Congratulations! And welcome to your brand new bundle of love. Your new adventure is just beginning. And clever you to plan to capture these first days. And a huge THANK YOU for choosing Lin Ellen Studios for your South Jersey Newborn Portraits! I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me to captures these special moments for your family.
When to Schedule! Once you have contracted with my studio, we will choose a date that is approximately 1 – 2 weeks after your due date. But we all know, babies come in their own time! Not to worry, I will find a way to work your precious bundle into my schedule. Just call when baby arrives, and we will nail down your date. It’s best to schedule within two weeks of arrival. Yes, we can go outside of the two-week window for sure, but the session might not have the same “newborn squishy” posing of a standard session. We’ll still get lovely images, but poses will depend on how baby is responding as they get older.
Planning for the Session! I have a collection of baskets, blankets, hats, and accessories that I’ll be using for your session. I love to create special scenes and hand-knit most of my outfits. If you have ideas, please share them with me! I want your baby’s portraits to fit your style and vision. The earlier your session retainer is paid and on my calendar and we talk about your ideas, the better chance I have of creating exactly what you have in mind. I plan your session in great detail after your date is secured and want to ensure the best images from your baby’s session! Do you have special outfits or props in mind? Send a picture in advance so I can plan to make the best image possible for you. I will make every attempt to ensure we can create the image you want with your special outfit or prop. I will also always work to ensure the safety of your little one. Some images are best created a composite. Take a look at this post for more information on Digital Artwork.
What to Bring! Pack your baby bag with your usual items: diapers (a lot!), wipes, burping cloths, spare set of clothes (not used in session), a pacifier (even if you do not intend to use one permanently, it can help keep babies calm and settled while positioning them). If you are breastfeeding, your milk may still be coming in, so if possible, bring a bottle of expressed milk or formula to help keep your baby nice and full. Please be conscious of what you are eating 2 days before your session. Some foods to avoid as they can flow through to your milk and cause your baby to have an upset tummy are broccoli, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, lemons, oranges, berries, spaghetti, tomato products, coffee and alcohol.
Prepping Everyone for a Smooth Session The following tips help ensure your session goes smoothly!
- Feed baby before you leave the house
- Please bring baby in a zippered sleeper, no onesie! (that way I don’t wake baby up to undress)
- Be prepared to feed baby again upon arrival
The last thing I want anyone to do on portrait day is stress out. Getting out of the house with a new baby is a CHALLENGE!! If you are running late, that is ok. I only book one Newborn Baby session for the day so please don’t feel rushed, I always run on your baby’s schedule. Just please keep in touch if you are running late. Newborn sessions can last 2 – 4 hours. And you have already figured out (or will soon!), baby is in charge! A sleepy baby sometimes takes time. I work through lunch. I have small snacks and water available, and can suggest nearby options if someone wants to run out for heavier fare.
What to Wear Dress baby in zipper sleeper, no onesie – See Above! And when it’s cold outside, just wrap baby warmly in a blanket. Not to worry, the studio is nice & toasty and ready for you! I love capturing photos of parents with baby.
Don’t stress about outfits for you and your partner. Just a plain neutral or black tee-shirt is fine! Moms, you can pop on one of my studio gowns if you like. But whatever you choose, keep to solid colors, simple “lines”, and no logos. I want baby (and you!) to be the star!! I often capture my new mamma’s just from the waist up. I KNOW you are not feeling quite photo ready – but let’s capture just a couple. Not so much for you, but for baby when they get older.
I keep the studio toasty for baby, as they are bare for a good portion of their session. Babies without diapers……hummmmm, be sure to bring a change of clothes for yourself – because poo happens! I often have an assistant with me for trickier poses, I want to ensure baby is safe at all times. All you need do is just settle in and relax during your portrait session, your baby is in good hands.
After the Session Within a few days of your session, I will provide you with the password to an online proofing gallery to view your images. We can talk about what products, prints, or albums you may want for your home, and I can help you with any ordering. Once you make your selections, I will complete final edits for your images and order your products. Your digital images will then be uploaded to your online gallery with a print release. My current packages include digital images. I recommend you order prints through my professional lab to ensure your satisfaction with your investment.
Please let me know if you have any questions at all. I look forward to our newborn session!
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