Newborn session prep guide
*Please note: Masks are no longer needed in the studio. However, please let me know if you prefer me to wear a mask when handling your baby. I’m happy to do whatever makes you the most comfortable! :)
first things first
My biggest goal for my newborn photography clients is to create beautiful images of your baby safely and in the most comfortable of settings. I pride myself on my studio being a safe place where parents can relax while watching me work with their precious new baby.
After photographing newborns for over 8 years now, I have a vast understanding of how best to prepare, handle your baby and create beautiful memories, while keeping your newborn (and you) extremely safe and comfortable. I vow to treat your baby as if it were my own (and I’ll be honest, I pretty much want to keep every newborn I meet!).
preparing for your scheduled session
• Please complete your Newborn Session Questionnaire. This will help me prepare for your session, get to know your family and know your likes and/or dislikes and make sure I have everything I need to reflect the personality of the family subtly in the session.
• Please dress your baby in a sleeper that zips or snaps in the front (not something that has to be stretched over baby’s head). This is easiest to take off and less disturbing to your baby if he/she is already sleeping upon arrival.
• If your baby is taking a pacifier, please bring one. Sucking is one of the main things that helps me soothe the baby as I pose them or before they have reached deep sleep. If you strongly prefer not to use one (I understand—been there, done that!) then with your permission (and clean hands) I may ask to use my finger or one of the parents’ to help soothe. If this is not something you are comfortable with, that is totally fine!
• Please feed your baby before you leave home. Most babies will fall asleep in the car. When you arrive, I will take your baby from the car seat and undress him/her. If your little one wakes up hungry, you can feed again to get a nice full belly. If you live further than 30 minutes away, it may be best to wait and feed upon arrival. The best images come from a “milk-drunk” baby.
What to expect during your session
• The average newborn session lasts 1.5-3 hours. However, I may spend up to 4 hours photographing your baby. I allow enough time for your baby to eat, for me to clean up messes and to spend extra time to settle your baby if needed. It also accounts for changing setups for different poses/looks.
• I do keep my studio nice and toasty. The temperature can range from 75 to 85 degrees so you will want to dress appropriately. Typically, I will photograph your baby in the buff, however there is a place on the questionnaire to note your preferences on this.
• If there are any items of yours that you’d like me to incorporate, please consult with me and send me a picture so I can make sure I think it will work and also so I can style the setup for that item accordingly. Most clothing items will swallow your baby unless specifically made for newborn photography. And while it can be tempting to incorporate tons of props and outfits, I believe it is important to keep things pure and simple to capture the baby as the focus of the art. I have tons of beautiful backdrops, baskets, bins, hand knit hats, dainty headbands and wraps for you to choose from. You can fill out the Questionnaire here.
• As soon as your baby falls asleep, I will ask that you (mom) get comfortable and take some time to relax. If you stay too close, the baby may become agitated because he/she can smell you. You will be able to watch me work with and photograph your baby from the comfort of a seating area (don’t worry, you’ll be able to see everything—it’s in the same room). If I need assistance I’ll let you know. Please feel free to make yourself at home. I will have snacks and water for your enjoyment but feel free to bring either from home.
• If we need to take any feeding breaks during the session, we can. Nursing and bottle-feeding are welcomed! If you plan to nurse you may want to grab your nursing pillow. Also feel free to bring your pump to the session if you prefer to bottle feed your baby but still need to express. I can provide warm water for heating breast milk or warm water for formula as well.
• Unless something different is discussed, I will start with posing on the posing table. I have 6 poses that are a part of my general routine (with little variations within some of them). It is important to note that not every baby can achieve every pose and if they show any marked discomfort I will not attempt the pose. However, most newborns under 2 weeks LOVE being curled up in these poses and once I get them sleeping it’s pretty smooth sailing from pose to pose. The following photos show examples of each of the standard poses. If there are other poses you’ve seen that you want me to try (as long as they are safe) we can discuss. Please note that the Froggy pose is a composite and can require assistance. Safety is of the utmost importance to me. If there’s any time I feel the need for an extra hand or two for spotting or support, I’ll ask!
• Families and sibling photos with young siblings typically will be at the very beginning of the session so that he/she is fresh and happy. We ask that the sibling only comes for the beginning portion of the session and then a family member or helper can take them on home (or to school or to do something nearby) since the baby’s photos can be lengthy.
Here’s a look at the different Newborn Poses
Session do’s and don’t’s
• DO sit back and enjoy watching! What a great way to take a break! I know you are tired. I love working with these little ones...every aspect of it. I’m very good at calming these babies, so unless nursing is required, I’ll be completely hands on and you can be hands free throughout your session. Families often joke that they want to take me home to keep their baby calm!
• DON’T take pictures with your own camera or cell phone during the session. If you want to document the day, you can take a couple “behind the scenes” pictures of me working with your baby if you’d like, but please ask permission before sharing on social media.
• If you are having family pictures done in your session, please DON’T wear bright colors or busy prints. DO wear neutral neutrals, earthtones, or muted colors. Subtle tonal patterns are fine. DO dress comfortably—if you’re uncomfortable in what you are wearing it will show in your expressions.
• DON’T forget that your remaining balance is due on the date of your session. I accept cash, checks, and Credit Cards (+ 3% processing fee). If for some reason you forget to bring a payment method (understandable—it’s not like you have anything going on in your life!) payment in full must be received before you will see any pictures from your session.
Including a sibling?
• I love capturing the interactions between your first (or second, or third) baby and your new baby! I do suggest, however, that if big bro or sis is under 4, they come for only a portion of the session, preferably just at the beginning, and then be taken home by a family member. These sessions can get rather lengthy and it’s a lot to ask a young, energetic one to be patient for that long. Also, baby pictures will be best in a peaceful, stress-free environment.
Please let me know if you have any questions about this!
after your session
• Generally my turnaround time is 2-3 weeks depending on seasonal workload.
• You will receive an email from me that will direct you to your password protected webpage proofing gallery where you can view the images from your session. In that email I will explain how to make your selections and move forward from there!
• PRINT YOUR PICTURES. I can’t tell you how many times I ask previous clients if they’ve printed their pictures and even a year later most of the time they sheepishly say, no, they haven’t. I am happy to take care of this for you. I have a ton of professional print products to offer and will send you a product price list with the link to view your gallery. If you do plan to print them on your own...please do not take them to a big box store. Have them printed professionally in Greenville at J&D photo or online at mpix.com.
Payment options
• I accept checks, cash and all major credit/debit cards (processing fee of 3% will be applied to all card transactions)
• SC sales tax of 6% will be applied to all post-session product purchases.
the Dear Lissie studio location
My studio is in my home. The address is 328 Henderson Road, Greenville, SC 29607. Upon arrival, please park in the circular driveway and text me, (number below) and I will come walk you in to the studio! I can’t wait to have you over!
questions?
Please don’t hesitate to call me at (864) 979-5278 or email me at mel@dearlissiephotography.com or Jen at jen@dearlissiephotography.com if you have any questions at all!