Newborn Session Prep Guide
What is the purpose of a prep guide?
The first few days of a babies life are the most special and memorable. Being able to capture those special memories for you is such and honor for Courtney Barnett Photography. I thought it may be helpful to write down a few tips and tricks to make our session go smoother for both baby and us as well!
So, lets get started!
Lets get you penciled in!
I recommend booking your newborn session as early as 3 months before your scheduled due date. This gives me plenty of time to fully customize a newborn session just for your little one! It gives me plenty of time to purchase little things like headbands, props, etc!
Welcome to the world!
Hurray! I know you are super excited to capture those tiny fingers and little toes as i am! Once you and your little one have been given the okay to go home, please contact me to set a definite date for you newborn session to occur. Session are usually done within 4 days-3 weeks after delivery.
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When scheduling your newborn session the earlier the better! Younger newborns tend to much better in the studio as apposed to newborns who are 2 weeks and up. They do not tend to wake up as frequently and as easy when getting them posed for a shot. A mere 48 hours of a newborns life are very important when getting them ready for a session. I have noticed many times after the 2 week mark that newborns have discovered the art of stretching! Once they begin to stretch, it makes curling them up in the cute little newborn poses so much harder to do without a fight!
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If you still need to come after the 2 week mark, not a problem! My training and experience as a mother of 4 has has taught me many ways to soothe and nurture these adorable tiny humans to sleep. But really, who wouldn't want to cuddle such a precious little angel?
Location!
Newborn sessions will take place in my home studio in Morehead Ky. Its a private studio which holds everything needed to create your beautiful memories!
Sleepy and hungry
Babies do so well posing in the studio when they are in a very deep sleep. To help bring this on, I highly recommend stimulating the baby at least 2 hours before the session time. A warm bath would do very welly. This will also mean keeping them fully awake during the car ride to the studio and refrain from feeding them 2 hours before your arrival as well.
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Once you arrive you will be asked to feed your bundle of joy right away. Once finished and burped, we will start prepping your little one for their shoot, this will mean removing all clothing except the diaper. As you may already know, babies dont like being naked, they enjoy being warm and snuggled (we do provide a small heater in the room to keep them warm). That alone completely startles and wakes a baby up faster than you know and because of that they are now fully awake. Some babies fall into a deep sleep after being picked up, wrapped in a blanket and soothed for about 15 mins, but then are some babies that have been asleep for several hours upon arrival and are now refusing to sleep.
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Babies that have been asleep for long periods of time upon arrival are the more difficult ones to pose and get to cooperate. This alone can take up to an hour just to get them to sleep and unfortunately will cut into your time.
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Keeping in mind these two very important instructions will most defiantly give you a well rested little one. In return we will be able to get the most out of your visit. Please do not underestimate how well your little one sleeps after a feeding. I know it will be a bit challenging on top of your own sleep deprivation but i promise you will not be disappointed in the end.
Feedings!
I very much recommend if your are strictly breast feeding to pump and bottle feed your milk for your little ones session. I have seen moms breast feed for over an hour and unfortunately that does cut into your time. If you dont pump, my only suggestion would be to formula feed just for the session. As a mother of 4 who has nursed all 4, i have realized breast milk does not sit on the stomach as long as formula does which wont keep your baby asleep for as long. Moms, please understand that this is just a recommendation, so if you choose to do neither of those its totally okay. As your photographer, i just feel it is my job to offer any advise and tips to help your session go smoother and to maximize your experience.
Ooopsies!
Accidents happen! No worries if your little one has a few accidents all over my props like wraps, blankets and outfits! Its totally normal and your little one doesnt know any better! All things are washable, so please dont be embarrased!
Quite time!
Please do whatever is necessary to make sure we have a quite environment for your little one to rest while shooting. A calm and comfortable environment is key to making sure your little one is snoozing away. If siblings are present for the shoot we will do all family and sibling poses first, please make arrangements for all smaller children (except baby of course) to be removed from the room during the shoot. They may play in the living room with toys and watch TV if they would like but please be sure to have an adult present with them at all times and to keep a watchful eye. Remember, this is my family home so please be respectful.
Creating the best temp for baby!
Since little ones are usually photographed naked, the studio will be set to 80F to ensure its warm enough for baby. Parents, please make sure to wear comfortable and breathable clothing to stay comfortable.
Safety, Safety, Safety!
Safety is my number one priory when handling your new little one, so either mom or dad will be my spotter/assistant for the session. All eyes are to be kept on the baby at all times and hands near in case of an emergency. All posing will be done by me, dont worry i have tons of experience with newborns as a mother of 4. I will handle them with care as if they were my own!
Mom and Dad
There is a good chance you will be here close to 2 hours if not more so i highly recommend eating a good breakfast or meal before you come. I know it can be a very exciting and stressful time for you especially if your running on fumes. As much as i want baby to be comfortable, i want parents to be comfortable as well! Allowing me to photograph this incredible time in your life means so much to mean so anything i can do to help make the process go smoother and more comfortable, please dont hesitate to ask!
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I want to thank you again for allowing Courtney Barnett Photography to have the opportunity to capture these unforgettable memories for you and your family!