Preparing for your session
Congratulations!!! You are going to have a baby and that is the most exciting thing ever! 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?
The earlier the better! When scheduling a session I typically put the due date in my calendar to give myself a rough estimate as to when baby will arrive. A pre-consultation meeting is always recommended prior to deliver to come in and view the studio, the props and outfits, as well as all the print product available for purchase. I like to discuss any themes, colors, backdrops and/or specific composites you have in mind. 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! Newborn sessions are typically scheduled from age 7 -14 days after delivery, however that isn't always possible for everyone and I have had great success with some older "newborns" up to age 5-6 weeks.
WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK IS BEST?
Weekends can book up fast depending on what time of year so weekdays are preferred but not required. I also typically start around 9:30AM for the best results and nice sleepy babies!
WHAT IS THE SIMPLY SWADDLED WORKFLOW?
Simply put ;-) I start with a swaddled set up (baby is wrapped) as a "get to know baby" period. I get them all nice and comfy in a knit 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?
Pretty much just you and baby! I've got you covered from diapers and wipes, to burp clothes and pacifiers! Breastfeeding, a bottle of milk or formula are always a plus if baby gets fussy and hungry during the session. 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 Mainstreet 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 away all the way up until their session or not to feed them until you get to the studio and that's not my style. Try not to change baby's diet the day before or day of the session. If you can, bring bottles for feeding, your baby will need to eat more than normal during the session so having a bottle available will be handy.
Pacifiers are great too, but I have some I can provide as well.
The ideal clothing to bring baby in are pajamas that zip down. this eliminates any fumbling around with lifting a onesie overhead!
There is a bathroom to change or breastfeed as needed. I will also have water and snacks available as some sessions can last anywhere from 2-3 hours. Please plan for 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. Bright colors can tend reflect onto the backdrop or other individuals in the photo.
If you aren't sure just ask and I would love to help!
And finally, just 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?
The earlier the better! When scheduling a session I typically put the due date in my calendar to give myself a rough estimate as to when baby will arrive. A pre-consultation meeting is always recommended prior to deliver to come in and view the studio, the props and outfits, as well as all the print product available for purchase. I like to discuss any themes, colors, backdrops and/or specific composites you have in mind. 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! Newborn sessions are typically scheduled from age 7 -14 days after delivery, however that isn't always possible for everyone and I have had great success with some older "newborns" up to age 5-6 weeks.
WHAT DAY OF THE WEEK IS BEST?
Weekends can book up fast depending on what time of year so weekdays are preferred but not required. I also typically start around 9:30AM for the best results and nice sleepy babies!
WHAT IS THE SIMPLY SWADDLED WORKFLOW?
Simply put ;-) I start with a swaddled set up (baby is wrapped) as a "get to know baby" period. I get them all nice and comfy in a knit 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?
Pretty much just you and baby! I've got you covered from diapers and wipes, to burp clothes and pacifiers! Breastfeeding, a bottle of milk or formula are always a plus if baby gets fussy and hungry during the session. 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 Mainstreet 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 away all the way up until their session or not to feed them until you get to the studio and that's not my style. Try not to change baby's diet the day before or day of the session. If you can, bring bottles for feeding, your baby will need to eat more than normal during the session so having a bottle available will be handy.
Pacifiers are great too, but I have some I can provide as well.
The ideal clothing to bring baby in are pajamas that zip down. this eliminates any fumbling around with lifting a onesie overhead!
There is a bathroom to change or breastfeed as needed. I will also have water and snacks available as some sessions can last anywhere from 2-3 hours. Please plan for 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. Bright colors can tend reflect onto the backdrop or other individuals in the photo.
If you aren't sure just ask and I would love to help!
And finally, just 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!
