Newborn Session Guide!

 

Below you will find lots of helpful information to help make your baby's first portrait session a success. 

Thank you for choosing me to capture these precious moments!  <3

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Newborn sessions take place at AWAL Photography portrait studio located in Covington, La!  

Newborn sessions can be done anytime between 7 days old to 1 month! I love photographing newborns and infants at all stages!

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One of the most important things to remember at the session is to go with the flow. Your baby will be in charge at the session, and I will only do what makes your baby comfortable and happy. I have a posing flow that I use at every session to keep babies safe, comfortable, and relaxed; using minimal prop and outfit changes so baby does not become over stimulated and over tired. I have everything you will need for your session as far as props go, but if you would like to bring a prop of your own, please make sure to limit it to one or two special sentimental items.

I also have a variety of couture gowns for mom's if you wish to choose one to wear for portraits with baby.

My goal, is for you to be able to come in and relax, sit back and enjoy watching your precious baby, and I will take care of the rest! 

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What to expect….for baby:

THE MORNING OF THE SESSION:

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The following instructions are suggestions only. You know your baby best, so some of these instructions may not be possible. However, I have found that these tips work wonderfully to help make the most of our time together for a successful session.  Please don’t stress if you can not do everything perfectly. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and I totally understand this is a crazy time for your family!

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Feeding the morning of the session: 

**Please avoid foods that can cause gas a few days before your session if you are nursing.

**Please avoid caffeine if at all possible the morning of your session if you are nursing.   

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If you are coming to the session….

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WITH BABY ONLY (no siblings):  If you live nearby, feed your baby immediately before you leave your house to come to the session. If you live more than 45 minutes away, please feed baby about 2-3 hours prior to the session, then, plan on feeding him/her again as soon as you arrive at my studio to get baby nice and full before we start the session. Dress your baby in loose clothing so it will be easy to undress him/her without waking.

I always suggest a zip-up onesie is easiest. We will start with a few parent photos then begin baby's individual newborn portraits.

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WITH A TODDLER OR YOUNG SIBLING:  Please feed your baby immediately before you leave your house to come to the session.  This will allow us to start sibling photos right away when you arrive. Young siblings have a short attention span for photos, so we want to make sure we take those photos immediately so the sibling will not have to wait through a feeding.  When you get here, I will swaddle your baby in a beautiful wrap and begin the sibling photos.  Toddlers have a short attention span, and I do not want the sibling to have to wait a while for baby to be fed before we start photos. Dress your baby in loose clothing so it will be easy to undress him/her without waking. I always suggest a zip-up onesie is easiest.

We will start sibling photos immediately upon arrival, then family photos will follow. Please make arrangements to have a friend or family member pick up your toddler or young children so we can then focus on the individual newborn portraits. If no one is available, it is best for one of the parents to take the toddler out to grab a bite to eat, visit the local shops, or play at the nearby park while we complete the rest of the session. Sessions can last over 2 hours, and children do not enjoy sitting still for that amount of time. Please make necessary arrangements before you arrive. Thank you for understanding. 

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FEEDING:  When feeding your baby, please take your time and make sure your baby gets a full feeding. I like to use the term “milk drunk, ” meaning your baby eats until he falls into a deep sleep. Please don’t feel rushed during feedings at the studio. There is plenty of time set aside during your session for baby’s needs. It is so important to make sure baby has a full belly to get those sleepy baby poses. A hungry baby will not pose and will remain unsettled during the session.

If you are nursing and pumping, please bring a couple of bottles of expressed milk. If you are using formula, please bring extra formula! More than you think you will need! Babies tend to feed more than usual at the session.

Sessions usually last around 2 hours. Sometimes a little longer depending on if baby is a light sleeper, or needs to stop multiple times to feed. The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottle feed on and off. 

If you can, bring the soothie pacifier the hospital sent you home with. It’s the bendable, green/blue/orange one, and won’t leave marks on baby's cheeks. Or if you have one similar that's perfect! Even if you haven’t used one, just for the few hours that I’m posing him/her really helps. If you really prefer that we don’t use a paci, that is fine as well! I will always respect your wishes!

For breast feeding moms, some foods we eat may cause painful gas for our babies.  If your baby is experiencing gas pains, here is a great article from Dr. Sears that lists some foods to avoid that may cause gas.  However, this is just a suggestion as everyone is different. But some find avoiding these foods may be helpful.

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During the session…

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TEMPERATURE: It will be around 75+ degrees in the studio. Due to this, I will be dressed comfortably for a warm few hours, and suggest you do to! This warm temperature will keep baby’s skin color nice and even, as well as help him stay warm and comfy since he will be undressed for most of the session. You are welcome to bring the clothes you want to change into, and any makeup for touch-ups. There is a private restroom available for you at all times, also equipped with a changing table.

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MOM & DAD:  You are a big part of the show. Photographing the connection between you and your baby is one of my all time favorite things. Just as they encourage in the hospital, skin to skin contact creates the most beautiful images, so refrain from wearing bulky clothing with long sleeves.

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MOMS: For your outfit, keep it neutral, soft tones and free of patterns/logos. A neutral color blouse or dress is perfect.  Photos will be taken from the waste up so if you want to wear your comfy pants and throw on a nice blouse that's totally fine. Be sure you have no bright colored or chipped nail polish, as your hands will make their way into the images. Refrain from wearing lots of jewelry, watches, and big earrings. Wedding rings and simple stud earrings look classic and clean. Keep all colors neutral (white, ivory, black, grey or tan) and design simple-to-none.

Rest assured, I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in your family. Your images will be retouched, so please don’t worry about acne, dark circles, or skin imperfections. You will look stunning! 

Don’t know what to wear? I have it covered! My studio has a rack full of gorgeous couture gowns for you to choose from for your session.

Please be sure to wear skin tone color bra (strapless preferred) and skin tone underwear. 

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DADS: I ask that you bring a well fitting t-shirt/v-neck, (please avoid the typical white “undershirt”) textured thermal shirts and sweaters look great, or henley style shirt to wear with a good fitting pair of jeans, or if you prefer, a neutral solid button up. White, grey, black, or tan works well, and looks nice for photos. Don’t worry about what kind of shoes you wear, as these will not show. I suggest removing watches to keep the focus on baby.

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FOR SIBLINGS: Including older brother / sister(s) in your newborn portraits is the perfect way to document this fleeting time in your lives.

ARRANGE FOR A HELPER IF POSSIBLE: If you are bringing young children to the session, it is important to arrange for a family member or friend to pick them up after their portraits are finished. Their portion of the session will start immediately upon arrival, and family photos should be finished within the 30-45 minutes. Since the full session can last for a couple hours, children can get very bored and tired waiting for the session to be over. My studio is filled with props, equipment, and lighting. Children will need to be supervised at all times.  If you prefer your older children stay for the duration of the session, please bring a favorite movie, ipad, or books to help them pass the time.

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Sister(s):  A snug fitting tank or blouse in a neutral color, or a simple classic dress in a solid neutral color.  Bright colors are strongly discouraged, as they will reflect color onto their face, and the baby’s skin. Please avoid shirts with large logos or graphics. For small children, please wear bloomers under dresses to cover diapers/ underwear. I ask that girls hair be natural (or in braids) and free of large bows, headbands, etc. A simple small clip or tiny flower or halo looks beautiful in photos. I also have a selection of delicate hair tiebacks to choose from. Keeping accessories simple will ensure a timeless, classic photo that puts the emphasis on your beautiful children. Just as with mom, no bright or chipped nail polish please, and make sure to remove any peeling polish before you come to your session.

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Brother(s):  Please bring a snug pair of jeans, and a snug fitted t-shirt, v-neck, sweater, or henley style shirt. (Avoid an undershirt, and opt for more of thicker quality t-shirt instead). Older siblings look great in a simple, solid neutral color t-shirt or thermal/sweater. Collared shirts work well for older siblings, but not for little ones. The collars tend to cover their faces and need to be re-adjusted frequently, so they are not suggested for toddlers. Please no words, graphics, patterns, or bright colors.

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Additional Family/Guests: My goal is to focus on the safety and comfort of your baby, and make sure I  can give you the best images possible while being in a soothing, calm environment. I am always happy to have family members come and watch, but please limit extra guests at the session.  Extra guests can prohibit me from being able to move around during the session, and can cause distractions. I also ask that all other children please stay in the client lounge area for safety. Session fees are for immediate family members only (mom/dad/siblings). If you would like to include other people to be photographed, there is a $50 charge per person. This must be discussed and planned before the session.

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A few additional thoughts…

Food: You are always welcome to bring a snack or lunch since the session will take place during lunch hours. There are a few restaurants around downtown Covington that will deliver food if you wish. 

I do have a small refrigerator to store formula, food, or drinks. Snacks, coffee, water, and spritzers are available as well! A private restroom is also available for you to use, equipped with a changing table.

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Props: I have just about everything you will need for the session. I have tons of baskets, bowls, beds, blankets, wraps, hair accessories, and other simple props such as pants and bonnets for your baby’s session. I prefer to do a  simple, clean, classic portraiture, a style that focuses on your beautiful baby.  Some of my favorite images have no props at all! Just baby. Beautiful and perfect on their own.

If you do have any sentimental items you would like to incorporate into the session please limit to 1-2 items and let me know prior to session day so I can plan accordingly. 

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Poses: Some parents ask if they can request certain poses or shots they have seen on other photography sites or pinterest. Yes, you can request them, and I will make every attempt to get you what you want in terms of poses; however, there are certain poses, that in my opinion, are unsafe and pose harm to the baby. These poses, I will not do. Baby is my number one priority. Some babies are uncomfortable in certain poses, and I will only do what feels comfortable for your baby. My goal is to photograph your beautiful baby and family the way they are. 

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Retouching:

For Baby:  Please don’t stress if your baby has acne or peeling skin. I can retouch all of this at no extra charge. If you prefer to leave some of the peeling skin to show the newness of your baby, please let me know and I will leave those details in your photos. Otherwise, all skin blemishes that would not normally be there will be retouched. Birth marks, scars can be softened ONLY at your request. I like to leave these unique features. Umbilical cords will be left as is and will not be edited out, so please let me know at the time of the session if you prefer that the umbilical cord stays covered, and I will pose the baby in a way so it will not show.

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For other family Members: While acne/blemish removal and wrinkle softening are free of charge, there are a few things that will incur an extra editing fee of $50 per image. These requests are very time consuming and may result in editing delays. Please take care of these before your session day.

• Nail polish color changes/ heavy peeling removal (small chips can be photoshopped free of charge because I know this can happen easily.)

• Hair color change or root cover up

• Self tanner blotches/streaks and tan lines

• Braces removal or tooth repairs/replacement

• Large tattoo removal requests (I love tattoos, but if you do not want them to show, please wear something that covers them)

• Arriving with heavily wrinkled clothes

• Excessive food or mucus left on children’s faces

• Requesting makeup color changes

• Poorly fitting undergarment lines/folds, and brightly colored undergarments that show through clothing. Neutral tones are best.

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After your session..

We will schedule a day for you to come back to the studio 1-2 weeks after your session, for a viewing & ordering appointment. During this appointment you will view the unedited images from your session and choose a print and/or digital collection to purchase.

Digital Collections starting at 790 and fine art print collections starting at 1190. Fine art mounted prints starting at 200. 

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Thank you again for choosing me to photograph this special time!

It is my hope that you come to my studio feeling comfortable and at home. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives, and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email me at awalphotography.contact@gmail.com anytime, or call/text me at 985-773-2078 (Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm only please). I am closed Friday – Sunday. (However if there is an emergency, please feel free to contact me outside of business hours.)

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