Preparing for your Boutique Newborn Family Session

THE NIGHT BEFORE - Some babies will sleep for 5 or 6 hours during the night, and although this seems like a great thing, it is not ideal for our session. They will arrive very awake and very hungry. So please try to keep to a 3 to 4hrly feeding schedule the night prior to your session. They will be much more restful and content if you do this.

THE MORNING OF THE SESSION - please try to have baby awake at least an hour prior to the session starting. Try to feed just before leaving home, we can do top up feeds during the session if needed.

PACIFIER - If you have a pacifier please bring one. I have sterilised “soothie” pacifiers here for use during the session. These have been found to be the most effective in soothing and helping newborns to latch on easily. Even if you aren’t thinking you will want to use a paci, the short amount of time we will be using one should not affect any habit forming behaviours for your baby. My goal is to help keep the baby happy and calm during our session.

EXTRA BOTTLES - Whether you are nursing or bottle feeding, having extra bottles and/or milk is suggested. Some babies tend to eat more than usual during their photo sessions. It’s best to be prepared! Feel free to bring food for yourself as well, as the session will not finish til after lunch. There are shops nearby that your partner can go buy food too.

NURSERY ITEMS - Hand knitted hats, blankets, a special toy, rattle....these are all things that help create the story of your baby’s first few days of life. If you have some special pieces please feel free to bring them and I will do my best to incorporate them in the session.

CLOTHING FOR BABY - Generally I will be photographing your baby wrapped & unclothed. Part of the experience in capturing a newborn is seeing the squishy little toes and cute baby rolls. I have everything required for baby for the session, but please have baby dressed in a front button/zip onesie when you arrive for ease of undressing.

WHAT TO WEAR - For studio portraits dress as though they are heading to a summer BBQ at your fancy friend’s house. Something light and casual, and neutral. I find simple soft tone colours are best, avoiding black, bright pinks/reds and no bold patterns or logos. Consider colours that will compliment the colours in your home, so that your artwork will be a perfect match!
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LOOKING GOOD, FEELING GOOD - I love natural portraiture that really captures the reality of my subjects, and skin retouching is kept to a minimum. To ensure you look fantastic, I recommend adding hair & makeup to your session for $150. This can be done at the studio at the start of the session while I photograph baby, or we can arrange for it to be done prior to the session.