Newborn Session Guide

INFORMATION

LOCATION: Newborn sessions are done in a variety of locations and depend heavily on the weather! If the weather does not permit an outdoor location of my choosing, the session will be done in your home. I am willing to travel from Mombasa to the Diani Beach or Malindi areas.

SCHEDULING: If you have booked a newborn session, I have your due date down as the approximate session date. However, as we all know, babies come when they want to come! So, to fit you in during those first two weeks, please contact me within the first 3 days of birth to schedule your newborn session.

TIMING: Sessions must be done within the first 14 days of the baby’s life. I must be notified as soon as the baby has made their grand entrance so that we can schedule the shoot as soon as possible!

GEAR: All you need to bring to the photoshoot is the baby, their milk (breast or bottle), and a pacifier if they take one! Sessions are fully styled by me in advance.

AMBIANCE: Sessions typically take 1-2 hours and it is extremely important to have a calm, peaceful environment. For this reason, other children will not be allowed at the session, unless arrangements are made with me beforehand.

ARRIVING: When you arrive for your session, I will have you undress the baby down to their diaper and a swaddle blanket only. If the baby is awake and fussing, please take your time to nurse/feed him/her. This helps not only fill their tummy but also relax (and often drift back to sleep). The diaper and lose swaddle will make for easy removal without waking the baby back up.

FEEDINGS: Throughout the session, we may need to stop several times to allow for feedings - this is normal! Please don’t feel rushed during this time. Allow baby full feedings, and as much as necessary to keep him/her happy and content.

PACIFIER: If the baby is taking a pacifier, please have one handy. If you do not wish for the baby to have a pacifier, that is completely fine - I do not want you to do anything you are uncomfortable with for the sake of photos. Please know in this case we will move on - change the pose, swaddle baby, or have babe snuggle with mama until consoled. Please do not stress!

THE BABY MAY (read: WILL) pee, poo, or spit up on my blankets/props - please do not worry! It’s all washable and I am not concerned in the least. I don’t want you to be, either!

PROPS: I tend to keep it very simple, and do not use many props in my sessions aside from wraps, bowls, bonnets & headbands. Unless there is something you want in your photo, please do not bring additional props. My style is simple, emotive & timeless. I try to stay true to my style and vision while providing you photos you will treasure forever. If there is something particular you still want in your photos (i.e. family heirloom, special blanket, military outfit, etc), I will be happy to accommodate; please try to keep it to one or two items & discuss this with me ahead of time so I can plan the session accordingly! :)

SIBLINGS: If you plan to have siblings photographed, I only ask that when they are not a part of the session that they are supervised by another adult. If they will only be there for their portion of the photos, I am happy to start with family/sibling photos. We want to ensure a calm, peaceful (and most of all, safe) environment for the star of the show!

MOM, DAD!: Chances are you’ll be here close to 2 hours so I highly recommend eating a good hearty breakfast & lunch before you arrive. I know this can be a very exciting and stressful time for you, especially when adding sleep deprivation in the mix! As much as my goal is for the baby to be comfortable, I also want you to be comfortable and at ease! Having me photograph these precious moments for you, means a lot to me so anything I can do to make it a smooth journey for you, please don’t hesitate to let me know!

FAQ

How Long Will the Session Last?

Newborn Sessions are all typically 1.5 hours, although it is good to plan for about 2 hours. Newborn Photography Sessions are longer than typical portrait sessions, as I work at a slower pace, keeping your newborn comfortable.

How do I prepare my newborn?

We will want your newborn sleepy for the entire session, that is how we accomplish those cute and cuddly sleepy poses, so having your newborn in that “milk-drunk” state with a full belly, is exactly how we will want to get started. Please DO NOT withhold any feedings from your baby prior to our session, instead, we will work closely together in determining a good time based on any feeding schedule if one is already established. It is very important your baby gets a full tummy prior to the beginning of the session so we can spend the most time taking pictures during your session. During the session, we may take a nursing or bottle break, make sure to bring an extra bottle if you are bottle feeding if the baby should get hungry and needs a break.

As the parent, what am I responsible for during the session?

I will be doing most of the work. You did all the work getting the baby here, so it is your time to sit back, watch, and enjoy the process! On occasion, I will need help with propping your little one for certain poses, which may require a little help from either Mom or Dad. At all times, a parent will need to be present at the session with your newborn and myself during the photoshoot. Safety is my number one top priority when handling your baby, so mom will be my spotter/assistant. All eyes and hands are to be kept around the baby during posing.

Should we include ourselves in some photos?

Yes! I know women don’t usually feel their best after just giving birth, but these photos are so special to have. I can work wonders with dark circles from any sleepless nights, and make sure to pose you in a flattering way. If you do want family photos, pick out simple clothes and make sure your hands are manicured as they will be in pictures. I will be happy to take pictures of any siblings with the new baby as well! ( Please note, extended family pictures are not included nor permitted in your session - IE, grandparents, cousins, aunts. etc)

If we are going to be in the pictures, what should we wear?

Simple colors like creams, greys, and light tones, work great for newborn sessions. I ask my clients to stay away from black and bold colors, as they can stand out in a nonflattering way in the images. No need to dress up, dress comfortably and like yourself. T-Shirts and jeans look great for men and a maxi dress! I also have plenty of newborn wraps for your baby to use.

When will we get to proof our pictures?

Within 3 weeks from your session, your images will be ready on an online gallery for you to order. You'll receive your digital images in both color and black and white. You'll be able to download them all, along with a PDF for the printing rights. You'll also be able to share with family and friends easily. You will have the option to order prints and products through the online gallery which is the only way I can guarantee 100% color accuracy. I always love to post a sneak peek on social media (Facebook and Instagram) within 1-2 days. So watch for that!

QUICK PREP CHECKLIST

• Do not schedule anything before or after a session
• sessions can take up to 2 hours, enough time for feeding, changing, etc.
• Try to have awake time right before you arrive
• Try to have a good long feed just before you arrive
• Don’t put any clothes on baby, just swaddle with a loose diaper
• Bring blankets, hats, heirlooms, or anything that you think you might want to have your baby photographed with.
• Only people being photographed should be present at the session
• Most importantly don’t stress about any of the prep
• I’ll bring headbands, blankets, wraps, baskets fur, etc.

PARENTS CHECKLIST

• Nappies and wipes
• Milk
• Parent outfits
• Baby go-home outfit
• A baby blanket

It’s Not Just About Having Beautiful Photos, It’s All About The Experience!