Thank you for considering Jessica Blair Photography for your newborn photo session. You may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for your session, so I’ve got a few tips and tricks for you!
When should I schedule my newborn session and when is the best time to photograph my newborn?
It is recommended that newborn sessions are scheduled at least 1-2 months prior to baby’s arrival to get on the schedule. When you book your session I will schedule it for your due date, however, I know baby may arrive earlier or later so when he or she makes their grand entrance, just shoot me a message within 48 hours and we will work out a date to get you into the studio. The best time to photograph newborns is within the first few weeks of life (first 2 weeks is best), this is because they are sleepier and will be more comfortable in those adorable curled up poses that you see in most newborn photography.
How long will my newborn session take?
You can expect around 2 hours for the session. This time reflects time spent posing, styling, shooting, feeding, soothing and changing the baby. During this time frame I am usually able to capture family/sibling portraits and 3-4 different newborn only set ups/poses, making sure to capture all the angles and little features. Please note, each baby and session is different, sessions may go quicker or may take a little longer, this all depends on how sleepy baby is and if baby is feeling fussy or touchy.
Do I need to bring any props for my newborn session?
All props and newborn wardrobe will be provided, but please feel free to bring anything sentimental from home that you would like to incorporate into the session as well. Parents/siblings must provide their own wardrobe/outfits.
What will my session look like?
Upon booking (or at least one month prior to your due date), we will go over the details of your session, coordinate colors that you would like used for the session as well as any ideas that you had or specific props that you would like used.
What do we wear?
You can never go wrong with neutrals and/or muted colors. It is seamless, timeless and always beautiful. Ivory/cream, beiges, navy are among some of my favorites. Please refrain from wearing fluorescent colors or crazy patterns as this can be distracting to the eye, and we don’t want that! I will send a styling guide/pinterest board to help give you some ideas.
What will be my role as a parent?
If you desire images of you with your baby, I usually photograph those poses at the beginning or at the end of the session depending on how the baby is responding. During the ‘baby only’ portion of the session, you will mostly sit back and relax while I do the posing. I might ask you to assist in certain poses where an extra set of hands is needed.
How do I prepare siblings for portraits?
Don’t forget about the siblings! Make sure they are well rested and fed. Bringing a treat or their favorite snack can help with cooperation. I also suggest bringing a hair brush. Newborn sessions can last about 2 hours, to keep the atmosphere calm and quite for the baby, I recommend that parents drive separately so that once portraits are done one of the parents can take the children home or out nearby for a special treat! If you live further away or don’t have the option of a separate driver, children are welcome to hang out in the studio, we just ask that they stay quiet so that baby can sleep. We have toys and coloring books to help keep them entertained.
How can I prepare baby for the session?
A good tip to ensure your newborn is sleepy and happy for the session is to feed baby a full feeding prior to leaving for the session. You can also try to keep baby awake for 1-2 hours prior to the session, although I know sometimes this may be difficult for sleep deprived parents.
Day of session.
When you arrive for the session, I may have you feed baby again before beginning the session. Please bring all items needed for feeding; at least 2 bottles, or supplies for nursing. Between feeding times, it is very helpful to have a pacifier available.
The studio.
My studio is located in a private building located on our property in Efland. Kick back and relax on our comfy couches and feel free to watch a movie or a show on TV while you wait for me to photograph your little one. Coffee, water and snacks are available as well as hand sanitizer. Newborn sessions can be lengthy so please feel free to bring a snack or lunch to eat, or even a blanket and pillow to nap while you wait!
If you would prefer I travel to you, please let me know! I can bring all of my props/backdrop/lighting equipment and photograph you in the comfort of your own home. And no worries, the photos will turn out just as good as if they were done in my studio. (travel fees may apply for locations further than 20 miles of area code 27243)
How often do you clean your studio?
I disinfect all props and wash all wraps, backdrops, etc. in scent free laundry detergent after every session. I also wipe down all surfaces with disinfecting spray and cloth.
What kind of training do you have?
As a mom myself, I know first hand just how delicate and fragile newborns and children are. That is why I have always put safety and training above all else. Since I began my photography journey 6 years ago, I have received my certification in Newborn Photography Safety (APNPI), first aid and CPR. I have attended countless in-person workshops with some of the most talented photographers in the industry, (one being world renowned newborn photographer Ana Brandt and also the amazingly talented Naomi Hopkins). I have also done collaborations with UNC Hospitals - Fourth Trimester Project as well as Duke Hospitals - Capturing Hope Program - which is a support program for families of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
I hope that this session guide answers most of your questions.
Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns! I can’t wait to work together!