Newborn Session Preparation Guide

Thank you so much for trusting me at Elated Photography to photograph your first special moments with your newborn baby. There are a few things that I will need you to do in order to make your session as successful as possible!

1. Dress comfortably and for summer weather. If the session is held in your home, I ask that you get the temperature to around 75-80 before the session. This will ensure that baby is nice and warm, therefore keeping him or her cozy and asleep for the session. If we aren't sweating, they aren't warm enough!

2. Please bring along anything you would like incorporated into your session; sentimental blankets or outfits, even a bracelet, etc. I will try my best to add them into the photographs.

3. Have plenty of wipes and extra diapers handy. There will probably be a few messes, but rest easy, there is no need to apologize. I'm a newborn photographer, I know it comes with the territory!

4. If you are bottle feeding, have a few on hand. We will most likely need to take breaks for baby to fill their belly and get them nice and sleepy. If you are nursing, we can take breaks to accommodate.

5. If you are a using a pacifier, please bring it with you and have it readily available. There will be times where the baby needs a quick soothe to calm him or her down during the session.

6. Try to interact with baby 1-2 hours before the session to keep them awake so they are nice and sleepy. Sleepy babies are easier to pose and makes for a more efficient photoshoot.

7. You will want to feed the baby immediately before the session. If I am coming to your home, the perfect time to feed is while I am setting up. If you are coming to my studio, plan on feeding them as soon as you arrive, this way your baby is nice and full as soon as we get started.

8. When diapering baby, be careful not to do it too tight. The diaper can leave marks on the baby, which can be unsightly during naked shots, and will take more time in editing.

9. I encourage parent portraits. These are such special times with your new baby, that it is imperative that they are captured. Moms, you might not feel quite like yourself, but these are photos that you and your child will treasure for years to come.

10. For the parents portraits, remember that we may have some closeups with your hands, so please make sure nails and cleaned and trimmed.  If Dad has a beard or facial hair, please remember to trim appropriately for the photographs.

11. When dressing for your portraits with your new baby, I recommend light and soft colors. Anything too bold or with writing on it, will distract from your new baby and take away from the family portrait.

12. During the session, sit back and relax. Trust that I will take the most precious care of your little one. Safety is my absolute first priority when handling your baby.

I can't wait to work together!

-Casey