Newborn photography information: These new little people are best photographed in the first 2 weeks, preferably in the first 5-16 days. They are very sleepy in the first 10 days meaning that I can move them without waking them up. It becomes much more difficult to create those sleeping shots after this time. If possible, please contact me before your baby is born and I’ll pencil in your due date. Your session is then reserved for you as a priority within 10 days of their arrival. Just give me a call or send a quick text to let me know he/she has arrived and we’ll schedule in the session. As newborns rarely arrive when expected I try to keep a couple of times open around due dates for early or late arrivals and will always do my best to fit you in. If your newborn is older than 18 days it may not be possible to pose your child in the newborn manner, as each day they grow stronger and stronger and want to stay awake more - please understand I will do my very best to get the shot you want but keep in mind if I don't we cant, your child's safety is my priority, not a pose.
Preparing for your session: It’s not uncommon for a newborn session to last for a few hours, I set aside 2, we may use all 2 - we may not, it could go over slightly. We need to allow plenty of time for feeding, nappy changes and plenty of time for the baby to fall into a deep sleep. Your baby will be in their birthday suit for the majority of the session (You’ll need your heater going before I arrive, any heat packs for the new ones comport. I ask that before I arrive, you get your house nice and warm so bubs is comfortable. It’s a good idea to feed your baby at the beginning of the session as I’m setting up props to save any time (this is if we are doing bubs solo shots 1st as it’ll be a nice transition for them. If you undress your baby (down to their nappy, and keep that nappy loose) and swaddle in a blanket before feeding it reduces the possibility of waking baby up by removing their clothes if they fall asleep during the feed. Please know that if your baby is unhappy at any point during your shoot we’ll take a break and continue once you feel he/she is ready, if they are too unsettled on the day after a few hours - I’m happy to work in with you and reschedule. * Find some images that you like either from friends or online/books so I can see a type of style you are interested in, either email or bring along to the session, I can’t promise but I can try… Also keep some towels handy just encase there's a small "spill" ;)
Newborn location: Newborn sessions are at your home but can be conducted in any place you feel up to as in a friend’s place, outdoors etc. I completely understand those hazy first days at home with a newborn!
Newborn questions: Below is a collection of the most frequent questions I get asked prior to or during any newborn shoot. If you have a question that isn’t covered here please don’t hesitate to contact me. Q: What if my baby doesn’t sleep during the session? In my experience, if your baby is warm and fed he/she will fall asleep. It may take a while but this is the reason why shoots can a few hours long! If not, a reschedule may be in order (at no further cost) to ensure we get those photos we’re both after J Q: Won’t putting my baby in those poses upset him/her? This is one of the main concerns new parents have during the shoot. Babies are very, very flexible at this age and can be positioned very easily while asleep mostly even without stirring. I take great care to move slowly and will not try anything that looks like it might disturb your baby. I also show you the poses 1st to make sure this would be something you want and even explain how we can get the poses to work. I’m also very careful with the umbilical cord/stem when putting babies on their stomachs and am always mindful of their head & neck. Q: My baby is on a routine, can we work around that? Of course, this actually makes things a little easier as I can arrange to arrive during a feed and be setup and ready to start when you finish. Feel free to wake your baby for another feed at any time Q: What if he/she has a little ‘accident’ during the shoot? No problem, we bring plenty of blankets for this very reason. I have wipes and hand sanitizer, but if you could bring along a burping blanket just encase. Q: Can we do something like this? If there are any particular images you’ve seen in my portfolio that you want me to try and achieve please let me know beforehand so I can bring the relevant bits & bobs. I will do my very best to achieve this for you, if your baby is amenable to the idea of course! And having any items from home as in gifts, teddies – even something that was once yours, will also complement any shoot.
Lastly, payment is due on or before session, payable in Bank Transfer, EFTOPS or Cash – Thank you for booking with me at Ocean View, I’m looking forward to your little ones arrival!