what to expect
your newborn photography experience
thank you
Once again, CONGRATS!! I'm so excited for you, and beyond honored that you chose me to photograph your family! I love my job so much, and having the honor of getting to celebrate such a joyous occasion with you is something that I don't take lightly.
My hope is that this guide can help you along the way and answer some of the most common questions about what happens next and how to prepare for your session! Feel free to refer back to this at any time! With nearly 12 years of photography experience, I've pretty much seen it all! As always, if you have questions at anytime, just email and ask!
prepping for your session
The very best time to photograph a newborn is in that brand new, still squishy stage! Because of that, scheduling your session ahead of time is so important. The sweet spot is 6-10 days after your baby is born - for breastfed babies, this ensures that your milk is in and baby is eating enough to sleep well during the shoot.
We'll schedule your session for 6-10 days from your due date, and when you give birth let me know and we can adjust the date if we need to! Please plan for around 3-4 hours for the session itself.
One of my favorite parts of planning a newborn session is deciding which props and colors we'll be using. While I'll make some suggestions and put together a few things for you, I love your input as well.
In addition to choosing colors or props you love, consider your home decor. f there are specific colors in your home that you'll want shown in your baby's images, let me know! If your home has an overall neutral theme, a large canvas of a colorful newborn image may not make sense on your walls - and vice versa!
Scheduling your session
Colors & props
The studio will be really warm. I turn the air down in order for it to remain cozy for the baby, who will be naked often during the shoot. This will ensure a nice, sleepy, squishy baby :)
Because shooting a newborn takes some time, sessions last about 3-4 hours. I do have snacks and drinks in the studio, but you're welcome to bring along something of your own, or a book or magazine. I've seen parents take naps before (all that exhaustion catches up ;). Make yourself at home!
If you, your spouse, and/or other children plan on being in the photos, please let me know ahead of time! I'm happy to, and would love to, accommodate your immediate family (sorry grandma!) and I highly recommend dressing in neutral colors with no graphics or logos
The session can feel like a really long time for a toddlers or other small children, so some people opt to have the family photos done first, and then one parent leaves with their other child/children, but please don't think that you have to! There is also a coffee shop around the corner and the studio is 5 minutes from downtown Cincinnati.
The studio
Family & sibling photos
during your session
tips for a happy baby
some things to consider
Plan on feeding your baby roughly 45 minutes prior to your session time. This gives them time to eat and go to the bathroom before or just as you're arriving.
If you are breastfeeding , avoid any foods or drinks that may make your baby gassy at least 48 hours prior to the session. These types of foods include certain citrus acidic fruits (berries, oranges, grapefruit, etc.), tomato based things (spaghetti, ketchup, chili, etc.), gassy veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, cabbage, etc.), and coffee, tea, or alcohol. Of course, you know your baby best and what types of foods may upset his/her tummy, and if you have questions, of course chat with your physician!
For a full list of these foods we suggest avoiding, scroll through to the next page!
PRO TIP! Babies feed a lot during a photoshoot because of all the stimulation, so be sure to bring extra if you're formula-feeding, or be prepared to spend extra time breastfeeding. It's totally normal, and I'm patient :)
Citrus Acidic Foods & Drinks such as:
Cranberries
Pineapple
Grapefruit
Oranges
Lemons
All Berries (Strawberries)
Tomatoes or tomato products
Peanuts/Nuts in general
Pizza
Spaghetti
Chili
Spicy Foods
Gassy Veggies such as:
Asparagus
Onions
Cucumbers/Pickles
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Restrict Foods such as:
Soda, Coffee, Tea, Alcohol/Wine/Beer
Check with your Dr. to see if dairy is an issue!
Breastfeeding momma's! Avoid these foods at least 48 hours prior to your session to avoid a gassy baby!
