Newborn & Family Sessions- Information Pack
Your Newborn & Family Portrait Session
Congratulations! Your baby is almost here now and I can’t wait to meet your little one! I know you are excited about your upcoming photo shoot and maybe a bit nervous about it at the same time. It is normal, but the most important rule is RELAX, I have it covered. I just need bub, siblings and you, parents. Even if you don’t look at your best, don’t worry too much about it. This moment of your life is so special, I want to capture the love that bonds you as a new family. So please don’t worry too much about how you look. You just had a baby! I know what it feels like. As a mum myself, I have been there!
And as a photographer/ Photoshop wizard, I’ll make you look beautiful, got you covered!
I set up this mini guide to try to answer all your questions. If you have more, please ask me.
When should I book my Newborn session?
Ideally when you are pregnant. I try to schedule the session within the first 14 days of life. I’ll be moving baby around and posing him/her into those sweet sleepy Newborn images, so I want to make sure they’re sleepy enough to allow me to handle them and that still curl a lot like they did inside the womb. Babies under 2 weeks old are very flexible and go into deep sleep. If we have to hold our session later for different reason, it’s not a big deal either, I will manage older bubs.
Some babies might need to be wrapped to settle them better, because being wrapped make them feel comfortable, safe and secure.
I know it is a lot to ask, but if you could let me know as soon as baby is born, it would be great, that way I can calculate quickly and book a day for you. Maybe save my phone number into your phone: Noemie: 04 158 439 994 and just send me a quick text.
Parents with baby boys that will be circumcised: please schedule your session before the circumcision or 5 days after the procedure, because baby will be very sensitive and uncomfortable for some poses.
Where will it happen?
My studio is in Gladesville, at my place. It is my happy place and I have everything near by in case we need it. It is small but cosy and I will make sure you feel comfortable.
I will take care of your baby and lead the session. I will change backdrops, colours and poses along the session. We can use any of my numerous props and I help you to choose along the way. I have a large selection of wraps, furs, drops, knitted blankets, layers, felts, bonnets, headbands, outfits, crate, bowls, basket… and I am sure you will find your happiness!
My address is 112A Pittwater Road in Gladesville, NSW 2111. It is street parking but there is usually a lot of spaces during the day time. The studio is upstairs, it is then easier to not take the pram with you, thank you.
How to dress baby
As simple as possible. Ideally nothing to pull over baby’s head to undress them. A zippy is perfect.
Feeding baby
Happy tummy, happy baby! We want baby to be “milk drunk” for the session. Saying that, I don’t want to stress baby at all, just feed her/him whenever they are hungry! I start in the morning as babies are usually more settled then than in the afternoon.
If your baby drinks bottles: bring extra milk, you’ll see baby will drink much more than usual during their session.
During the session, we will take as many breaks as baby needs! And as many tops ups, so no stress.
Safety first
Your baby is in safe hands. I will not put the baby in unsafe positions. For some poses I may ask for your help, having another pair of hands around baby just in case. For some poses, we will keep some adult hands on baby at all time. I do a composite of 2 images on Photoshop to erase the hands, you will see the behind the scenes! (like the Froggy pose)
If you have other siblings:
I would love to include your older children into some photos with your new baby. We will do all the children photos and the family photos at the beginning of the session and then maybe dad can take them for a play outside, or to the local café. I will stay with mum to focus on bubba’s session. Maybe bring extra snacks/Ipads etc..
Patience is key
Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2-4 hours. It all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately, this isn’t something we can predict! Just stay calm, since your baby will pick up on any frustration/stress in the room. And if sleep doesn’t happen, that’s okay! Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful too. Some unsettled babies might need to be wrapped a bit more.
One VERY important rule: RELAX!
Baby will be much more relax if everyone, and especially mum, is relax! And a relaxed baby, usually means a sleepy baby ☺
I insist: PLEASE RELAX!
Don’t t stress because you don’t feel great, or because baby is not behaving well. It is normal! I take the baby’s lead; getting them to sleep before posing takes time and they may need to be fed or cuddled a few times first. In fact, I’d say that a good 50% of your session will involve feeding, nappy changes, and cuddling to get baby comfortable. If that doesn’t work, I’ll take a break or I’ll work with what baby is giving us. Just remember: Babies can sense stress and anxiety (especially from mama!) It is super important that everyone remains calm and relaxed during this session.
Poop happens!
Shit happens! Literally! Because baby will be naked for most of the time. No worries. We clean up and move on. There is no need to feel embarrassed. I have a lot of backdrops and a washing machine. As a mum myself, and a newborn photographer I have been peed on (and more!) a lot of times! Just bring with you few towels, extra wipes and blankets just in case things get messy.
Props
I would like we discuss props and colours before your session that way I can plan ahead a little bit. If you’re not sure and want to follow my suggestions it is totally fine with me of course! Maybe just let me know which are your absolute favourite poses that you have seen on my website or the colours you are after.
Do you photograph me with the baby?
The answer is : YES! I love when the parents choose to be photographed with their baby, as the love around is so beautiful to capture. The relationship between you and your baby at this early stage is precious to behold. You’ll want to remember just how tiny your baby was at the time. I also love the shot of baby’s in parents’ hands for this reason, baby will never been that small anymore.
Ok, I’m keen to be in front of the camera, BUT WHAT DO I WEAR??
I know, you just had a baby and aren’t feeling your best. Come in with your hair done and put at least some mascara, and check that your nails (and hubby’s) are clean (details like nails show up a lot on images). Something close to you though. And please avoid too much spray tan: Newborn usually have red/ blue tones skins that will be hard to match with orange tones! If you have it already it’s ok, if you can skip it for this time, better ;)
I am using flattering angles and photoshop every mamas do get rid of our little imperfections, so please don’t worry too much!
About the clothes? Keep it simple. I am a big fan of pastel colours for family and parents shots, I think it is softer. Keep in mind I will essentially focus on your upper body, above your chest. Throw in a little colour if you’d like, but skip the busy patterns. Take an extra outfit in case of little accident happen. Maybe a nice lace top, or linen.
I also love skin-on-skin portraits with you/the father holding your baby against you. They’re so simple and timeless! So maybe take a top which reveals more skin if you feel comfortable of course. (a tank, a nice bra... maybe dad get top off)
I can also of course plan a darker mood portrait, in this case please also bring some dark tops with you, thank you.
For hubby
Your hands will play a major role in this session, just keep in mind we will see your nails in the photos. A little clothing advice? T-shirt are best. They can be stretchy if you like them. Just make sure your tshirts are free of logos or too much writing. Wrinkles do show up in photos, so please make sure your clothes are not to crushed. Thank you!
I’m so excited, may I take photos during the session?
PLEASE DO take some behind the scenes! Just not over my shoulder too much, like take the whole scenery, with me posing or photographing your baby, the mess around etc. One rule though: try to get nice angles of me, haha, but otherwise all good and please tag me.
I hope you have a better idea now about how the session will go and please let me know if you have ANY
question about it! I can’t wait to be there and make the magic happen!