Each newborn session is unique and all about capturing your memories. It is very important to me to have a strong connection with my clients, and I am happy to welcome you into the Watch Me Grow Photography Family! It is such an honor that you have chosen me as your photographer - Thank you!
SCHEDULING YOUR SESSION
- Reaching out within your second trimester is recommended. Once baby arrives you will have a lot going on!! This will secure your session date ensuring your spot in my calendar. I limit the number of newborn sessions scheduled each month. This ensures our time together isn’t rushed and leaves room for flexibility if needed.
- Newborn sessions are typically booked within 7 and 20 days after birth and are scheduled to start in the morning at around 10am.
- A newborn is considered so for the first 6 weeks of arrival. As they progress in development they tend to stretch out “uncurl”, have longer awake periods and are starting to be more aware of their surroundings.
I do not turn away a newborn for their age! However, certain poses may not be possible as they get older. Scheduling an older newborn session can be successful with special care and prep.
SESSION PREP
The night before pack the diaper bag and your outfits! Trust me - this is a huge time saver the morning of your session (and minimizes the chance of forgetting something super important).
Plan your normal early morning routine - if you change it up both yourself and baby will be out of sorts for the session. Keeping in routine both you and baby will be relaxed.
I recommend that babies feed right before their session. Feeding is generally every 2-3 hours, therefore giving a feed right before a session can help support an uninterrupted time working with baby. Nursing? It is important to be careful of what you eat for 48 hours leading up to your session. Spicy or gassy foods can create unsettled little tummies.
The first few weeks have been a blur - during your session you are allowed to take a moment and just breath. Newborns generally respond to your energy, the more relaxed and comfortable you are - the more chances baby will be relaxed. Which equals a successful newborn session!
Spoil yourself!!! Book in a hair / make up appointment - It has been 9 months - you deserve it!
EXPECT FEEDING BREAKS!!
The session will be a workout for them and they will burn through the calories faster than usual. (this is the most effective way to get baby settled)
THE NIGHT BEFORE
- Babies arrival outfit should be a super simple sleeper with a zipper that is easy to take on and off.
- Feel free to arrive in comfy clothing yourself! You can always change into your photo outfits at the studio.
- Pack a pacifier / spare bottles (feel free to bring along your pump if needed)
- Spare diapers / vaseline (or bum cream) / wet wipes
- Snack / treat for yourself and your family (I have a coffee station and small supply of sweet snacks available)
- Plan a relaxed evening the best you can. Minimizing additional chaos (like entertaining friends and family) the day before your session helps to minimize the panic and rush feeling the next day.
- Enjoy some special one on one with baby! A warm bath followed by a little massage, extra cuddles all help baby drift off into a relaxed sleep. (avoid vaseline sa this creates unfixable shine on babies skin)
Even if you don’t plan on using a pacifier, I suggest having one just for the session. Newborn sessions are new to your baby and they often want to self soothe by sucking more often than normal. Using a pacifier during a session will not encourage bad habits - I promise.
WHAT TO EXPECT
100% BABY LEAD
This means baby will never be put into a pose or position that could be harmful the them. If baby doesn't naturally go into the pose, you won't find it in my workflow, like the froggy pose.
When you arrive everything will be setup and ready to go! I take on the task of preparing your session workflow. The studio is stocked with plenty of high quality props, blankets, wraps, outfits, hats, tie-backs, floordrops and accessories. I am always on the look out to add more to my collection. I co-ordinate each session with your color preferences to compliment your home.
Baby is in control of how the session goes. I start with the family portion and work my way down to just baby.
Siblings: Toddlers are totally unpredictable. Full of energy and an attitude the size of the universe. Set your expectations based on your little one's abilities. If your child is shy around strangers, be willing to embrace that. I will capture what your little one will allow.
As far as poses / inspiration images go, I cannot guarantee we will get any specific image, but I will surely do my best to get the images that are most important to you and your family. My focus is about capturing the moment within your family and the natural state of baby with some gentle posing. I am not one to force baby into poses they naturally would not be in, like the froggy pose. (which is actually a combination of 2-3 shots)
YIKES! WHAT DO WE WEAR?!
The most common question is WHAT DO WE WEAR??? Colors that work amazingly together are warm colors (muted mustard, rust, teal, dusty blue, muted greens, soft creams, caramel browns) Darker colors create an opportunity of family members getting lost in the shadows. Adding in textures and warmer colors to break it up helps keep the image pleasing to the eye. Avoiding bright white, pinks or any neon is recommended as these cause color cast on your skin and don't photograph well.
- Choosing 3 - 5 neutral colors creates a color pallet pleasing to the eye and brings the whole image together.
- Keep in mind what you want to do with your images. Are they for prints on your wall - the colors you choose need to compliment your home decor. I suggest using a palette of neutrals because they will look good now matter how much the other colors in your home may change.
- Be careful with patterns, but don't be afraid of them. Think more of texture and less pattern. Keeping in mind, less is more. Floral dresses and shirts are lovely ways to add pops of color ... but it often works best with one person in a print / pattern and base the rest of the outfits around it to bring it all together.
- Shoes are not normally worn in the studio, which means if you prefer socks over bare feet, check for holes and stains.
I have created a pinterest board for some visuals
DON'T FORGET TO IRON OR STEAM FOR A WRINKLE FREE LOOK
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS .....
What if baby doesn’t Sleep? Whether your little one is asleep the whole time, never slumbers, or somewhere in between - rest assured that we will be able to capture plenty of images that you will love.
What if baby cries? Babies are babies and they will cry! I pull out all my tricks to soothe and comfort them surrounding them with a relaxed environment. With my early childhood background, mamma of 3 and now a gramma - I am confident we will capture amazing memories!
What if we can not get any photos? I have been very successful in achieving a full gallery of images to choose from - even with the most fussy babies. Wrapping is magic in soothing unsettled babies! In the event your baby is simply not having it, we will discuss options during the session.
How many images are included? We will be together for 3-4 hours. Depending how well baby is doing during the transitioning of poses, uou will receive a proofing gallery which will contain between 30-65 images to choose your favorites for processing.
Can we include grandparents? Adding in grandparents is a common request - please contact me for pricing details. I have a just baby package and a family package which includes mom, dad, siblings and fur babies. Typically additional family members is additional (please see pricing details)
Can we include fur babies? YES!!! They are family to. I request at least one person is in full control of your dog to ensure the safety of everyone in the studio. Shots are not guaranteed, but i will do my absolute best!
What if the umbilical cord is still attached? Most babies that come in the studio still have their cord as it takes almost two weeks for it to fall off. Some babies even loose their cord during the session! I take extra care so the cord does not catch and pull with wraps or outfits.
What if my toddler does not co-operate? Littles are littles, and I do the best I can when working with any age. I have a few tricks up my sleeve and with your permission I can offer treats or incentives for capturing those memorable images.
Is there retouching? YES!!! This is where the magic happens and honestly it’s where majority of my time is spent. As a full service studio I carefully and artistically retouch every single portrait. All marks, red blotches and blemishes will be either removed or minimized to give everyone's skin a soft delicate glow. I do not do “Vogue” retouching - I like to keep everyone natural to ensure everyone looks his or her absolute best.
When can I see my images? I select the best images from your session and create a proofing gallery that is hosted in a private, password protected online gallery. This link will be sent to you within a week from your session date. Here is where you can review your images and select your favorites for processing.
When will I get my final images? Depending on the number of images chosen, my turnaround time is between 3 and 4 weeks to completely process a gallery. If you are in a rush for specific images let me know so we can discuss options.
Do you offer prints and products? YES! In your final gallery you will have access to the WMG store which contains prints, enlargements, wall art and albums. I can also create a special link for another part of the store for you to directly create your own greeting cards!
I am thrilled that you have chosen me to be your photographer for such a special time in your family’s life. If you have any questions at all as we get closer to your session date, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.