Nothing is more magical than welcoming a new baby into your family. The tiny, delicate fingers and toes; the precious, soft skin; the certainty that this is a love unlike any you have known. You know your life will never be the same. These moments pass so quickly. It is a privilege for me to preserve this special milestone for you and your family to remember forever.

Everyone who has been a parent knows that those early days go by in the blink of an eye. The things you treasure so much – the smell of a baby’s skin, the feel of his or her little body cuddled against yours – become distant but cherished memories as your children quickly change and grow. Let me be there at the beginning of your little one’s journey to capture this time of beauty and innocence in professional photographs that you and your loved ones will treasure.

I know that it might be difficult to predict when your baby will want to eat and sleep during those first few days, but ideally your baby should be well fed, changed, and sleepy before the photo session begins. Sleeping newborns produce the best photographs. That is why I have provided a detailed checklist below to help in that department. It is extremely important to follow all steps outlined. Newborn photography is not only an art, but it is a science and the success of your session depends on how well all steps are followed.

I understand that your baby’s first photo session can be a stressful time for you. Baby may not be cooperating, and you’ll worry that the session will be a bust. Also, watching someone else handle and pose your baby could bring out your mommy instincts. The first rule of newborn photography is to relax, and the second rule is to have patience. If you are tense, your baby will sense that, and your little one might have trouble going into the deep sleep I’d like. So take a deep breath, think calming thoughts, and take your baby’s lead. I am happy to take the time I need for baby to be fed, changed, comforted, and lulled to sleep so the artistic magic can begin. Because of this, I require that you allow at least three hours for your posed photographs. I also ask that I be the main person handling the baby during the session. It is easy for baby to sense or smell mom and dad causing for fussiness. Rest assured, I am highly experienced and I place your baby’s safety above all else, so your little one will be in good hands.

• Give your baby a full feeding immediately before leaving for your session.
• Bring baby to session in just their diaper (You may want to keep warm in car seat with blankets).  If you chose not to leave baby in just their diaper, please do NOT put them in an outfit that must be removed over their head.  The session can start smoother if I do not have to undress baby at the start of the session (babies hate being undressed).
• Keep baby awake for 2 hours before leaving for the session.  This allows baby to be nice and sleepy for the duration of the session.
• If you are nursing, please be mindful of what you are eating and drinking for 48 hours leading up to your session.  Please no coffee, lattes, or caffeine and nothing spicy.  What you eat and drink will enter your baby’s system and it WILL greatly affect the success of the session if it is anything that will upset their tummy or give them a caffeine high. 

• Baby wipes
• Extra diapers
• Blanket
• Expressed breast milk or formula if you are comfortable supplementing with a bottle feeding
• Pacifier (VERY IMPORTANT) for fussy babies.  Having a pacifier on hand will be the determining factor on getting the difficult poses or not
• Any props you want incorporated