You've committed to booking your first Newborn Photo Session with your favorite local photographer and have brought home your new little bundle! Congratulations! There is nothing more personal and intimate than bringing your new baby home for the first time. There is so much love, anticipation, anxiety, stress, pain, exhaustion, excitement and peace all wrapped into one week. And now you're ready to start getting ready for your baby's first photo shoot. That sounds stressful, among all the other emotions of your first few days at home with your baby, lack of sleep, lack of freedom, lots of people (and their kids!) wanting to hold your baby (good intentioned but germ filled) and now you have got to get your house and yourself ready for a perfect stranger to come in and move things around and touch your baby who you worked so hard to bring into this world??? Of course your stressed!
But you don't have to be.
You've come to the right place to get all your answers and a little bit of peace of mind.
Follow this guide I use for all my clients to help calm their nerves before their upcoming Newborn Photo Shoot
WHAT TO EXPECT
GETTING YOUR HOME READY
Crank up the heat. Babies love to be warm, and we love to undress those sweet little bundles to capture them in their most natural state. So crank up your heat or turn down your AC to around 80 degrees about 20 min before your session.
Pull out any textured blankets, baskets, headbands, hats, diaper covers, etc. you have on hand that we can incorporate. But no need to stress! I will provide enough of everything we need if you don't have any of these items.
Heirlooms. Think about something special you could use for your session with your baby. Maybe a blanket your baby's grandmother quilted, a gift your baby was given like a small stuffed animal or tiny bracelet, or perhaps something from the past like your grandmother's wedding ring. The sky is the limit so start thinking now.
Make way for windows! I like to use natural light for infants so I will often use your largest, brightest window space for your infant shots.
Tidy up... a little. Listen, I get it, I am a mom of 3. I don't expect your home to be immaculate, but I do like to move around your house and use different elements of your space including the nursery, the living room, windows, and your bedroom so tuck away anything you feel necessary to feel comfortable with me in the various rooms of your home.
WHAT TO WEAR
Solids, neutrals, no crazy prints. I like for the baby to be the focus of your album, not your clothing. Think of yourself as your baby's canvas.
Coordinate with each other. But don't be too "matchy". I.e. matching white shirts and jeans are far too similar and distracts from the natural, real life album you are looking for.
Parents and siblings should wear tones that are similar and go well together but don't wear all the same thing.
Do your hair and make-up but keep it simple. Remember, you will be in the photos but it is your baby who we are showcasing. And a little honesty and simplicity makes your photo session seem more honest and real life.
For more, see my blog post on what to wear!
Email me with any concerns or if you need some wardrobe advise. I am happy to assist!
PREPARING YOUR BABY
Well fed. Feed your baby before the session starts so they have a nice full tummy.
Don't rush your baby either. If you are still feeding your baby when I get to your home, don't stress, I can sit and chat with you (or your hubby if you want a little privacy) and get things set up while you focus on your baby.
Don't scour your baby's closet. With the exception of maybe one special outfit, we typically undress your baby not dress them. Putting babies in clothing for photo sessions tends to distract from your baby so no need to pull out all your favorite outfits, your baby will be better showcased with less. A hat, headband, or diaper cover will suffice (which I can provide).
Halley Ann Photography
PREMIER BERGEN COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER
PREPARING YOURSELF
RELAX. Know that your baby will be in good hands. I have done over 60 infant photo sessions and have been in many different homes. Every baby and family is different and unique and beautiful. We will get the shots that we need, even if your baby is not asleep right when I get there, or if you both got zero sleep the night before and your exhausted, or your little one is just having a fussy day, it will be okay!
RELAX! Did I already say this?? It is important because your baby is so well connected to you that they know when you are stressed, and a stressed Mama equals a stressed baby!
PAYMENT: Please be ready to pay your infant photo session of $300 in full the day of your photo session. I accept venmo, cash or check (written out to me Halley Stringham). If you are planning to purchase a infant photo package that includes the session fee, your session fee payment will be credited to your package price.
