WHEN TO GET IN TOUCH TO SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION

Essentially, as soon as baby is born. Once things settle down, please send me an email or text (989.551.4080) to let me know your little one has arrived so we can get a spot reserved for them!

Sessions take place between 4 to 20 days old. The sooner you can let me know baby has arrived, the sooner we can make sure we have some date options to choose from during the 4-20 day age range.

Sessions are usually on Saturday or Sunday morning. Newborns are the most sleepy and content earlier in the day. Depending on my schedule, sessions usually start between 9am and 12pm. I work full-time outside of photography so I am not usually available during the week.

Let me know if there is a certain set up or prop you would like to use. Feel free to take a look at my website and Facebook. If you see something you want us to try shoot me a message so I can have it ready.

ON THE DAY OF THE SESSION

Stimulate and keep baby awake for an hour or so before the session. This helps make sure baby is extra sleeping for their session. When baby can get into a deeper sleep, it makes posing and going from one pose to another easier. A warm bath is a great way to do this as well as talking and interacting with baby.

Feed baby right before the session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. No need to arrive early to feed baby - there is extra time included in your session for this. Feeding baby as much as possible in the 12 hours leading up to the session will allow for baby to sleep as deeply and as long as possible.

I recommend being able to have your older children leave once their photos are finished. I do family and sibling photos first. Sessions can last anywhere from 1-3 hours which can be a long time for siblings to wait, especially when the studio needs to be somewhat quiet. Have Dad drive separate or have Grandma meet at the studio to take siblings.

If you are okay with baby using one, bring a pacifier, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it. Sucking is a soothing mechanism and can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos, even if I have to hold the pacifier for a bit to help.

The studio will be warm. Baby’s like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), helps babe stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks and a change of clothes to change into if you think you’ll get hot or uncomfortable.

WHAT TO WEAR

Go simple for family’s wardrobe. When planning your outfits for the family and sibling shots, stick with soft, neutral colors like grey or cream as the dominate colors. This keeps the focus on baby.

Avoid neon colors. Vibrant, neon colors cast onto the skin changing the color and tint of your skin.

For siblings, I recommend a classic, timeless outfit. Steer clear of logos and shirts with writing. Those can be distracting in photos as the eye immediately goes to the words or picture on the shirt instead of the sweet sibling moment.

I am more than happy to help! If you have any questions or want some inspiration for wardrobe please shoot me a message!

Sit back and enjoy the session. This time is so short - take it in! I want you to have fun watching our new little one’s first photo session. It’s going to be perfect! I can’t wait!