CONGRATS MOMMA!!
Whether you are expecting your first baby or welcoming a new member to your family, this is such an important part of your motherhood journey and I believe it is essential to have documented. I am sure you have questions when it comes to planning for your newborn session. When clients inquire, I usually get the same 5 questions again and again, so here is a whole blog post answering my top 5 frequently asked questions when booking a newborn session:
1. When should I book my newborn session?
2. What should I wear for my newborn session?
3. What should I do with my hair and make-up?
4. Where will my session take place?
5. What do I need to bring to my session?
1. When should I book my Newborn Session?
I always recommend contacting your photographer as soon as possible to see if they have your due date available. Most photographers only take on a limited amount of due dates each month. When it comes to the actual time frame it’s ideal to book your newborn photos within the first 12 days. I highly recommend contacting me before baby arrives, but never fear if you decided late you want to do a newborn session, contact me anyway and we will do our best to get you booked in a timely matter 🙂
2. What should I wear for my Newborn session?
Remember coordinating not matching is best! Pick a main colour and dress the rest of the family in accenting colours. Although a lot of clients often go straight for black I encourage you to try some neutrals and patterns that are flattering and easy on the eyes. You will be photographed from the waist up so don’t worry too much about long pants and shoes.
For Mom:
I recommend choosing a comfortable but not too baggy pair of jeans or leggings (Bonus: you can still wear those maternity pants!) On the top, a snug-fitting thicker strapped tank top, t-shirt or blouse looks best. You can add a pop of colour or pattern by wearing a cardigan or kimono over top. Another option is wearing a flowy maxi dress or one of the maternity gowns from my client wardrobe.
For Dad:
A plain t-shirt, no logos or crazy designs looks best and either jeans or neutral dress pants/slacks.
For Siblings:
I have outfits available in the client wardrobe for siblings up to the age of 3. Stick to lighter neutral colours and we will wrap baby in a coordinating wrap.
For Big Brother:
Jeans and a light-coloured top look great. Try adding in some suspenders to the jeans and go for no shirt instead. Don’t forget to skip the socks and shoes and go barefoot!!
For Big Sister:
Choose a soft coloured dress in all one colour or a gentle floral pattern.
3. What should I do with my hair and make-up?
Professional hair and makeup is on the top of most of my clients’ checklists because it looks amazing on camera and removes the stress of getting ready on your own. This is the time to treat yourself! Whether it’s lash extensions or blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup will give you an extra boost of confidence in front of the camera, and it always photographs like a dream. If you’re working with a makeup artist, have her apply your makeup in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and not too heavy. Plus, that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you the best expectation of how it will translate on camera. Most of my clients feel like their professional makeup is “too much” at first, since it’s more than you would wear on a normal day, or that they’re false lashes look too big, so if you feel that way at the beginning, don’t worry! Good makeup artists know how to get it all just right for the camera — and our clients always love the final result. If you need a recommendation for hair and makeup, I work with some of the best in the business and have a go-to team! You’ll LOVE them! Just let me know and I’ll send you their information. I know they’ll take good care of you!
QUICK TIP: Confidence. It’s always the best accessory.
4. Where will my session take place?
Due to my specific studio style of newborn photography, all Newborn sessions will take place in my studio. Once you are booked I will send you the address. I have a huge variety of backdrops, outfits and props to choose from for your session.
5. What do I need to bring to my session?
I will take care of all the props! You just arrive with baby, all the essentials and a spare change of clothes in case poop happens lol. It is ideal to bring extra breast milk or formula in a bottle, a soother, extra diapers and wipes and a few receiving blankets (although I have lots of those to use during the session).
QUICK TIP: My weekends fill up fast and far in advance. I encourage you to plan for a weekday newborn session within the first 12 days of baby’s arrival!
