.  

6. A Happy & Safe Baby. Countless hours of education are spent on the skill and art of newborn photography.  It is a specialization that requires careful consideration and safety.  It is so important to choose poses that come naturally for your baby and are never forced.  If there is a particular pose that you have in mind, please remember that the safety and comfort of your baby comes first. If your baby isn’t relaxed for the pose, then we will move on to a different pose/set up.  

7. Parents. Please let us know ahead of time if you would like photographs with your little one. This is already included with your session. For clothing, simple and classic are always timeless.  Neutral and light colors are best - think white, ivory, cream, light tans, or light gray. Please no extremely bright or dark colors, shirts with logos, and/or stripes (ex. bright blue, neon orange, blacks, red, etc.). For Dads, a plain white or neutral shirt with khaki pants is best. An example would be a classic button down shirt or polo with khaki or colored jeans. For Moms, don’t worry too much about your post-pregnancy figure (you are gorgeous!), as we will be focusing on the love between you and your baby.  Please also keep your clothing simple and neutral.  This could include a plain blouse, top, or we highly recommend a flowing dress. We can also use a wrap if you want closer skin to skin contact. Also, a majority of the images with parents and baby are not full vertical images, so you don't have to worry about your shoes being included in the image. It’s common for parents to bring their outfits and the outfits of older children’s clothing on hangers and then change when at the studio.

8. Siblings. Please dress siblings to coordinate with parents, which would include dressing in simple, neutral, and timeless outfits. Think white, tan, or light neutrals. We photograph siblings at the beginning of the session because let's face it - little ones can only be still for so long. This will be for a few photographs as a full or extended session at this time is not realistic with a newborn and must be a separate session.  My studio space is limited and small children are not allowed in the shooting area during the newborn session, so please plan to bring along an extra adult for supervision if needed.  The studio also needs to remain calm and quiet during the session. During some sessions, the adult watching over them (dad, grandma/grandpa, friend, etc) choose to leave with the kids after their time with baby is finished. 

Updates due to Covid-19: During this time, only immediate family members are allowed in the studio. Also, family and sibling portraits will be completed first. Following the completion of family and sibling portraits, siblings will be asked to leave the studio with a caregiver. All family members will be required to wear a mask in the studio (children over 5 years). Thank you for understanding and following our updated safety policies during this unusual time.

9. Additional Tips. Please allow yourself enough time to get to the studio.  With a new little one in tow, the last thing I would want is for you to be stressed out and worried about driving and/or being late.  Also, this should be an enjoyable and memorable time with your newborn. I know that preparing for photographs can be stressful, but please take a deep breath and let's create beautiful memories together.

Copyright Joey Winn Portrait Studio