First of all, if you’re reading this blog post, congratulations on your new addition. If you’re checking it out to see what goes into a newborn session for a baby shower gift, welcome and buckle up! Newborn sessions are so much more than people actually think they are. So lets get started!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Newborn sessions are one of the first sessions available to document your brand new addition. This session takes place at my in-home studio in Clinton Twp, MI. Newborn sessions generally happen within the first 3 weeks of your baby’s earth-side arrival. Most newborns do better in the morning so a late morning session is highly recommended for booking, like 10 or 11 am. This session will take roughly 2-3hours so come prepared to stay that long. Why does it take so long? Newborns, while they are sleepy, require love, food, and lots of snuggles. Some babies come in, and we knock it out in 90 minutes, while some need the full 3 hours, it just depends on your baby and their temperament to touch and movement. The best newborn poses happen when your baby is sleeping and in a very deep state. Sometimes this can take a while to get into but once he/she does, its generally smooth sailing and we can get through a lot of poses and props quickly.
It will be warm. Newborns like to be warm and some of the poses we do baby has to be naked or mostly naked for some. So, we crank the heat up and I have a couple space heaters going. Dress yourself accordingly. Also because of the heat, baby may need extra milk to help settle. When you’re warm, you drink more water, when babies are warm, they need more milk. We always break for nursing and bottles. :)
Photo Credit Jaclyn Bernia from Bel Amour Photography
SESSION PREP
When you book your newborn session I prep everything. You just come and relax. I will always ask you for a couple colors you would like to be incorporated as well as a color you would prefer be avoided. I always try to accommodate your color requests. I also like to get something personalized so even if you aren’t telling your family members baby’s name, I can keep the secret but also make sure I have the time to order a personalized hat. I do have a prep guide I sent out, so you do have a little homework. ;)
PARENT & SIBLINGS
If you are booking a full newborn session, parent and siblings shots are included in my workflow. If you have a toddler age child, I will start with baby and have dad or a family member bring big sib about 2 hours into the session. This prevents them from getting bored, interfering with their nap times and also gives you (mom) a little break. I have your newborn, dad has your toddler and you get to relax, have a snack, watch a movie or take a nap. If there are no siblings, depending on both parent’s schedules, I will start or end with parent shots and have dad come halfway through the session, or you both can hang out and have sometime to talk to each other or snuggle and take a nap or watch a movie. :) I AM HERE FOR YOU and your experience. I want this to be as easy as possible for you.
ALL WRAPPED PETITE MINI SESSION
A petite mini session is also an option if you still want to capture a newborn session without all the hassle of hanging out for a while. Petite wrapped minis are roughly 60-90 minutes, baby only poses and baby stays wrapped the whole time. There is generally less settling when baby stays in a wrap and we can knock out a handful of poses/props pretty quickly. Parent add-ons are also an option for this.
WHEN TO BOOK
I only take a handful of newborn sessions a month to make sure I can accommodate the unpredictability of when your babe makes their appearance earth-side. To ensure a spot in my calendar, I recommend booking late in your second trimester or early third trimester. I have to work around other sessions as well and having you booked in advanced makes scheduling your session a lot easier.
All in all, newborn sessions for you are pretty simple. You show up and I handle the rest. The type of session you want will determine what type of artwork you envision on your walls.
I cannot wait to talk to you about a newborn session soon!
xoxo
Nina Arnold - Your Metro Detroit Newborn Photographer