Newborn Session Guide


Let's make your session a success! These time-tested tips will help ensure a successful session, yes, it's really important to read through them. Just remember, don’t say 'My baby is always a great sleeper,' or you might just jinx it!


preparation


comfort

The studio is warm. Dress comfortably, as you will be observing other than the parent portion. Restrooms are available, and you're welcome to get dressed/ready here. If having photos with your infant, your portion of the session will be towards the end.


essentials


  • Please bring diapers, bottles, pacifiers, and a breast pump if needed. Dress your baby in an easily removable outfit. (A loose zip up pair of pajamas are great!) We have spare diapers, burp clothes, wipes, diaper cream, etc. We want this session to be relaxing, so don't panic if you forget anything!
  • Feed your baby 30 minutes prior to the session. (Don't forget to bring a bottle and pacifier. It's on our list twice because, yes, it's important! Even for breast fed babies. A doctor has insured us that using a pacifier for one session will not cause nipple confusion.) A bath before leaving can also help calm Baby!


studio


  • Cell Phone Use: No cell phone photography or videos during the session. You may use your phone for personal use. Want to take a behind the scenes photo? Please ask. NO over the shoulder photos!
  • Guests: For family sessions, extended members are asked to leave after their photos are taken to maintain a calm environment. (This includes other children. There is a park down the street, including an amazing walking path, if one parent needs to leave with the children.)
  • Our studio is meticulously cleaned and sanitized before and after each session. Although there are pets on the premises, they are not allowed in the studio. (Allergy Information: Cats, birds.)
  • Amenities: We provide snacks, water, and tea. Feel free to bring your own or order lunch for yourself. If you prefer to relax in our living room, feel free to watch TV or listen to Alexa. Otherwise, parents will be seated outside the studio space to observe. Milio's Subs on Commerce Drive delivers quickly to our address if you'd like to order lunch for yourselves. Actual address will be provided in your QUESTIONNAIRE/PREP email. (FAR west Madison, about 5 minutes from Junction Rd. Target out of town for planning purposes.)



session details


  • Timing: Feed your baby before leaving (30 min!) and allow them to sleep during the car ride. Sessions typically last 2-4 hours.
  • Support Person: Only one support person is permitted. Siblings can stay until their portion of the session is completed, and then will be asked to leave. As much as we LOVE kids, we want Baby to stay asleep in calm and quite space. Please do not bring additional guests (aunts, grandparents, etc.) and expect them to be added to the session without prior notice. Additional people mean additional photos, additional time and editing. Therefore, a $50 per-person fee must be paid before the session to include them. Please don’t make it awkward, just let me know ahead of time if you’d like to add loved ones so we can plan accordingly.
  • Pacing: We work at the baby’s pace. If your baby has habitual awake times, consider rescheduling to avoid a restless session. Sessions can take place up to 4 hours! If baby is too unsettled to finish a session, we offer one retake at the photographer's discretion.



after the session


Gallery Access: You will receive a private gallery of edited images 2-3 weeks post-session. Ensure you download and back up your photos within a month to avoid a reactivation fee. Acceptance: Downloading the photos constitutes acceptance. Please address any issues before downloading. (Read your contract for further details.



A quick take away:

Feed your baby before coming, bring whatever your baby needs to eat, and be prepared to sit back and watch. Be respectful with cellphones and have someone available to watch your other children once they're done. Please read your contract!