Newborn Photography FAQ’s ANSWERED
As a Charlotte baby photographer, I get asked a plethora of questions as to how to adequately prepare for their portrait session. When something like this happens, a little bell goes off in my mind–(must be the former teacher in me)–and I think–what a GREAT idea for a blogpost for future clients! Hot-DIGGETY-DOG! So here I am to help you get ready for a successful, beautiful photography experience with KatieRie Photography.
When Should I Book My Newborn Photos?
Right away! My schedule books up really fast, so I tell parents to book their session as soon as they know they are expecting (and when mommy is feeling well enough to plan ahead–ah-hem first trimester!). Once you decide you would like to book my services, we move forward with a contract and retainer fee. These two things secure your session date and time. I then pencil in your due date on my calendar and you have successfully booked your newborn pictures. Everything is online for your convenience, in fact, once your pictures are booked, you get a private password to the Client Portal, where you are able to view your invoices (paid and unpaid), your contract, and all of our communication via email. How cool is that?!
When Do I Contact You to let You know Our Baby Arrived?
If you are not booking a Maternity Photography Session with me, (which I HIGHLY recommend you DO! It’s just as important as your Newborn Pics!), I tell clients to contact me right from the hospital. Of course you will wait until things have calmed down a bit, but I remind newborn clients to send a quick text or email so that we can plan your new baby pictures accordingly. This allows time to prepare for your session so it can go as smoothly as possible. My ideal range to photograph new babies is within the first ten days of life. This is when babies are still sleepy and curly and can be positioned from pose to pose with ease. Of course EVERY baby is different, so the “ideal range” does not necessarily apply to everyone. One example would be a premature newborn OR if a baby is cluster-feeding, then we suitably adjust the schedule.
What Happens Next?
I send you my Studio Guide with tips and tricks to help you get ready for your portraits. Some examples are I direct parents to (try to) keep baby awake leading up to your arrival to the studio, giving him or her a bath to remove flaky skin, and some other helpful pointers that will ensure your sessions goes smoothly.
What If I want Certain Newborn Poses?
You will quickly learn that these precious new babies run the show–with EVERY.THING.IN.LIFE. They run the show with sleeping (yours and theirs), with eating, with when you can shower–and yes, even with your Newborn Pictures. Because safety is my number ONE priority, I never push baby if he or she is not “feeling” a pose. It’s best to go into a session with that in mind. Don’t get me wrong, you can have expectations–but please don’t think a session is ruined if you don’t get a certain pose. It’s my job to capture the cuteness of your new baby and create pieces of art while doing so.
Sessions are laid back and stress-free. No joke–clients call me the Baby Whisperer–I’ve had three little ones of my own and many, MANY newborn photography sessions, so I know how calm your sweet baby. This is your time to sit back, relax, maybe read a magazine or up-date your status on social media. I can’t wait to capture your sweet little one! Interested in learning more? Let’s Chat!
