Preparing for your session
Congratulations!!! You are going to have a baby (or you already have!) and that is the most exciting thing ever! I would love to know where you are in your planning process, whether you are still expecting and want to set up a session for when baby arrives, or if baby is here and you decided to start planning now. Please don't hesitate to call, text, or email me that you are headed to the hospital, in labor, or just had your little bundle of joy!
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK THE SESSION?
I am so flexible on this question because I have had many babies in my studio ranging from 5-6 days old to 5-6 weeks old. I treat every baby the same, starting with a swaddle to get them nice and comfy, then move on to a prop or parent shots depending on the flow baby dictates!
When scheduling a session before baby's arrival I typically put the due date in my calendar to give myself a rough estimate as to when I need to make myself available.
A pre-consultation meeting or phone call is generally recommended to get an idea of what parents are looking for in terms of style, color, and/or themes. Once baby has arrived, just contact me via phone, text or email so we can set up a date to come in and photograph your beautiful baby!!!
HOW SOON SHOULD I CONTACT YOU AFTER BABY IS BORN?
The earlier the better! This just gives us time to figure out a date that works best for both of us.
WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK IS BEST?
I prefer weekdays but do have an occasional weekend spot.
I really like a morning time frame around 945/10 AM for the best results and nice sleepy babies!
WHAT IS THE SIMPLY SWADDLED WORKFLOW?
I start with baby swaddled or wrapped up so I can get a feel for what mood baby is in. I get them all nice and comfy in a knit or cloth swaddle, a heater and shusher so it is a very calming environment. If baby is wide awake, I will do shots with eyes open, but nothing is a guarantee when it comes to newborns! I will do my best to get baby to sleep for more advanced poses!
SHOULD I BRING ANYTHING?
Items that are helpful are:
Bringing baby in Zip up Pajamas
***This eliminates any fumbling around with lifting a onesie overhead!***
Pacifier
Bottle of pumped milk or formula
These are not required by any means, just helpful to have! I've got you covered from diapers and wipes, to burp clothes and even pacifiers.
I have all the outfits you can imagine so please try not to bring something you have purchased unless it is a family heirloom or something we have discussed prior to the session. I purchase outfits and props specifically made to fit newborn babies and that fit my portfolio.
Both parents are always encouraged to be there, as well as any siblings that might be involved in the photo session.
If there are more than core family members who want to attend please let me know prior to the session.
LOCATION
My studio is located off Main street in Downtown Ashland on the second floor in Studio B.
112 Thompson St. Ashland, VA 23005
DAY OF SESSION PREP
Please don't stress too much about this part. Some photographers will say you have to keep them awake all morning until their session or not to feed them until you get to the studio. That is just not my style! Don't worry about being late, just come relax and enjoy the moment!
The one thing I do say is try not to change baby's diet the day before or day of the session as it might cause baby to be more gassy or uncomfortable which means more advanced poses might not be achieved.
There is a bathroom in case you need to change, put on makeup, or breastfeed if desired. Please plan for 2-3 hours to accommodate all posing, family/sibling shots, and feeding time just in case.
If children are attending the session I recommend someone else be there to facilitate their needs.
I may need mom or dad to help with baby so another individual who can help siblings is generally recommended.
For family or parent photos I typically recommend neutral clothing and/or layers. If you aren't sure just ask and I would love to help!
And finally, Relax!!!
Enjoy the session, feel free to ask questions or come to me with an idea, and prop you feet up while I snuggle and pose your baby!!!
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK THE SESSION?
I am so flexible on this question because I have had many babies in my studio ranging from 5-6 days old to 5-6 weeks old. I treat every baby the same, starting with a swaddle to get them nice and comfy, then move on to a prop or parent shots depending on the flow baby dictates!
When scheduling a session before baby's arrival I typically put the due date in my calendar to give myself a rough estimate as to when I need to make myself available.
A pre-consultation meeting or phone call is generally recommended to get an idea of what parents are looking for in terms of style, color, and/or themes. Once baby has arrived, just contact me via phone, text or email so we can set up a date to come in and photograph your beautiful baby!!!
HOW SOON SHOULD I CONTACT YOU AFTER BABY IS BORN?
The earlier the better! This just gives us time to figure out a date that works best for both of us.
WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK IS BEST?
I prefer weekdays but do have an occasional weekend spot.
I really like a morning time frame around 945/10 AM for the best results and nice sleepy babies!
WHAT IS THE SIMPLY SWADDLED WORKFLOW?
I start with baby swaddled or wrapped up so I can get a feel for what mood baby is in. I get them all nice and comfy in a knit or cloth swaddle, a heater and shusher so it is a very calming environment. If baby is wide awake, I will do shots with eyes open, but nothing is a guarantee when it comes to newborns! I will do my best to get baby to sleep for more advanced poses!
SHOULD I BRING ANYTHING?
Items that are helpful are:
Bringing baby in Zip up Pajamas
***This eliminates any fumbling around with lifting a onesie overhead!***
Pacifier
Bottle of pumped milk or formula
These are not required by any means, just helpful to have! I've got you covered from diapers and wipes, to burp clothes and even pacifiers.
I have all the outfits you can imagine so please try not to bring something you have purchased unless it is a family heirloom or something we have discussed prior to the session. I purchase outfits and props specifically made to fit newborn babies and that fit my portfolio.
Both parents are always encouraged to be there, as well as any siblings that might be involved in the photo session.
If there are more than core family members who want to attend please let me know prior to the session.
LOCATION
My studio is located off Main street in Downtown Ashland on the second floor in Studio B.
112 Thompson St. Ashland, VA 23005
DAY OF SESSION PREP
Please don't stress too much about this part. Some photographers will say you have to keep them awake all morning until their session or not to feed them until you get to the studio. That is just not my style! Don't worry about being late, just come relax and enjoy the moment!
The one thing I do say is try not to change baby's diet the day before or day of the session as it might cause baby to be more gassy or uncomfortable which means more advanced poses might not be achieved.
There is a bathroom in case you need to change, put on makeup, or breastfeed if desired. Please plan for 2-3 hours to accommodate all posing, family/sibling shots, and feeding time just in case.
If children are attending the session I recommend someone else be there to facilitate their needs.
I may need mom or dad to help with baby so another individual who can help siblings is generally recommended.
For family or parent photos I typically recommend neutral clothing and/or layers. If you aren't sure just ask and I would love to help!
And finally, Relax!!!
Enjoy the session, feel free to ask questions or come to me with an idea, and prop you feet up while I snuggle and pose your baby!!!
What are COMPOSITES?
Simply put, I cut and paste baby from one photo into another. Sometimes I will even take multiple elements and paste them all together. These photos can be simple or elaborate, but all of them require a high level of technical expertise to make them look believable. Here are some before and afters to show how I make these happen!
