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Newborn preparation is the key to a successful session...
You carried your baby for the past nine months, went through the pain of childbirth (totally worth it, right?), brought this sweet bundle of joy home from the hospital, had a few sleepless nights, and now it’s time for your baby’s newborn session. Aren’t you excited to share with your family and friends the great news?
1. BOOKING TIME
I highly recommend that you book your newborn session as early as possible. Younger newborns do much better during their photo shots, they will sleep more soundly which allows me to pose them to create the very best portraits. Babies are also more flexible at this stage. When baby is older than 2 weeks they tend to be more alert, more sensitive to touch and a bit restless which can make it much more difficult to capture the images.
You can contact me via email, text message, Facebook or simply give me a call the first 48 hours after your baby has arrived, this way, if I have to re-arrange my schedule, I have enough time...
3. BEFORE SESSION
The key to successful session is a deep sleeping baby! Remember, the session might last up to 4 hours (make sure you had a good breakfast :P)
* Schedule feeding 1-2 hours before arrival
* Interact with your baby for at least 1-2 hours before your scheduled session to keep him/her awake. This means keeping them awake during the car ride ;) I know, I know, it is very hard, but try your best!
* Dress your baby in comfortable clothes with button up or snaps for easier transition. Baby grows, sleep suits are best so that we don't have to pull anything over baby's head.
* Soother...Please bring it with you, it helps to calm your baby down during transition poses...I promise, your baby is NOT going to get nipple confusion for the short time it will be used. If you don't have one, I will be more than happy to provide one to your baby during session...
* Dressing tips for parents: Beige/ cream/ white all would look amazing for your baby’s newborn pictures no matter
what gender your baby is! Gray, blush, or brown are also great options. Pastels like soft blue or blush pink are beautiful as well. Same applies to significant others and siblings.
MATCHING: Lets say dad wears baby blue dress shirt, it doesn't mean mom have to match completely, how about nice light blue scarf over the white shirt? Piece of jewelry? Necklace? Anything would work, honestly!
Patterns or wild colors- AVOID THOSE - it will take the focus off the baby; as a result, images will look too “busy”...
4. YOU ARRIVED
Once you arrived, I will give you time and privacy to feed your baby and change clothes if needed.
5. LETS START THE PARTY
No worries, I will guide you through every single step and pose! I always start my sessions with a wrapped baby, it allows an easy way for mom , dad and siblings to be involved, plus those are my “safety” shots; even if baby is fully awake, I still can produce beautiful images of wide open eyes!
“My baby doesn’t like to be wrapped?!” Believe me, they do! They are used to be in your belly for the past 9 months, they can feel much more secure being wrapped...Trust me!
I start with mom, will add dad, and siblings if there are any (since they are the one who lose patience fast) and will then move to the baby.
I usually try to do at least three different set ups, but it all depends on baby. And, PLEASE, DO NOT worry about your baby having accidents on my props! So many parents worry about that – but I am used to it, and prepared for any type of accident! All my props are washable and been washed after every use with perfume free detergent....
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Cameras or video cameras are not allowed while I'm shooting the session, unless prior arrangement!
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While I photograph the baby, I want parents to be relaxed, take a nap, I know what sleepless nights are like, so if you do need to take a time off, just let me know and I will supervise you to a quiet room where you can get yourself onto ourr sofa in front of TV, and take a small nap...
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6. After the Session
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Approximately 1 week after the session, I will provide you with the password to an online gallery to view your images. We will talk about what products, prints, or albums you may want for your home, and I can help you with any ordering. Your digital images will be sent within 24hours after you have chossen the portraits that you would like. Although, my current packages include the digital images, I strongly recommend you to order prints through your gallery and have them printed with a professional lab my PC is calibrated to.
Thank you for choosing Stacey Reece Photography!