NEWBORN SESSION PREPARATION

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Newborn Session Preparation for a successful session....

You've been carrying your child for the last nine months and the time is finally here!! 

You want to  hold on to these first few moments, weeks and months of their life and share this beautiful miracle you've created with family and friends that will last a lifetime right?

After settling in at home, and I'm sure there have been some sleepless nights, it's time to prepare for your baby's newborn session!

Please follow the recommendations below to ensure you and your baby are ready to capture these memories with ease. 


1. BOOKING TIME


I highly recommend booking your newborn session as early as possible. Younger newborns do much better during photo sessions, they will sleep more soundly, allowing me to pose them to create the very best portraits. 6-10 days old is ideal as babies are also more flexible at this stage. After 2 weeks most babies tend to be more alert and a bit restless, making it much more difficult to capture the images .

During booking we can discuss some of the details of the session, i.e... colors, outfits, props etc. 

It's very important to contact me approximately 48 hours after your baby has arrived, this will allow me time if I have to rearrange my schedule at all. 


2. LOCATION


The session will take place at my home-based studio in Palm Coast, FL which is kept at a balmy 80 degrees for the baby’s comfort, especially if we do nude poses. You may be a bit warm, so it's advised to dress lightly.

(In home sessions can be arranged for an additional charge.)     

 

3. BEFORE SESSION


The key to successful session is a deep sleeping baby! Remember, the session might last up to 3 hours

  •  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. Try as best you can to keep them awake even during the car ride. The sleepier the better!!

  

  • Dress your baby in comfortable clothes with button up or zip up clothing for easier transition. Please DO NOT dress the baby in anything that I will have to pull over the head. 

 

  • Pacifier...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...I keep a small stock of brand new ones!!

 

  • 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 gray dress shirt, it doesn't mean mom has to match completely, how about a nice white or cream color, maybe add a piece of jewelry, like earrings or a necklace? Maybe add a jacket or a sweater? Anything would work, honestly!


Some say stay away from black clothing, it gives a “moody” look to your images, while you might want to keep it  fresh and memorable, yet simple!  However if this is the look you are going for then my all means wear black!! I personally love it!

WHAT TO AVOID  - Patterns or wild colors- it will take the focus off the baby; as a result, images will look too “busy”...

4. WHEN YOU ARRIVE

 

Once you arrived, I will give you time and privacy to feed your baby and we'll get ready for the session.


5. AAAAAAND ACTION...ITS TIME FOR YOUR SHOOT!


No worries, I will guide you thru 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 being in your belly for the past 9 month; they actually 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 ones who lose patience fast) and will then move to the baby itself.
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.... 

Cameras or video cameras are not allowed while I'm shooting the session, unless I allow it!

While I photograph the baby, I want parents to be at ease and relaxed; I know what sleepless nights are like. I have two very large comfortable couches for you to drift off on if you like, located right next to where baby is being photographed.

 

6. After the Session

Approximately 1 week after the session I will set up your REVEAL!! This will take place either in person or via zoom call. A slideshow of your images will be presented where you can select your favorites and decide on which you want delivered as digitals, prints, canvases, albums etc. I will be there along the way to guide you and assist in your selections.   Your digital images will be sent within 2-3 weeks of your session and any products ordered will take an additional 2 weeks.   I DO NOT recommend Walmart, Walgreens, CVS etc. I absolutely recommend a professional print house for the most professional end result; however a print release will also be provided if you choose to have your own printed.

 

Thank you for choosing Laurie Pollastrone Photography!

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