NEWBORN CLIENT PREP GUIDE

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING US FOR YOUR MOST PRECIOUS SESSIONS!

 

Our studio has everything you need for pregnancy and newborn sessions. This guide will help prepare you for your pregnancy and newborn session as well as hopefully answer any questions that you may have. Please feel free to contact us for any other questions!

 

Trudi Bartley Photographer

23 Curlew Drive, New Auckland. Queensland

0418 194 052

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SCHEDULING YOUR NEWBORN SESSION

 

Newborns are better photographed in the morning and I book only one session per day, scheduled at 10am weekdays.

 

Newborn babies under 2 weeks generally are best first thing in the morning as they have been up all night. As they get older they are more awake in the morning, which is why we schedule the older babies a tiny bit later. We have learned from experience that newborns in the afternoon or early evening are generally not as comfortable and therefore we do not photograph newborns at this time. 

 

Newborn scheduling is ideal when done in advance, however; we accommodate new bookings daily. If a newborn session has not been scheduled in advanced, we do ask that clients call or email within 24 hours of giving birth with the newborn statistical information. Our wish is for healthy wonderful deliveries, however, we know that complications or postpartum recovery delays do happen.

 

When you email information about the delivery, please let us know:

·    Date/time baby was born

·    Weight of baby

·    Name (if known)

·     Delivery/postpartum

·     Results - I would love to know that everything went according to your birth plan. knowing if there are issues such as jaundice, NICU time, extended hospital stay or any other issues regarding the health of the baby. Knowing these items is so important to help us schedule the baby in a timely manner.

 

Most newborns are scheduled anywhere from 8-14 days after the birth. The timeframe usually varies, as we know, those little people come into the world in their own time. We do suggest newborns be scheduled within the first two weeks.

 

A newborn is considered so for 6 weeks. As a newborn progresses in development the bones harden and they tend to “uncurl” and stretch out more. A newborn photo session can successfully be achieved at any of these weeks with special care and prep. This guide should help in providing this information, for newborns of any age.

 

It is important to understand that newborns are not turned away for their age, however; certain poses may not be possible as they get older.

 

SESSION DAY PREP

 

I recommend babies feed right before their session. A newborn session usually takes about 2-3 hours. We ask that you arrive on time so that you are able to feed baby during the first 30 mins of your session. Babies generally feed every 2-3 hours, therefore; feeding right before a session can sometimes guarantee an uninterrupted session. With that being said, babies are babies and quite often will have growth spurts and feed more often during a photography session. In the event that the baby is fully fed, but still may seem hungry during the session we will take a break and allow them private feeding time. We suggest you give your baby their normal early morning feeding which is usually around 3 hours before your session and you are more then welcome to let that baby go back to sleep. You do not need to keep your baby awake. When you arrive, we will undress the baby to their nappy and then allow you to feed. At this point the baby will wake up and then be hungry. It is very important to understand that we believe in baby led newborn sessions, which means that we never force or deny a feeding.

 

When you feed before a session, we suggest feeding as you normally do - whether breastfed or bottle fed. For bottle feeding, we do suggest you bring extra bottles. Moms are also welcome to pump at sessions if they need relief.

 

NEWBORN PACKING LIST

Please bring the following:

• Dress baby in loose pyjamas

• Pacifier/Dummy/Soother

• Spare diapers

• Baby's blanket

• Extra bottles

•Any newborn keepsakes or special items you would like to use

 

If baby normally does not take a pacfier, please bring it just in case. Newborn sessions are new to your baby and they often want self soothe by sucking more often than normal. Using a pacifier during a session will not encourage bad habits - I promise!

 

I want you to be nice and relaxed during your session. Newborns generally respond to your energy and therefore the more relaxed and comfortable you are the more chances of a successful newborn session we can expect to have.

 

BABY SAFETY

 

It is important to understand that I take baby safety very seriously. And will not pose baby in any positions that may harm them.
If they show discomfort in any way we stop and adjust. As a certified member of the Academy of Newborn Photography, combined with my 10+ years experience in the industry you can rest assured knowing your baby is in the safest hands.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

I FORGOT TO SCHEDULE A NEWBORN SESSION IS IT TOO LATE?

It is never too late to have your baby photographed. It is important to manage expectations of a session. Curly sleepy newborn photos are never guaranteed but usually achieved with babies under 2 weeks. A 6 week baby may sleep during a session and have awake time, but may not be able to curl into womb positions or want to be wrapped. We do believe that generally babies can be successfully photographed at any age.

 

WHAT IF MY BABY DOESN’T SLEEP?

Many babies do not sleep through their session. Some are wide awake the entire time!!

We can usually still achieve some amazing images, especially if they are wrapped!

 

WHAT IF MY BABY CRIES?

Babies are babies and they will cry! We do everything we can to soothe and comfort them and surround them with a comfortable environment. We have worked with many newborns, and as a mother myself I have many soothing techniques and tips.

 

WHAT IF WE CAN NOT GET ANY GREAT BABY PHOTOS? DO I GET A REFUND OR A RESHOOT?

We have a very successful record for being able to achieve a wide variety of newborn images even with fussy babies. We will do everything we can to achieve newborn images and soothe your baby. In the event that photographing your baby seems impossible, I will discuss options with you during the session.

 

HOW MANY IMAGES DO YOU PROVIDE?

You will receive a gallery of 40-50 hand edited images approximately 4-6 weeks after your session

 

CAN WE INCLUDE PARENT POSES AND OUR OTHER CHILDREN?

YESS!!!! We love photographing families and highly recommend getting in your photos too, these early days with your brand new baby are so fleeting. If you would like to include parents, siblings and/or any other family members, please be sure to include this information on your client questionnaire so that we can plan ahead.

 

WHAT IF MY TODDLER DOES NOT COOPERATE?

Children are children, and we do the best we can when working with them of any age. We have quite a few tricks up our sleeves and just like working with baby's I wont force your child to do anything they aren't comfortable with. Often toddlers feel a mix of curiosity, excitement, and sometimes even adjustment when a new sibling arrives. We will go with the flow and encourage them to join in the fun. Often the best images captured with your toddler and baby are those inquisitive real time moments.

 

IS THERE RETOUCHING? MY BABY HAS ACNE AND MY TODDLER HAS A SCRATCH ON THEIR NOSE!

YES! There is always retouching available. Standard retouching is included, such as removal of acne or assistants who are spotting. For more advanced changes such as head-swaps or color changes, etc they may require an additional charge.

 

HOW QUICKLY CAN I SEE THE IMAGES?

I will share a few sneak peek images with you either privately or on my facebook/instagram pages(always and only with written permission). Your gallery is then generally ready to view and select favourites within 4-6 weeks of your session. 

 

MY BABY JUST GOT CIRCUMCISED SHOULD WE STILL COME?

As long as he is healing well yes. Most babies have healed by their session. Many parents use vaseline or another gel that the Dr. has recommended for healing. We will keep the area protected and we can avoid naked images if you wish. We photograph many babies that have been circumcised with no issues. If your baby has had a later circumcision, they can still have their session and all normal precautions are made. Please feel free to discuss this with us during your session. We want you to be fully involved in the process.

 

MY BABY STILL HAS THEIR UMBILICAL CORD ON, IS IT OK TO TAKE PHOTOS?

Yes! Most babies that come still have their cord on, as it may take a full two weeks for it to fall off. Some babies even loose their cords during their session! When babies are wrapped, we wrap with their diaper on and cover the cord so that it does not catch on the fabric. When they are naked, we gently can cover the area to keep it protected. We are very cautious with newborn babies and we are aware of the post delivery care that is needed. 

 

NURSING AND FOOD SUGGESTIONS

 

Every single baby is unique in their own way. We suggest consulting your Paediatrician, Doula or Lactician consultant with any concerns. We know from experience that certain foods can affect a gassy baby.

 

We so ask that you keep a bland diet 24-48 hours before your session. Please eat comfort foods, such as breads, pastas and potatoes and whole-grains to keep your baby comfortable. After the session, you are welcome to choose any diet you wish, however; we do know that gassy babies may need to be treated.

 

We have included a guide of recommended foods, please use at your own discretion and consult Professional help when needed.

 

NEWBORN & FAMILY WARDROBE

 

I have an extensive collection of newborn outfits for boys and girls.

Our collection includes wraps, hats, headbands, bonnets, small teddies, props, backdrops, more. 

 

When bringing your own clothing for yourself, Dads or siblings I suggest solid and simple clothing that is void of any distracting patterns. Neutral tones photograph beautifully and highly recommended with my style of photography. Mix and match between different shades to bring dimension without blending in together 

 

Important Note: When posing babies naked, they quite often poop or pee. Please don't apologise or feel embarrassed. This is a completely normal part of being a newborn baby and nothing I'm not used to or prepared for. All items used during sessions are washed and sanitised.