Congratulations on expecting, this is such an exciting time! And we are sure that on the top of your 'to-do' list, is 'find an amazing newborn photographer!'.

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After searching and inquiries, you may have narrowed down your selection and found Ally's newborn photographer that you love! Now what?

A 'newborn' is considered an infant under the age of 14 days. The optimal time to photograph a newborn is between the ages of 6-10 ays, In order to accommodate that time period and get the most out of your newborn session, something very important needs to happen - someone needs to notify our studio that the baby has been born! I will need to know as soon as possible of the birth of the baby so I can arrange MY schedule to get you in my studio as soon as possible.

Once the session date has been arranged, I will most likely send you an information sheet - things to do the help the process along. Things like, give the baby a full feeding prior to the start of the session, dress the baby in a button down sleeper, or keep baby awake 1-2 hours before the session so the baby is nice and sleepy for the duration of the session.

BEFORE THE SESSION:

1. If nursing, please avoid eating anything spicy (i.e. hot sauce, pizza, etc.) that might upset your baby’s fragile tummy for 24 before your session.

2. Stimulate and interact with baby to keep them awake for 1-2 hours prior to your session to ensure he/she is good and sleepy for their session. This is VERY important, without this, we spend too much time getting baby to sleep and not as much time photographing them. Give the baby a bath to help keep them awake or undressing them and keeping them naked usually helps as well. In addition, the baby needs to be fed as much as possible during the 12 hours before your session. This will allow them to sleep as deeply and long as possible.

3. Make sure the baby has a full belly once I arrive if you feel baby needs to be fed, please do so while I set up!

4. Have a pacifier, it can be extremely helpful to sooth the baby during the session (even if your baby normally doesn't use them, the ones from the hospital are the greatest).

5. My studio will be warm while they are undressed. I recommend that parents dress in layers so that you can be comfortable in the warm environment.

6. During the session sit back and relax. I won’t need much assistance so take advantage of this time to rest.

7. Please have extra receiving blankets to wrap the baby in while changing sets etc. (3-4). Avoid patterns with receiving blankets if possible because they may and will be used during the session.

8. If there are any special items that you would like photographed with the baby Please let me know ahead of time so I can plan accordingly.

9. If you are interested in any parent pictures, a soft neutral short sleeve shirt and black color is suggested for Dad and a soft neutral tank or blouse top for mom and a black top. If Dad is comfortable bearing his chest for a few photos that can make for some very sweet images. Please avoid anything with a pattern.

10. If you have older siblings that you would like photographed with your newborn we will do those shots first. Black, cream, ivory, or white is recommended for older siblings (tops with jeans for boys, dresses for girls) I will do my best to get you older childs attention or at least capture candid moments, If I see the child is not wanting to do photos at that time I will proceed to ensure enough images of baby!

11. Seating in our studio is very limited so I recommend bringing no more than yourself and your spouse/partner (or a helper) and children. (if applicable)

12. Due to the nature of the session I ask that your spouse/partner take the older siblings home or out for some fun while we finish up the newborn shots in order to keep the studio as quiet as possible or have a form of entertainment for your child. (if applicable)

13. Be patient and remain calm. If baby is cranky and not cooperating please do not worry. We have plenty of time to allow baby to get calm and comfy, so if you are stressed, the baby can feel that.

14. We are working on baby time, so we break when I feel they need a break to feed, change or anything of the sort.

15. Be ready for pee (and poo)! I don’t need to tell you that newborns pee/poo a lot. Unfortunately, we may get peed on. Have a backup change of clothes for ready yourself in the event that this does occur. Especially if you are in some of the pictures. I can almost guarantee that baby will pee and poo on my blankets and props. This is OK! It is completely expected and I never want you to feel bad or stressed about it. I wash all of my items after every newborn session, and it will all come out. :)

Once the session starts your baby is mine. I will generally ask for dad/grandma to be the one to help

if they are available or will hold/move the baby myself. The reason for this is if baby smells mom they may wake to eat. The way to avoid this and keep sessions short is to keep them away from anything or anyone that will wake them. The smell of milk does this! If you are the only one coming, that is fine, you will just be relaxing for this entire time anyway.

They WILL cry (maybe) – it’s OK! I do nothing that hurts the babies – I don’t force them into any positions that are uncomfortable for them. Babies are VERY flexible when they are born (from being in the womb). They sometimes wake and cry a bit just from being moved around. Some babies sleep the entire time and don’t stir at all, others take more time and patience. Some positions can take up to 10 minutes to get the baby correct.

If baby stirs and starts fussing and is hungry, I will give them to you to feed. Typically if you follow the guide to keeping them awake and fed when arriving, we will be good for 2 hours and by the time he/she gets fussy again the session will be over. And that’s pretty much it! It seems like a lot but it’s pretty simple – hardest part is keeping him awake for two hours before your session! It will be worth it – promise!

Thanks

Ally