- Some babies cry A LOT at their session. It can be super stressful for new and seasoned parents alike…….YES, it is totally normal to feel stressed. Everything is new & different. I promise you, I’ve got you! I have photographed so many newborns and I guarantee you we will get beautiful images even if you feel like your baby is unsettled most of the time. I don’t think there is a situation I could ever say that I haven’t run into. We always manage to capture beautiful images.
- You don’t have to get perfectly done up for photos. If you normally wear makeup and the absolute last thing you want to do is your hair and makeup that day, then DON’T. Does that mean you should avoid photos with your new baby? NO!!!!! If you would rather not show your undone self (though I still encourage my clients to get at least a photo or two with baby for themselves, makeup or not), I am happy to do silhouette photos and detailed images that include your arms/hands holding baby.
- Book before baby is born! Often times I get inquiries after baby is already born and is nearing two months old, but parents still want that newborn look. It can get harder to do a “newborn” session after baby has gone past two weeks. They are less sleepy, less posable, and less likely to want to be swaddled…..the list goes on. Contact me before your baby is born so we can get a tentative date on the calendar. Don’t worry, I’m absolutely willing to shift the date around knowing baby could be early or late, but with an approximate date on the calendar, I make sure to reserve time before and after when we would expect the session to take place, which is, ideally between 5 and 12 days after baby is born.
- It’s okay to sit back & relax. As a mom to three kids, an auntie to many and a photographer of so many babies, I am so comfortable soothing babies, having all the patience in the world for them, being able to wrap them & pose them while you kick your feet up and relax in a comfy chair. Grab a bottle of water from my mini fridge or make yourself a coffee at the coffee bar and a snack from the snack basket, chill and enjoy the moments.
- Plan for something for older siblings to do after their portion of the session is done while they wait for baby’s photos. This might meaning making sure both parents are present or a helper so that the second adult can take the older ones out of the studio for a bit. If the weather is nice, there is a great park just a short walk from my studio. I do also have coloring pages but kids tend to get bored with that after a while. If you have a suggestion for a great busy-toy for those toddlers and preschool aged kids that I could keep on-hand at my studio, feel free to suggest something! It just can’t be super loud & startle baby.
Julie Ann Photography • MINNEAPOLIS PHOTOGRAPHER 