So, you’ve booked a newborn session with Deep Roots Photography?
WAY TO GO! That is the first step to insure you remember this precious time with your new little baby. Trust me mama, it goes by way too fast. You won’t regret having portraits to admire for the rest of your life!
Before we get started, I’d like to take a moment to say THANK YOU. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of photographing your little miracle.
Helpful information regarding a newborn session.
For starters, it is important to remember to go with the flow. Your baby will be the boss of the show, from the time you walk in the door, to the time you get back in your car to leave. I will only photograph your child in a manner that he/she is happy and comfortable with. I have developed a posing flow which allows me to capture a variety of sets, poses, and angles all while keeping your baby safe and relaxed. However, not every baby likes every pose. You can expect some wiggles, stretches, yawns, whimpers, and cries out your baby. Afterall, they have their own agenda, and it’s my job to figure that out. I will never force your baby into a pose or position that he/she is uncomfortable with – I will alter to fit his/her needs!
Before your session
Please make sure you have filled out the newborn questionnaire. It may have been texted or emailed to you. If you have not received it, please let me know. Failure to complete this will result in all white sets for your session.
For the baby
Please note that these are only suggestions. You know your baby, and what is best. However, after years of experience I have learned following these guidelines help set the stage for a successful session.
If you live nearby, please feed your baby just before leaving home. If you live 45+ minutes away, please strive to feed your baby 2-3 hours before leaving home, with plans to feed upon arrival. Dress your baby in a plain white onesie, or in loose fitted pajamas with snaps. Upon arrival, bring baby into the studio still buckled into the carseat.
Toddlers and/or young siblings
Sibling photos are done first thing, as young children have shorter attention spans and are quickly “over it”. I swaddle baby for all sibling poses. Immediately following sibling poses, we jump into family poses. I strive to take a slight lifestyle approach when working with siblings, so please encourage your older children to give their baby sibling, and their parents, a lot of hugs and kisses. I find that toddlers love to point out baby’s nose, ears, fingers, etc. Please make arrangements for a family member to take the siblings away from the studio, once their portraits are complete. This will allow me, and you, to focus 100% on the baby while also setting a calm environment for the baby to relax in. If no one is available, please bring toys, coloring books, or quiet games to entertain them. It is important to keep them as calm and quiet as possible.
For mom and dad:
While I have wardrobe options available for mom in my client closet, I also ask you to bring black and white options for both mom and dad. My personal favorite options are snug t-shirt for dad, and flowy tank top for mom. I also love photographing skin-to-skin, for those who are comfortable posing without a shirt. For skin-to-skin with moms, we do “implied nudity” by posing baby on mom’s chest while wearing a spaghetti strap tank top. Jeans, khakis, and slacks are all welcome for dads, but keep his attire in mind while deciding for mom. If you need help, please email photos of your options to me at deeprootsphoto429@gmail.com
It is recommended for moms to wear nude underwear, and to also bring nude shapewear and tank tops.
I highly suggest bringing lounge clothes suitable for warm temperatures to change into after parent poses.
During your session
Temperature:
It will be 75-80 degrees in the studio for the duration of your newborn session. While this may be a bit uncomfortable for us, it guarantees your new little bundle will not get cold. Babies are unable to maintain their temperature well, so I crank up the heat to help their little bodies stay warm. This is why I suggest bringing clothes suited for warm temperatures. I will be dressed accordingly.
Feeding:
When feeding your baby, please take your time and make sure your baby gets a full feeding. I like to use the term “milk drunk”, meaning your baby eats until he/she falls into a deep sleep. Do not feel the need to rush through a feeding. This session is designed to fit in lots of feeding breaks, so there is plenty of time. Making sure you get that belly full will help the session flow faster and smoother. A hungry baby will not relax or sleep through posing.
If you are breastfeeding – please bring expressed milk if at all possible.
If you are formula feeding – please bring extra formula and bottles.
Bring more than you think is necessary, as babies tend to eat more than average during a newborn session. A bottle warmer will be available for use in the studio.
Additional thoughts
You’re new parents! You are exhausted and you have every right to be. I’ve been there; I know how it is. Try your best to be on time. It’s recommended you arrive five minutes early (that makes your session scheduled for 9:55a.m.)
BRING A PACIFIER.
Sometimes parents want to avoid pacifiers, especially if mom is breastfeeding. But the additional soothing help it will give, will be beneficial during the session. If you do not plan to use a pacifier full time, rest assured that you can leave it behind in the studio when we are done! Again, this is only a suggestion.
You are welcome to bring snacks/food/drinks. I strive to complete the session by 12:30 but depending on baby’s temperament the session can go longer than that. You are welcome to bring food items to keep you satisfied through the lunch hour. New moms are doing a lot of recovering, healing, and calorie burning – be sure to take care of yourself!
Address:
Deep Roots Photography is located at my home. For safety reasons, I do not post my address publicly. I will email or text it to you, at the time of booking. If you have not received this information, or if you need it again, please reach out and I’ll gladly send it to you.
The studio is the building behind the house. You, and your family, are expected to stay within the studio building at all times during your session.
