The Newborn Session The warmest way to welcome your new baby "i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)." e.e. cummings
What to Expect
The newborn session is relaxed, slow moving, and beautiful session. The following guide will give you some things to prepare and will let you know what you can expect. At the start of your session, we will have a consultation where we will discuss your session. Feel free to pull up pictures you like, share your ideas, share your favorite nursery decor, and ask questions!
The Days Before Think about the most beautiful locations in your home — especially those locations near a large window. Remove any clutter from side tables or the background of these locations so the pictures can remain very minimal. On the day of the shoot, open as many curtains as possible to let the light fill your home as this creates the most gentle light for a newborn session.
Clothing The more simple the clothing the better. Newborns should be dressed in white, gray, or light pastel solid colors for the most striking and timeless photos. We will also do some photos with the baby wrapped in a blanket and no diaper, so please loosen the baby's clothing about 30 minutes prior to the session to remove any lines and indentations.
Feeding If possible, hold off eating until we arrive for the photo session or as close to the beginning of the session as possible. Then we can arrange the baby in whenever outfits or poses we like and they will fall asleep once we are prepared to begin the shoot. In addition, if the baby needs to eat during the session this is absolutely to be expected. Newborn sessions are slow and relaxed and this is part of the session as well. If you would like pictures of you nursing or feeding, those are included at no extra cost.
Sleep and Temperature We know that newborn sleep is often a mysterious concept. Both Cari and Christie have children at home and know how stressful it can be when a baby won’t sleep at night. It is imperative that the baby sleep for at least part of the session, and this is part of the reason why we come to you. If your baby is ready for a nap, but it’s not quite time for the session yet, consider a bath. This usually wakes the baby right up and they’ll be calm after it is over and ready for their session. We know that keeping a baby awake is difficult and stressful, but please try your best and you will thank yourself later. In addition, babies love to be warm and cozy, so we recommend that you keep the room(s) that we’ll be working in as warm as possible. We will also bring a heating pad to place under the baby when they’re posed so they remain in a deep sleep.
Pinterest, Props, and Special Items The best way for us to get a feel of the type of photography you desire is for you to create and share a Pinterest board with us prior to the shoot. This will ensure that we all have the same concept in mind and everyone leaves happy with the photos that are taken. If you have a special item (blanket, outfit, stuffed animal, pet), please let us know in advance or at the start of the shoot so that we can make sure to include it in the shoot. If there is a specific prop you would like (i.e. a wooden letter for your baby's first name) check with us as we might have it. If we do not have an item, feel free to provide it yourself. We are happy to try any look or scene concept you would like.
Parents Parents, we know these newborn days are not glamorous, however, Cari is always happy to snap a mommy and me picture and/or a family shot.. Consider thinking about what mom and dad might wear if you had time for a family photo or it was a priority for your shoot.
Questions and Ideas Should you have questions or ideas the week of your session, your session fee includes consultations with Cari Thornton's creative consultant, Christie Baker. Christie can help you to tailor your shoot to your specifications. Please let Christie know if there is an exact look or shot you would like to recreate and she will do her best to help you produce it. Christie can be reached at [email protected]. Cari is also available during the week to answer any photography questions you may have about lighting, editing, etc.