A Newborn Session can be a little scary and intimidating, especially if its’ your first. I get a lot of questions; What if my baby doesn’t sleep?, How old do they need to be?, Do I need to bring props?…etc.
I am here to answer all of the most common questions I get asked and make you feel at ease about booking your newborn session.
I want you to feel completely comfortable as soon as you arrive. Kick back, relax, and enjoy some down time. I even have some parents that will take a little snooze! Ha!
When booking your newborn session, be aware that I do fill up quickly. Most moms will book their newborn session at the same time as their maternity session. I like to tell my mom’s to book 3-4 months out. This ensures you will get a session when baby arrives. If you call after baby has already come, I can not guarantee I will have an available date. I can only take a limited number of sessions per month since my newborn sessions are tentatively scheduled. In most cases, we don’t know when baby will decide to come. I mean, sometimes you have a scheduled c-section, but that isn’t usually the case. So, how I book is we set a tentative date. It’s usually 5 days after baby’s due date. Then, I ask mom or dad to text or email me when baby is born so I know to either keep the original date or move it up or sometimes push it back. I don’t want you to worry about a session date! We can always move it! This is why I can only take on a certain number of sessions per month. The best time to photograph your newborn is between 5-14 days new. My favorite time is between 5-7 days. However, there are always exceptions. Premies and boys that have been circumcised will need to wait a tad longer.
After booking your newborn session, you will receive a Newborn Prep Guide. This will help you plan for your newborn session and tell you step-by-step what to do to make sure baby is nice & sleepy for the session. I also give you advice on what to wear and also what to put the siblings in for the session. 99% of the time this prep guide will answer all your questions. Of course, I am always available to answer any other questions.
If parents follow this prep guide, I can almost always guarantee the baby will sleep through the session and we can get all those adorable sleepy, naked shots. The combination of the prep guide instructions and my studio atmosphere is to make sure baby is soothed, calm, and sleepy. Of course, I have other tricks up my sleeve if baby decides they would rather stay awake. I actually like some open eyed shots, if baby is calm.
Well, now it’s to the most asked question; what if baby poops or pees!? Haha! It happens! Just be prepared! I almost always get peed and pooped on. It’s a part of the job…and it’s okay! No ever said being a newborn photographer would be glamorous!
All fabrics are always washed after each session, so don’t worry about germs. If baby does have an accident, we try to not bother the baby and just keep shooting. However, I have had some serious accidents and we have to get a new blanket out. This is rare though.
What do I need to bring? This is another popular question. You only need to bring some basic essentials, like a bottle, diapers, and pacifiers. I have everything else! I have anything you could need for your newborn session. I have an assortment of newborn props, headbands, hats, and wraps galore!
I hope this helps you feel more comfortable when booking your newborn session. I would love to meet you and your precious new baby! Seriously, call me!
For more questions, email me at: info@AmberStarPhotography.com
