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.
What to expect
A baby ready for good sleep will ensure an easier session with more variety! Sleeping babies are much easier to position and style. 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 just before you arrive. A feeding can be done at the beginning of the session if needed to get baby asleep. 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. Even if you haven't used one, just while I am posing usually really helps if they start fussing. Of course if you prefer we don't use one, that's fine as well.
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 pose and 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.
Props
I provide all the props 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. Your baby is going to be in the buff for the majority of this shoot. Please don’t panic if your baby decides to use my blankets (or one of us) as his/her own personal potty. This is expected and happens most sessions.
What to bring
Baby swaddles and blanket (These might get soiled, so don't bring your favourites!)
Pacifiers
Baby wipes
Diapers
What to wear
If parent and sibling photos are included in your package, we will start your session with family photos.
I strongly suggest wearing white/cream/beige/brown outfits for parents and siblings (PLEASE avoid bright colours and black). Textured fabrics are great but please no strong patterns. For mom, a basic shirt, sweater or dress is perfect. For dad, a neutral t-shirt, long sleeve shirt or a bear chest. Please no formal dress shirts. Photos are generally waist up, so no need to stress about the bottoms. Newborn outfits are not needed, as baby will be unclothed or wrapped for all the photos.
For siblings, a simple 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 2-6. Head over to my Instagram stories highlight "Client Closet" to see all your options!
I recommend bringing a change of clothing, just in case you get peed on!
Siblings
If siblings will be joining us for the session, there is a play area with plenty of toys to keep them entertained while I photograph baby. There is also a park next door, if weather permits, after the family photo portion is complete.
After the session
Within 2-3 weeks of your session, you will receive your full 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!