Preparing for your newborn Art session

If there is only one thing I want you to remember from all of the info I provide below it's this...


Only babies in a nice deep, milk-drunk sleep can be posed.


Babies who want more milk will wake easily when moved and I won't attempt unwrapped poses for the baby's safety.


So if you want all those adorable sleepy poses and and setups planned for - PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make sure your baby is completely satisfied right before the session begins.


Once baby is full, cozy, dry and ready for a nap there is really nothing left for them to do but sleep!

Before the session

  • Breast feeding mums’ please try to avoid eating any spicy or gassy foods, heavy dairy, caffeine & chocolate for the 24 hours before your session to avoid any possible upset tummy for baby.
  • Try to avoid appointments or visitors on the morning of your session so baby is not over stimulated before the session.
  • Please make sure baby has some awake time before the session (baths are great) so that they are ready for sleep when they arrive.

OMG - HELP!!!


"Baby skin is starting to flake! Do we need to postpone?"

Many clients swear by coconut oil to combat baby's dry, flaky skin, put on the night before the session. But also, it's pretty easy to reduce the appearance in Photoshop.


"Baby has broken out in hormone spots!! Do we need to postpone"

Again this is usually easy enough to reduce in Photoshop unless acne is extreme. If you are worried, email a photo through to Angela for assessment.


what to bring with you

  • Baby Wipes
  • Disposable nappies (less bulky than reusable)
  • Soft towels or baby blankets (2-3) - something you don't mind getting pooped or peed on!
  • Nappy change mat (disposables are fine)
  • A pacifier (soother) – even if you don’t plan on using one later - Philips Avent Soothies (as pictured left) are the best as they don't leave marks on baby's face.
  • Bottles/milk supplies if required - please bring more than you think you will need!
  • Snacks to keep you going (water will be provided)

Please note: All studio props and clothing are carefully selected for safety, appropriateness and sizing. Props/costumes brought from home will not be used, so kindly don't bring them to your session.

how to dress baby

  • Please have baby dressed in a simple outfit that's easy to remove like a button or zip up onesie – nothing that must be pulled over their head to remove as this can wake them up.
  • Ideally baby will wear a disposable nappy for the session as they are less bulky than reusable ones.

SESSION WORKFLOW

5 image Package: Baby will remain fully wrapped (swaddled) for the entire session.

10 image package: Baby will start fully wrapped (swaddled) and finish with a semi wrap (arms out).

20 image package: Baby will start fully wrapped (swaddled), followed by a semi wrap (arms out), and finishing with nude posing.

For the parents & siblings add-on, we start with the family set while the room is still warming.

I will try my very best to get all the setups for your package but please understand some babies will not want to do certain poses, so no poses are guaranteed. While I always have a "Plan B" and sometimes even a "Plan C" pose, if your baby protests and can’t be soothed, I will move onto the next set. I will take plenty of photos of each setup with variations so that even if baby refuses a set, you will still have a full gallery.

Newborn Art sessions can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. There will be time for baby to feed/change as needed.

Even if you aren't being photographed, it would be super awesome if you can please dress in black clothing to minimise light bouncing off your clothing and onto baby.

The Family Set


Information for those who've added a Parents/Siblings add-on

WHAT TO WEAR - THE FAMILY


Please note the family add-on does not allow time for multiple outfit changes so please be dressed in your photo clothing, hair and makeup done, and ready to begin upon arrival to make the the best use of our time.


  • Plain and simple tee shirts, tank tops or long sleeve tops are best - dark colours like black or navy are great for making baby stand out (see example above), otherwise white/cream also work nicely. Whatever colour you choose, it's really good to have everyone wearing something from the same colour family.


  • Try and avoid busy patterns and large logos if you can.


  • Make sure what you're wearing you feel comfortable in and it fits well. The images are usually shot from head to waist so if you want to wear comfy pants feel free, we're not going to see much of them.


  • If you have a wardrobe emergency, the studio may have plain tees to fit.


  • Remember the studio will be warmed to 23-27 degrees so dress like it's a summer day with layers you can take off if needed.


  • Please avoid wearing scratchy fabric that might irritate baby.


  • Leave your watch off for the photos unless it is of sentimental value and you want to wear for your portraits.


  • Please do not wear perfume on the day

PLEASE BE ON TIME

Please be considerate as there may be sessions booked in before or after yours. It is important you arrive on time and ready for your session. If you are more than 30 minutes late, there is not enough time to complete the session and provide a full gallery, and the session will be marked as a "no-show". The session may be able to be rescheduled, but rebooking fees will apply.

Hair & Makeup

If you've booked a hair and makeup service for your session, please be ready for your stylist's arrival with a clean, moisturized face and clean completely dry hair.

If you are doing your own hair and makeup, please avoid high gloss lipstick and glittery eye shadows.

Please remember the finer details! Hands will be on display when holding your baby so check everyone's nails are clean and polish isn't chipped. Do your roots need touching up before the session? Skin blemishes can be easily retouched but requests to alter wardrobe, makeup, nails or hair will be sent to an editor to correct and there will be additional charges for this...it's better to get it right in real life than fix it in Photoshop!

Preparing Older Siblings

Older children are easier to convince (or bribe!) to pose for photos. But toddlers are very busy and still adjusting to life with a new baby in the home. It's super common for younger siblings 2 years or under to refuse to pose with baby.

But remember, it's not about perfection; it's about capturing your family's unique journey. So, take a deep breath, relax, and let your toddler be themselves – the results will be nothing short of magical!

The sibling portion takes between 5-10 minutes. But if your toddler really isn't in the mood for a cuddle with baby (for your newborn's safety), I may resort to some Photoshop magic to bring them together in editing, so we can move on with the rest of the session.

Please note Children under 5 years will require an adult to actively supervise while in the studio, as the studio has equipment which can be knocked over causing injury or damage.