Advice for Newborn Session

Most of the images I’ll be shooting work best if the baby is in a deep sleep. To encourage this, I recommend that you do whatever it takes to make sure baby is nice and exhausted. Keeping your little one awake on top of your own sleep deprivation might feel like torture, but it will be worth it in the end!I
A well-fed baby is a happy baby! Please feed and burp baby right before the session to ensure a happy, sleepy (“milk-drunk”) baby.
Newborn sessions typically take longer than traditional sessions. It all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately…this isn’t something we can predict! I ask that everyone remain calm, should he/she not want to sleep, since your baby will pick up on any frustration in the room. And if sleep doesn’t happen, that’s okay! Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful too.
I am very experienced and comfortable in holding and posing newborns. Your baby is in safe hands, I promise! So yes, feel free to rest and even leave the room for a bit if you’d like. I’ve had clients who’ve used this time to take a nap, check email, go for a walk…all totally acceptable! And if you’re most comfortable and relaxed watching the whole session, that’s ok too.
New Parents tend to stress out because this is a new experience…and they aren’t used to the waiting game that is newborn photography. They see their baby being fussy or having a difficult time getting settled and panic. I take the baby’s lead; getting them to sleep before posing takes time and they may need to be fed or cuddled a few times first. In fact, I'd say that a good 50% of your session will involve feeding, diaper changes, and cuddling to get baby comfortable. If that doesn’t work, I’ll take a break or work with what baby is giving us. Sometimes the best photos happen when baby isn’t doing what we want.
Babies can sense stress and anxiety (especially from their mommy’s!) It’s super important that EVERYONE remain calm and relaxed during this session. Keeping the environment as mellow as possible is pretty much the only way we’re going to get the shots we’re looking for.
All the baby props and blankets are washed between each session with non-scented baby detergent. If you have any family heirlooms, toys, hats, props, etc. that you would like me to use in your session, please bring them. I may not get the chance to use ALL of the items, but I’ll look through them with you to determine what will work best.

CLOTHING ADVICE

Try and avoid wearing clothes with tight elastic seams as they leave marks on the skin.
Plain solid colours look better in pictures.
Avoid clothes with big prints logos or brand names.
Comfort is key! Photo sessions aren’t designed to be torturous—I want you to have fun. If you don’t feel comfortable in them, there’s no need to wear overly formal dresses or suits, or skin-tight outfits (similarly, avoid overly baggy clothing)
Men: go for jeans or pants, tucked polo or dress shirt with a belt, or go casual with just a T-shirt or untucked polo, button-up short sleeve, etc. In general, whatever your wife tells you to wear. Again you don’t have to perfectly match the rest of the family, just wear something that coordinates.
Woman – Women know what to wear, but in general, unless you are extremely thin you may want to wear something that covers your upper-arms. Long- or 3/4-sleeve tops are very flattering. If you wear jewellery, aim for subtlety, and be aware of it twisting or turning.
Avoid trying any new hairstyles before your session.
Avoid using oily lotions on your skin prior to the shoot.
Lip gloss or vaseline makes a big difference in close up head and shoulder shots
Make-up: I prefer natural look for the sessions. Just get ready the way you do everyday while going out for a movie or shopping. Add a fresh coat of nail polish before your shoot! Pick a neutral colour that won’t distract in your shoot or clash with your outfits. Your photo shoot is a great excuse for a manicure.