Alana Taylor Photography - Newborn Preparation Guide: Tips for a Smooth Session

Preparation Guide Wrapped Newborn Mini Shoot

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I am so happy to be photographing your new bundle of joy! As a mom of two children, I understand how overwhelming those first few days can be with a new baby so I created this informational guide to help you prepare for our session together.

~ Wrapped Newborn Gallery - Click Here ~

Important - Preparation is Key for a Successful Outcome for the Day

Newborn sessions are usually scheduled for 9am start at my Cranbourne studio as babies always sleep better at this time. I do sometimes schedule babies in for a 1pm start and this may because I have had a cluster of babies born at the same time.
Plan ahead by using google to calculate the distance from your home to my studio and add additional traffic conditions for peak hours etc.
Ensure your baby is fed RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME. If your baby is not due for a feed please wake them for a top up feed as feeding the baby on arrival at the studio will wake your baby and may take at least 45 minutes for your baby to fall back asleep.
Please keep your baby awake at least an hour prior to leaving your house. If baby falls asleep in the car on the way this is perfect as bubs will be nice and settled on arrival. If your drive to the studio is less than 15 minutes please allow for a some extra time in the car so your baby falls into a deep sleep during the drive.
Dress your baby in bigger size onesie that zips in the front as it’s easiest to take off and less disturbing to your baby. Please do not put a singlet on your bubs that requires overhead removal. Please do not put a singlet on your bubs.
If your baby is in a carseat capsule please bring the baby into the studio in the capsule.

Please Note:

Your session is exclusive to TWO adults only. Due to limited studio space and session policies, we request that all other friends and relatives stay at home

What To Bring

Bring your makeup in case you have to touch up
A change of clothing in case baby has an accident on you
Bring Lotion or oil for your baby in case they have flaky skin
Bring Snacks
Bring Ipads or colouring books for Siblings
Bring Bribes (ie chocolate or things they love) for siblings in case we need it for the sibling shots
Grab a pacifier even if you do not plan on letting your baby use one. Pacifiers help soothe babies and will make the session go much smoother. If your baby becomes unsettled in a pose often a dummy will calm them enough to continue without having to get them up and re-pose them all over again. I have Brand New Sterilised Tommee Tippee Dummies that I prefer to use during my sessions. (these dummies are shaped like a Nipple and adjust to the size of your baby’s mouth.) For more information about Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Dummies

~ Tommee Tippee Dummy - Click Here ~

What to expect during your Session

Session time is 1 hour for a Wrapped Newborn Mini Session. The temperature can range from 23 to 25 degrees so you will want to dress appropriately.

What to do before your scheduled session and things to Bring

Give your baby a sponge bath and don’t forget the lotion
Give your baby a full feed before you leave home
Bring lots of Bottles and formula if you are not breast feeding. Babies tend to eat allot more during the session than they would do at home. They will require more milk than there normal scheduled feeding. The reason being that your baby is not just sleeping during the session like they would at home and its warm in the studio. It is also suggested if possible to bring some expressed milk in a bottle if you are breast feeding

During Your Session

When you arrive, please leave baby in the car seat when bringing him/her into the studio. I will remove baby very slowly in the warm studio to avoid disturbing them as much as possible.

Please understand that sibling shots and poses are not guaranteed as siblings are not always willing to co-operate and your babies safety if the most important to me.

During the session, sit back and relax. I won’t need much assistance as I have my own fully trained assistant. So take advantage of this time to rest (I’m sure you need it!). Parents will often watch or play on their phone, answer emails or read while I work with your new little one. I’ve even had some parents take a nap!

A few Important things to Remember

If nursing, try to avoid eating anything spicy (ie. pizza, hot sauce, etc) or anything that will cause gas and might upset baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session. A gassy baby will not pose well during the session due to their little tummy being upset.
The studio will be kept at between 23 and 25 degrees to keep your little one warm while being photographed. If Im not sweating then its not hot enough x
First and foremost, it is important to me for your baby look comfortable and peaceful in the photographs. I have a lot of experience and patience with newborns. I have children of my own and have photographed over 3000 newborns. My motto is safety first. I will never put your newborn in an unsafe pose/prop.
Props and ‘Pinterest Requests: I supply all of the backdrops, furniture, hats, headbands and wraps for the session. I am always open to new ideas but be aware that I will not use anything that will harm, irritate or look awkward or controversial on your newborn. If you see something you like in any of our galleries, be sure to mention it before your session as I setup the day before your session . I am open to suggestions on poses that you may have seen from Pinterest but please understand that every pose we do depends on how well baby cooperates and how safe the pose is for your little one. I cannot guarantee any pose for this reason.

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What to Wear - Mum and Dad

The best colors to wear are typically neutral colors such as white, cream, beige, sage green, navy and grey. These colors tend to photograph well and are not distracting in the background. It's also helpful if everyone in the photo is wearing coordinating colors, rather than clashing patterns or hues. This creates a cohesive look in the photo and makes it appear more polished and professional.

Typically we only photograph your top half so dont stress too much about what you are wearing on your bottom half.

Mums a nice top or dress. But make sure the rest of your family suit what you are wearing
Dads a nice shirt or plain tshirt. Avoid logos and too much pattern as it can be distracting in photos and may look too busy

**A note to Mum: I know that you may not feel like yourself right after giving birth, but I strongly encourage you to have a portrait taken with your new baby while they are still so young and fresh. Remember this photo is for your new baby and they will love you always. I will shoot you in flattering angles, so don’t worry! Worst case scenario is that you don’t like the image and never look at it again, but at least your child will have this moment documented.

What to Wear - Siblings

For the Boys - Jeans.or Jean Shorts and a plain top or shirt (without patterns or logos)

For the Girls - A nice dress or I have heaps here that can be used. My sizes are more for Size 1 - Size 6.

They’ll be barefoot, so no need to look for clean shoes.

Hair and Makeup Tip

Here are some guidelines for makeup and hair if you have booked in to have faily/sibling photos. Make-up should be classic and clean. However your foundation can be quite thick as this photographs well and helps me to smooth out your skin in post-processing. Hair the same - loose is best. Have your hair either straightened or curled/waved depending on your style.

And Finally…..

I want you to come away from this session with images you will cherish forever. Thank you for trusting me to capture one of the most wonderful moments in your life.

Thanks xx

Alana