Newborn photography is one of my favourites to offer as a photographer, whether it be in my studio located in Fergus, or in your home in Fergus, Elora, Guelph or the surrounding area! Newborn babies are the most precious, tiny gifts that life gives us, and it is my honour and pleasure to help parents remember every detail of their babies in the first moments of their lives.
Newborn photography sessions are also the longest sessions offered at Misty Blue Photography, as there is a lot of behind the scenes work to get those great shots. In order to have the best chance at a smooth session, I created this handy guide to assist you in preparing for your newborn photography session.
SAFETY FIRST You might think that since newborn babies love to curl up and sleep all the time that newborn photography sessions would be easy, but this isn't the case! I've completed lots of training courses and workshops on newborn posing and safety. Each pose I do requires knowledge and experience to ensure baby is both safe and comfortable. If there is ever a point during the session where you become uncomfortable, just let me know! I take every measure to ensure that baby is never in danger. For that reason, I may ask you to assist me in spotting certain poses I do in the studio. But don't worry, I will guide you on how to do so, and it is done to ensure that baby is safe at all times - very important! There are some poses I won't even attempt, and some that I will only do with an experienced assistant, usually another photographer. If there are any poses you have your heart set on me capturing please let me know in advance so I can plan accordingly for our session.
DIAPERS Please loosen baby's diaper prior to your session to give any diaper imprints some time to go away. And if you can remember, please bring extra diapers and wipes. I do have some available in the studio if you need them, since accidents definitely happen, especially during newborn photography sessions! Speaking of accidents, if baby poops, pees, or barfs on any of the props or fabrics DO NOT worry. It's par for the course with babies, and I am very used to it. I wash and sanitize every fabric and prop that touches baby after the session is over. SLEEPING Most of the poses I put baby in work best if baby is nice and sleepy. Some photographers might ask their clients to keep baby up prior to their session, and while this may be helpful, it could also backfire. If baby is kept awake for too long they might struggle to sleep when we want them to, no matter what we try! So it is for this reason that I just recommend you feed baby right before you come, or as soon as you arrive to the studio. Other than that just let baby sleep as they usually do. To help encourage sleepiness I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Here are a few things you might see me utilize during your session: - A warm, warm area. I use heaters to keep the area warm so baby is comfortable when undressed, and to help promote sleepy vibes. - Lots of wraps. If baby isn't content naked (and some aren't!) or is refusing to sleep, I have an extensive collection of wraps to swaddle baby up nice and tight. This is usually instant sleepy dust! - Shushing and white noise. I warn you now, the shushing is probably a little annoying. But white noise and shushing helps soothe baby into a deep sleep, and that's exactly what we need. IF after all that baby doesn't want to sleep DO NOT FRET. This new world is very interesting and there's lots to see. I ask that everyone remains calm, should baby not want to sleep, since baby will pick up on any frustration in the room. And if sleep doesn’t happen, that’s okay! Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful too. FEEDING A well fed baby is a happy one! Our private studio in Fergus, Ontario is friendly to all types of feeding. Please feel free to feed baby as necessary during your session, and I will always ask if you'd prefer I leave the room to offer privacy before you do! If you're bottle feeding please bring extra bottles with you. I'm more than happy to take as many breaks as baby feels necessary to help him/her refuel. It could be more often or less often than usual - both are totally normal. If you're able, please feed baby right before you arrive OR as soon as you arrive to ensure baby is nice and milk drunk when we start. DURATION Full newborn photography sessions typically last around 1 - 3 hours. The length all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately this isn’t something we can predict, so it's just easier to plan to spend up to 3 hours in the studio. I provide snacks and drinks, plus our wifi password, so you can be fed and occupied while you wait. Feel free to relax, catch up on your favourite show, or even have a nap! ATTENDEES Newborn sessions take place in our Fergus studio. Since we are short on space, I ask that we limit the people in attendance to parents only. Any siblings you wish to have in a photo with baby may arrive at the beginning of the session and then be picked up by someone, or taken for lunch by someone (usually a partner). This help maintain a calm and quiet environment for baby after the family and sibling portraits are complete. Most of the time one partner will take the sibling(s) to the park, for lunch, or to the library while the other and baby stick around for baby's part of the session. Feel free to do whatever works best for you! PROPS & OUTFITS
All props, outfits, and high end details are provided for you so you don't have to worry about a thing. I will ask in advance what colours you favour or that you have decorated your home with, as well as communicate with you about your vision for your session. However if you have any family heirlooms, toys, hats, props, etc. that you would like me to use in your session, please gather them before you arrive. I may not get the chance to use ALL of the items, but I'll look through them with you to determine what will work best. PACIFIERS Pacifiers are mandatory for the session, but we do not often need to use them. All other options for soothing are exhausted first before resorting to the pacifier. I use them purely to settle fed and changed babies, and then they are removed once baby settles. If you do not have a pacifier please let me know so I can provide a sanitized one.
Parents can easily stress out because this is a new experience, and they aren’t used to the waiting game that is newborn photography. They may see their baby being fussy or having a difficult time getting settled and feel panic. Please DON'T panic! The session isn't a disaster, and I will get good photos! I take baby’s lead; getting them to sleep before posing takes time and they may need to be fed or cuddled a few times first. In fact, I’d say that a good 70% or more of your session will involve feeding, diaper changes, and cuddling to get baby comfortable. If that doesn’t work, we’ll take a break or we’ll work with what baby is giving us. Sometimes the best photos happen when baby isn’t doing exactly what we want. Just remember: Babies can sense stress and anxiety (especially from their parents!). It’s super important that EVERYONE remain calm and relaxed during this session. Keeping the environment as mellow as possible help ensure that we’re going to get the shots we’re looking for. If you're ready to book your maternity and newborn session, send me an email! https://www.mistybluephotography.ca/contact