Here are some tips to help you prepare for your session:

~Newborns~

Your Newborn:

We know that your baby does not have a schedule yet. But, there are some things that can help you prepared for your for your session.

• If you have your heart set on the sweet sleeping portraits, we strongly recommend, if you are up for it, photographing your baby between 5-14 days. We know that this can be a lot to ask of you. But, we find that this is the best time for the results for the sleeping images. We warm the surfaces that we place your baby on for their comfort.
• From our years of experience, we find that mornings are best for newborns. 
• If you are breastfeeding, this article may be of some interest to you.      https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17908-evening-breast-milk-means-a-good-sleep/ This article explains the best time for breast feeding to help your newborn sleep. This is another reason we prefer mornings for them.
• If you can, please try to keep your baby awake before the session. We know that can be a challenge, we just ask that you try. Play with them, move their legs, play some music. 
• If your baby's cord has fallen off, we ask that you give them a warm bath prior to their session. This will help them sleep.
• Please feed your baby a partial feeding before arriving and we will have your finish their feeding at the studio in our comfortable, private breastfeeding room.
• Please be patient. The newborn sessions can take a while. Your baby will only be this little once and we don't want you to be sorry that you didn't get the images you want to.
• We suggest that you bring the following: Clothing, diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers, burp cloths, formula, blankets, and any special items you would like included in the portraits. If mom, dad and siblings, are to be included in the session, you should bring your clothing for the session and a change of clothes, just in case!

 Clothing:

• In the studio we have a impressive selection of outfits, props, headbands, hats. blankets, backdrops, and many sets to choose from.
• We feel simple and sweet, is best, for newborns.

For family members:

• You are welcome to wear the gowns from your maternity session.
• Significant others, children, will wear something to compliment your gowns.
• Something simple is best. We will be photographing your upper body for tight, close images, for most images, as your may still have some belly swelling.
• We suggest avoiding busy patterns. If you want to have a pattern, use a simple design.
• Solid colors photograph much better than patterns.
• If you like deeper tones, keep with deeper tones. Do not have someone in light tones and someone in dark tones.
• Choose clothes that are well fitting. Shirts with sleeves and nothing that needs a lot of attention to lay properly, so we can focus on having fun and getting great portraits, rather than fighting with an outfit.
• Definitely try all clothing on before the session to ensure a proper fit!

Locations:

• Studio: This is always a good option. We have a large assortment of sets, backdrops, & props available. It is a "controlled" environment. With young children, outdoor sessions can be challenging. The distractions are plentiful, wind, dirt, grass, sand, leaves, sunlight, other people (You get the idea). Also, the children, if at that age, usually are running. Then, the parents are soon worn out, sweaty, & irritated. 
• Your home: We can also perform your session at your home. Keep in mind this is a photojournalist style of session using your home & surrounding area. No backdrops, props, or outfits will be at this type of session.