Here are some very helpful tips
Let me help you prepare for your session!
PACK & PREP:
~MILK:
If you're breastfeeding, it's important to stay well-hydrated for your session. Please keep in mind that what you eat and drink the day before and the day of your session can affect your baby. To ensure the best experience, avoid gassy or spicy foods, and be mindful of your caffeine intake. Drinking a large coffee before your session won’t help with a sleepy baby—I promise!
If you are bottle-feeding, please remember to bring the bottle and nipple. It’s a good idea to bring 1-2 extra feedings than you expect to need, just in case. That way, you’ll be fully prepared to keep your little one happy and content during the session.
~OUTFITS:
Moms, if you're stressed about outfits, don’t worry—keep it simple! Some of my favorite photos are of parents in solid colors. Plain black, navy, tan, pink, or white all photograph beautifully. My only suggestion is to avoid very busy, loud patterns, as I don’t want the baby to get lost in the images.
It will be warm in the studio, so if you're naturally warm, be sure to dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the session.
Since your hands may be in some of the photos, I recommend avoiding bright, bold nail polish. A neutral color works best. If your polish is chipped, please remove it before the session to keep everything looking polished.
All parent poses will be up close and personal, focusing on the beautiful connection between you and your baby. I’ll make sure to capture the most flattering angles for all body types. Don’t worry about your bottom half, as it won’t be in the photos!
~SIBILINGS:
I will do my best to get sibling shots, but they don’t always go as planned. I’ll work with you to capture the photos you’re hoping for, but please be realistic about the timing and the cooperation of little ones! 😊
Newborn sessions typically take anywhere from 2-3 hours, so if the sibling(s) can't stay in the play area I have set up for them, I highly recommend having a backup plan. Having someone available to take the siblings out for a little while will help keep the session smooth and stress-free for you. The goal is to make sure you can enjoy this special time without distractions, and a calm environment helps us achieve that!
~ PACIFIER:
While it's not a requirement, it can be SUPER helpful to bring a pacifier to help transition the baby from one pose to another. Even if you think they won’t take it, I recommend bringing one just in case! Of course, if you're absolutely 1000% against using a paci, that’s totally fine too—just let me know!
~BATHE BABY:
The purpose of the bath is not to clean the baby but to help tire them out and keep them awake for as long as possible before the session. If your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off, please give them a full bath. Otherwise, a sponge bath will work perfectly. The key is to linger during the bath and draw it out a bit longer than you normally would. This helps the baby get extra sleepy and ready for their session.
~FULL FEEDING: FEED THE BABY
Give your baby a FULL feeding right before getting in the car if you’re close to the studio. This isn’t a snack feeding—tickle their feet, change their diaper, and do anything you can to keep them awake so they’ll have a nice, full tummy. A sleepy baby makes for the best session! If you live further away from the studio, plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your session and feed the baby once you get here. (Tip: Get dressed and packed before feeding the baby so that the feeding is the last thing you do before heading out to the studio.)
~GETTING DRESSES:
The best thing to put on your baby before the session is a button-down gown or outfit. This helps me keep the baby asleep as long as possible and makes the transition smoother for all the different poses. If you’d like to get dressed once you arrive at the studio, you’re more than welcome to use the bathroom. I want you to feel comfortable and relaxed, so take your time getting ready!
~LOAD UP
*You're all set! Hop in the car and head to the studio. The ride will help your little one fall into a deep sleep. When you get out of the car, be sure to cover the baby to keep the sun from startling them awake. Once you arrive, I’ll carefully get the baby out of their car seat. My address is 136 Woodward Way, Easley, SC 29640.
I’m in a two-story house with a big front porch, and you’ll spot a camper at the end of the driveway. The driveway is on the side of the house. If you have any trouble finding me, don’t hesitate to call 864-520-9069.*