How To Prepare for a Newborn Session!

One thing that Crave Photography aims to do in 2012 is to create a blog that consumers, and photographers, can come to for reference. It will take time, so I hope that you all decide to follow us as we write articles, show inspiration, and brag about our cute families, newborns, children, and brides as we go through 2011! To kick of the transition into a truely inspiring blog, we are going to post an article on how to prepare for a newborn session. One thing that I have noticed in the last month or so is I have been photographing TONS of newborns! I have had so many babies in my studio lately its enough to give me some serious baby fever! So a lot of moms want to know, how do I prepare for a newborn session? What can I do to get those heart warming images to hang on my walls? So this article aims to help you prepare for your newborn session!

How to Prepare for a Newborn Session-- In my belief, newborns are still the most beautiful creatures on this earth! With three growing children on my own, I know how important those initial pictures of my children are to me, and still are held near and dear to my heart. If there is one thing that a photographer must have during a newborn session, its patience. A session can take as little as an hour or it can be several hours. It is important for everyone involved to stay patient because it is totally worth it in the end! There are several things that I must do to prepare for your session. To begin with, before a session I pump my heat up anywhere between 80-85 degrees to create a "womb" like area.

When Should I Schedule my Session? Right now! If you are pregnant and know when you are expecting, contact me as soon as possible to schedule a "tentative" date. Of course, we reschedule this for a "permanent" date after the baby is born, but my mothers who book me in advance hold priority in my session. If you have already have your child, still contact me ASAP. I do try to squeeze in newborns as much as possible. Babies take the best pictures within the first 10 days. I ask my mothers to put me on their birth call list so they remember to give me a call or email as soon as the baby is born. This allows me to do any schede juggling that I may need to do to fit your session in within those first two weeks.

How Long Does the Session Last? A newborn session can last anywhere between 1 to 3 hours, depending on your child's disposition. Please plan for the entire day.

What Should my Child Wear? Most newborn photography is when the baby is with or without diaper. However, I will send you a list of links of the latest baby products and trends so that you can prepare the session to your liking. I will say that hats and clothing with textures work great with close ups! Also, any family heirlooms such as grandpas pocket watch or dads first football are allowed.

Do I have to be in the pictures as well? Sure! I understand that you just had a child and that you may have bags under your eyes, but I promse that I will edit as much as I can for you-- Shots with mom and dad may be necessary. You cannot get this time back and you will cherish these pictures of your newborn. It is best to wear black, white or nuetral colors.

More Tips:

1) Try and find a babysitter or helper for your other children. If you want them included in the session, try and bring somebody or something to help entertain them while we do your babies pictures

2) Make sure your baby is well fed and sleepy. Babies are much easier to prop when they are sound asleep!

3) Loosen your babies diaper about 30 minutes before the session to allow the diaper imprints to disappear.

4) A mothers smell is so noticeable to baby and may distract your baby during pictures. Sometimes, I may ask you to step out for a few moments so I can get the babie to work with me as best as possible.

5) Be patient! Babies can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the room as calm as possible.

6) The majority of pictures will work best if the baby is asleep so anything you can do to promote this is best.

Newborns are one of the most challenging sessions I do. However, there is just something about capture the innocent beginnings of a child's life that I hold near and dear to me!

Ashley
Crave Photography
www.cravemycreative.com

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