We are so excited to have you and your family join us at our studio for your newborn session! Newborn shoots have a bit more prep work than standard portrait sessions, so it is very important that you try your best to follow my recommendations as closely as possible to ensure a smooth session!
Tips to help your session go smoothly
For Baby
Before the shoot, feed baby often in the hours leading up to your session. The goal is for baby to arrive at your session with a full tummy! Make sure to have some “awake time” for baby prior to the session as well. Some ideas are a bath, letting baby kick with only a diaper, playing with baby, etc. A full tummy and a baby that needs a nap help ensure that we get those squishy, sleepy newborn photos that everyone loves! We realize that sometimes car rides put babies to sleep, don’t worry too much about that, but, again, do your best to keep baby awake for about 2 hours leading up to the shoot!
Sessions last between 1.5 to 3 hours (depending on the session you booked and how baby is doing). During newborn shoots, we keep our studio at least 80 degrees, so dress accordingly for a warm few hours. The warmer temperature helps keep baby sleepy. If feedings are needed during the session, we will make sure to work that in if baby seems hungry.
There is no need to bring any special clothes for baby to wear for the session. I provide any wraps, swaddles, clothes, or headbands needed.
For Families
Parents are a big part of these sessions. We want to make sure in addition to lovely photos of baby, that we also capture the special relationship you have with your baby. For mothers and sisters, we have a client closet with a variety of tops and dresses that you are welcome to choose from. The majority of this wardrobe are whites and creams.
Moms: I have a variety of tops and dresses you can wear, but you’re also welcome to bring your own as well. Keep colors neutral and design simple. Avoid nail polish if possible. Style your hair in a way that you are comfortable with, have done before, and feel beautiful in! A lot of times, mothers are behind the camera taking pictures of their little ones, but rest assured, when you are in front of my camera, I use flattering angles and light to bring out your natural beauty of you and your family.
Dads: We love getting shirtless, skin to skin photos, but if you choose to wear a shirt, wear a solid, neutral colored, good fitting t-shirt with a pair or jeans or khaki pants. Choose clothing without logos, designs, or plaid patterns.
Sisters: Wear a good fitting tank top, t-shirt, or dress in a neutral color. I do have some children sizes in my studio wardrobe that you are welcome to wear. I ask that girls’ hair be natural or in braids- try to avoid any crazy new hairstyles that you haven’t done before! Also, like mom, avoid nail polish.
Brothers: Similar to dad, we love shirtless poses with baby, but if you prefer shirts, keep the colors neutral without designs or logos. Wear blue jeans or khaki pants.
FAQs
Where is the session? Newborn sessions take place in our studio in Nikiski. The address is 51698 Kenai Spur Hwy Suite A, Kenai, AK 99611. Our building is right next to the Nikiski post office. Our space is the one in front with the big windows facing the highway!
What happens if my baby is fussy or crying a lot? If your baby is having a hard time calming down, we will give you a chance to feed baby or try your own methods to calm him/her down. If baby needs a break, we take a break. The reason our sessions last up to 3 hours is not because we take photos for that long, but because usually most of that time is actually spend calming baby, posing baby, and taking the time necessary to be safe and create quality photos with your new little squish! It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally we’ll have a baby come in who just won’t settle. When that happens we pull out all of our tricks, but will make the call to reschedule, if needed.
What happens after our session? Once your session is over, Jaden will get to work editing your photos. Within 2-3 weeks of your session, you will receive a link via email to access your online gallery of images.
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