Newborn Session Preparation Guide
Thank you so much for choosing me to capture these precious memories for you. This guide is designed to prepare you and your baby for your upcoming session and to answer any questions you might have! If any of your questions went unanswered, please do not hesitate to contact me at hi@lisajohnsonphotography.ca.
Location
My home studio is located in Stittsville at 322 Eaglehead Crescent. Please be aware of a speed camera on Stittsville Main when driving to my house :)
What to expect
The key to a successful newborn session is patience! I am more than happy to take as many breaks as needed for feedings and cuddles to make your baby comfortable. I am very calm, patient, focused and friendly and I never ever rush a session! I love getting to know you and your kids during our time together. I ask that parents sit back and relax while I photograph your baby.
I make the environment as calm and soothing as possible for your newborn with use of a space heater and white noise.
A sleepy baby will ensure an easier session with more variety! Following these key steps before your session will help your baby relax in preparation for being photographed.
1. Keep baby awake: Please do not let your baby sleep the hour before you leave for your session. Interact with them, feed them, give them a bath, etc. The sleepier the better!
2. Full Tummy: A hungry baby is a fussy baby, so make sure your baby is well fed before you arrive. A feeding can be done at the beginning of the session if needed to get baby back asleep after they are in their photo outfit. The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to feed off and on between setups.
3. Simple clothing: Please dress your baby in clothing that can be easily removed when you arrive at my studio.
4. Soothing: I recommend the use of a pacifier to help keep baby asleep while being posed/positioned. Of course if you prefer we don't use one, that's fine as well.
Props
I provide all the props, wraps and outfits for your baby! I want your baby to be the main focus of your images, so I use props that are simple and organic to reflect my style. I love to use warm, neutral tones to produce a natural, beautiful look.
What to wear
I have 7 beautiful dresses available for mama in white, beige (x2), caramel, mocha, sheer white & brown. The dresses available are chosen to match the style/colours of the studio and my overall photography style. These dresses are very stretchy (fits sizes XS-XL) and are very flattering on new mamas! Photos of the dresses in use can be viewed here. If you prefer to bring your own outfit I strongly suggest wearing white/cream/beige/brown tones (Please avoid bright colours and black). Textured fabrics are great but please no strong patterns. For dad, a white, beige or brown t-shirt, dress shirt or long sleeve shirt with brown pants or blue/black jeans is perfect. Please avoid anything with logos.
For siblings, a simple & neutral t-shirt, sweater or dress will look great. You are welcome to use any items from my client closet for your children! Outfits vary in sizes from 2-7. Head over to my Instagram stories highlight "Client Closet" to see all your options!
All outfits and blankets for baby are provided!
What to bring
Baby blanket to keep baby cozy in between shots
Infant formula if baby is formula fed or you are supplementing (bring extra incase)
Pacifiers
Baby wipes
Diapers
If you will be wearing dresses from my client closet, please bring a couple options for bras (strapless bra, deep v, etc.). Some of the dresses are slightly sheer, so white or nude bra/undies underneath photograph best.
Siblings
If siblings will be joining us for the session, there is a play area with plenty of toys to keep them entertained in-between shots.
After the session
Within 2-3 weeks of your session, you will receive your edited photo collection through a secure online gallery. Galleries will remain online for 2 months, and then will be removed to make room for new sessions. Please ensure you have downloaded your gallery!