Newborn prep guide:
These are all factors that I've found to be extremely helpful for a successful session, both in studio or in your home for lifestyle sessions.
Please don't stress if you can't follow these to a T.
Babies tend to do what they want, so just do your best. :)
Try to keep baby awake and stimulated for at least 30-60 minutes before you leave for the studio.
Baths are super helpful as well as interacting with him/her in just a diaper.
Baby should have a full feeding within one hour of our session start time.
Do your best to feed baby just before leaving home!
Bring 1-2 more bottles than you think you'll need, and be prepared to feed on demand.
Cluster feeding is real. Throw that "every 3 hours" out the window for today.
Put baby in a button/zipper sleeper for the drive.
Or something that doesn't have to be pulled over their head to be removed. We don’t want to disturb their sleepiness more than necessary.
PLEASE BRING A PACI.
Even if they haven't take one for you, or you don't plan to offer them on a regular basis.
They are so helpful for transitions and soothing during the session. Baby will be moved around between family posing and props, so a pacifier is helpful to keep them sleepy.
For in-home lifestyle sessions:
Think of where you want to take the photos.
Are you looking at the nursery, your living room, the master bedroom?
Wherever it may be, make sure to tidy up before hand.
You don't have to hire a house cleaner...
but I will not be editing a water bottle and pile of laundry in the corner out of 42 photos.
Be like me and shove all the random stuff in your closet to deal with later. LOL
Windows, lighting, and colors, oh my!
In home sessions are all drastically different, and no two will look the same.
The color on your walls and amount of windows in any given room will entirely change the look of it.
If you are expecting photos that look similar to my studio work, your house will need to have light walls and an abundance of windows for natural light.
If you have darker tones and minimal/small windows, your photos will naturally look more moody and shadowed.
Crank the thermostat a few degrees higher!
Having your home nice and toasty (around 72-75) helps baby stay calm and relaxed, especially if their outfit shows their hands/feet/etc.