How To Prepare For Your Newborn Session :: Columbus, Ohio Newborn Photographer
- Felecia Williams
- Apr 30, 2018
- 4 min read
Often, when I tell someone I am a newborn photographer, the first thing they ask is "HOW do you schedule something like that?!"
Let me pencil you in!
Well it's simple! I keep a planner and on each month I lovingly have a "due date list", and if you are one of those women who are due at the end of the month like I was (My April baby became a May flower), you are placed on both lists. This way, I am able to get you in as soon as you have the baby.
Birth Day!
Finally! After months of planning and anticipation, your baby arrives! You will have a list of people to call, so make sure one of them is me! I just tell people to put me on your text list, that way, I know when I need to get you in. It is very important to schedule you for the first 14 days, not only because it's easier for me to pose the baby, but dad is usually off for at least a week. This way, we can get you in as soon as possible with time to spare!
Morning Of The Session
How you prepare yourself and the baby can make or break a session. Here is a simple checklist of items to bring and what not to do the morning of and days leading up
If breastfeeding, please no Caffeine or gassy foods such as eggs, broccoli, beans, lentils, dairy (lactose), onions and even some sodas! This can get into the breast milk and make for one fussy baby!
Please bring extra diapers, wipes, extra formula or pumped milk, extra sleepers and a pacifier. I know, I know, the nurses say to not give a breastfeeding baby a pacifier. I promise, it will make the session easier, and it won't ruin the breastfeeding relationship for those few hours she has it. Scouts honor!
Ready for my close up!
A successful newborn session is dependent on a variety of factors. Typically, if you live within 20 minutes or so from my Gahanna studio, I have you feed the baby at home. However, we have clients from all over, so if you need to arrive early, or feed when you get to the studio that is ok as well.
Also, dress the baby in a loose fitting sleeper, that way, I can undress her easily without disturbing her too much.
I like to start with family, and sibling photos first, for a few reasons. First, if we have small children, they get distracted and cranky FAST! I try to get their pictures done first so they can watch a movie on the tv in the lobby, or Grandparents can come and pick up if possible.
Now, I like to warn parents ahead of time, that babies tend to eat more during their newborn sessions than usual.
"She never eats this much when we are at home!"
Well, while I'm sure that is true, you probably also aren't dressing her up and putting her into several poses either. Just remember, a fed baby makes for a happy baby!
Another thing that helps? Patience! While I will have a noise machine going, a loud sibling, cell phone or loud chatter and disrupt a newborns slumber. If possible, have a back up sitter for older siblings because these sessions can take 3 hours sometimes.
Last, but not least...
RELAX! I get pooped on, a LOT. Your sweet baby pooping on my hand isn't the first, and most certainly will not be the last. It's an occupational hazard! Just check out that hilarious picture of my brother getting pooped on by his daughter!
Also, a baby will feed off stress. Parents see their baby getting fussy and settle into a panic
"This is a disaster! We will never get any good photos!"
We can, and we will! Did you know some of my best photos are the ones where baby didn't necessarily do what I wanted her to do? Just ask me about Sidney sometime, her session, I swear, was 12 hours long. Ok, not really, but it felt like it! But just check out that AMAZING picture! It is my most requested pose!
Did I mention, RELAX!
Seriously, I let the baby take lead. After all, she is the talent. Sometimes, you get stubborn models who like to run the show. So, you let them. Getting the baby sleepy enough for posing takes time. I like to say 50% of the session is usually feeding, rocking and shushing the baby. So don't panic if she doesn't go right to sleep, also, don't get offended if I ask you to step out of the room. As said before, a baby will feed of the stress in the room and sometimes stepping out is the best solution for that. Also, you baby can smell you (how cool is that!?) so having you step into the lobby for a few moments allows baby to fall into a nice deep sleep instead of feverishly searching for the milk.
I hope this helps you prepare for your upcoming newborn session with us.
Have a specific question? Contact us here and ask away!
I look forward to working with you soon!
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