What To Expect For Your Newborn Session
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR NEWBORN SESSION
LUCKY FRIDAY STUDIOS DENVER NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
After more than a decade of creating beautiful heirlooms for busy families, I’ve established my process to ensure I am able to create authentic images that are a true representation of your family and the love you have for each other. My goal has always been to give my clients a fun, relaxed experience that results in gorgeous artwork you’ll be proud to pass down to your children. I only accept a limited number of maternity, newborn, baby and family sessions each month so that I am able to properly invest the necessary amount of time on each one. I’m honored to be on this journey with you!
Walking you through each step of my process helps me deliver the exceptional experience I’m known for and knowing what to expect during your newborn session can help ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience. From selecting the right photographer to having a plan for how you are going to enjoy your final images, this guide will walk you through every step of my process.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER
Selecting a newborn photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It is so important to have someone who specializes in newborn photography, has experience handling infants, and follows safety protocols. It is also incredibly important that my style aligns with your vision! I truly believe that this is the most important way to begin your process. 20 or 30 years from now you probably won’t remember many details from your session, but the artwork from this special time in your lives will last for generations to come.
RESERVE YOUR SESSION
Once you inquire, I’ll send you my full pricing information. I’m always happy to get on a call so we can begin to get to know each other and ensure we are a good fit as well. Your spot with me is reserved once you submit your session or membership fee. If you are booking a newborn session, I ask that you put me on your VIP list and let me know as soon as baby arrives. You will choose the actual date for your session based on how you are feeling at that time.
SESSION & WARDROBE PLANNING
It’s important to me that your session is a beautiful representation of your family. I’ll send over my Portrait Planning & Style Guide right away so you could dive right into the fun stuff, like what you want to wear. You are welcome to use items from my Client Wardrobe if you'd like along with items from your own wardrobe. We’ll chat after you start to get an idea of what you are interested in to make sure we're both on the same page with the creative direction for your session!
WHEN TO SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION
Newborn sessions are typically scheduled within the first two weeks of life. During this period, babies are still very sleepy and flexible, making it easier to work with them. However, if your baby is older, don’t worry—we will still capture beautiful images!
FINAL CHECK IN
I’ll touch base a day or 2 before your session to make sure everyone is good to go (that includes Mother Nature). If there is any need to reschedule because of weather, bad roads, illness or anything else, no need to worry! I only accept around 8 clients a month so that I am able to give my clients as much flexibility as possible! I’m a parent too and I’ve got you!
PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
To help your session run smoothly, follow these preparation tips:
Don’t Stress Too Much! I’ve been doing this for over 15 years and I give us plenty of time to make sure we can get all of the images you are dreaming of even if baby needs extra time to feed and settle. Your session will be fun!
Keep Baby Well-Fed: A well-fed baby is a happy baby. Try to feed your baby right before the session to ensure they are sleepy and content. If that doesn’t work out schedule wise though, no worries. There is plenty of time to feed your baby during your session.
Dress Baby in Easy-to-Remove Clothing: A simple onesie or outfit that doesn’t go over baby’s head makes it easier to transition them without disturbing their sleep.
Bring Essentials: Have snacks, extra diapers, wipes, and pacifiers on hand. If you aren’t nursing, bring more bottles than you think you’ll need.
Be Ready to Be in the Photos: Even though the focus is on your baby, I love to include parents and siblings in many shots!
If you’ve chosen my studio for your session, it is private and cozy so come prepared to settle in and make yourself at home! I have a private dressing and nursing room, a bathroom inside the studio, a kitchen and plenty of room for little ones to safely run around. You can relax and enjoy drinks and snacks while having fun creating gorgeous images together. A newborn session can last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, allowing time for feeding, soothing, and changing. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect
PURCHASE IMAGES & ARTWORK
Within 3 weeks of your session, your fully edited images will be ready for viewing through your private online gallery so you only need to purchase what you love. Instant digital downloads will be available for purchase at this time. Once you purchase the images of your choice, your gallery will remain live so that you can download your favorite images, order any additional products and gifts that you’d like and of course share your gallery with friends and family.
RINSE AND REPEAT!
It’s crazy how fast these little ones grow (especially during a baby’s first year)! If you have a membership with me, the spot for your next milestone session will automatically be reserved for you on my calendar when you are ready to schedule! I’m always available to offer support after your session at any time and am honored that many of my families come back and trust me with annual portraits year after year!
For some awesome tips on what to expect for a newborn + toddler sibling photo session check out this wonderful post from my friend Mary Beth - she is the most amazing Pittsburgh photographer!