During the past three years since I first started photographing mommy-to-be's and newborns, I have been asked a LOT of questions. Hopefully this information will help with some that you might be having, but if not, then don't hesitate to ask away!!!
When is the best time to schedule my maternity session?
I suggest scheduling your maternity session between 34 and 36 weeks gestation. This allows for you to be reaching your biggest without too much swelling or feelings of discomfort. However, if you know beforehand that there is a condition that will be causing significant swelling beyond the usual, or even be facing the possibility of being put on bed rest then I suggest scheduling your session earlier. After 37 weeks for almost all women, you start to enter the stages that I have mentioned and those feelings of discomfort can usually start to show within your photos. You want to look and more importantly, feel your absolute best because these will be photos that you will look back on for years to come!
When is the best time to schedule a newborn session?
The key word here is "newborn"! If you didn't think I had completely lost my mind I'd probably ask you to just come straight to me or have me meet you at the hospital. :) But in all honesty, the newborn stage is a stage that will most likely pass the absolute fastest throughout your child's life. If it's the "newborn" look you are after, then it is crucial to schedule this session with the first ten days of your baby's life. I will mark your due date on my calendar and then take into consideration that you will most likely be delivering between one week before and one week after in normal circumstances. The best thing to do is to contact me as soon as possible between the time soon after you have delivered, and the day you and the baby arrive back home so that we can schedule your session with the next few days following. Please keep into consideration that I may have to schedule you between 2-5 days out depending on availability. That is why it is very important to call me as soon as you can after delivery, and then if you discover you need more time or if you, or baby are having complications then we can reschedule.
Why is it so important to schedule so soon after delivery?
There are a few reasons actually. The first few days of your baby's life are generally the time when he or she will be sleeping the most/ hardest, or are able to fall asleep the easiest. Also, the best and sometimes the only way to pose a newborn is for them to be in that well known deep, newborn sleep! A second reason for the early session is due to the baby's appearance. After the first week, your baby's skin will usually begin to become flaky and many times baby acne will begin to set in. Diaper rashes can also start to occur. These are features that cannot always be edited out and certainly cannot be done in every photo. It is usually a good idea to remember to bring your baby's lotion and also baby powder to your session, for these items offer a quick fix!
What if my baby won't sleep during their session?
Don't be discouraged if your baby simply will not fall asleep. I conduct a newborn session based on the baby and how they are doing. If they are sleeping when you arrive, I will begin with their individual photos being careful not to wake them. However if they are awake, then I will begin the family photos that can include, baby with mommy, baby with daddy, or baby with their siblings, etc. Then generally they will reach a state of hunger, which is usually a good time to break for a feeding. I always try to make sure to allow 2-3 hours for each session since there is no time limit for newborn sessions. This helps ensure for no one to feel rushed or pressured. After the feeding we can then try to comfort, rock, swaddle, etc. to help the baby fall soundly asleep and then begin the individual photos and poses.
What should I bring to my session?
Please never, ever, ever worry about bringing too much! The more the better in fact! Props are a great idea for both maternity and newborn sessions. This can anything, and I mean anything from a special baby gift such as a rattle or stuffed animal, books, little shoes or maybe a sweater that was gifted to your baby. I also love things that might have the baby's name on it such as letter blocks that spell out the name or gender if you are waiting on the name decision. I have also had people bring frames with the names or initials that have been quite easy to incorporate. Quilts, or baby blankets are always good to bring to the newborn session. I have a few things I can use, but using your own makes the photo that much more personable. I have had some families bring their favorite sports team attire, favorite buckets or baskets to prop baby in, books, and the list goes on! Again, do NOT worry about bringing too much; options are always a good thing!!!
What should I wear to my maternity session?
The most important thing is to wear what you feel makes you look your best. It is usually a good idea to bring multiple outfits so that we can choose and make wardrobe changes throughout the session. Also I usually suggest bringing a few camisoles or tank tops, specifically neutral colors such as white, light pink, or beige, and then also a gray or black one if you have one. A pair of pre-pregnancy jeans or jeans without the elastic that have a zipper are good too. Nope, you probably won't be able to zip them up if they are pre-pregnancy, but that's the look I am after when doing the bare belly shots. Another good clothing option if you don't like the jean look would be a flowing skirt that can sit low on the waist. The idea is to have the clothing item rest below the waistline and when it comes to the elastic waistband jeans, there is just no hiding the band. TIP: Try not to have any band up or not to wear something that will make marks across your tummy before coming to your session. These marks are a bit of a challenge to fix within photos.
Here is a checklist of items that I have mentioned that you might want to bring with you...
Maternity session
- Multiple favorite outfits
- Jeans that have a zipper
- White, pink, and or beige camisole
- Black or gray camisole
- Baby gifts such as a rattle, stuffed animal or baby sweater
- A favorite pair of baby shoes
- Letter blocks that spell out the baby's name or gender
- A framed piece of some other item with baby's name or initials
Newborn session
- Baby lotion
- Baby powder
- Baby wipes
- Extra diapers
- Baby blankets or quilts
- Any special outfits that you might want to use beyond the "birthday suit"
- Baby gifts such as rattles, stuffed animals
- Any item that might contain the baby's name printed or written
