When to Photograph

Newborn sessions are recommended to be done before 2 weeks of age  (preferably between 4-7 days) while they are still in that sleepy and easy to pose stage.  After two weeks of age, they tend to be disturbed more easily while sleeping and it is not as easy to get the true newborn poses and look.  They can also become colicky or baby acne can start to flare. 

What to Bring/Do

  • Pacifer 
  • Bottles with Pumped Milk/Formula 

Even if your child does not use these, it is important that we have access to various soothing techniques to make sure your session runs smoothly.

  • Hairbrush for baby
  • One or two small personal mementos for use in session if desired

Keep baby awake as much as possible prior to their session time. This is very important. Without this, we spend too much time getting them to sleep and not as much time photographing them. I recommend some naked time followed by a bath. If a baby still has not lost their umbilical cord and you must sponge bath, do take care to wash his/her hair as clean newborn hair photographs best.  

Dress baby in a zip/button up sleeper. Something loose fitting is best so as not to leave lines on their skin and nothing that will need to be pulled over their head.  Remove all bandages (from shots, etc) from baby’s skin at least one hour before arriving to the studio. These bandages cannot be removed in post processing and, if left on, will show up in the final images. 

Give baby an extra feeding before buckling him/her into the car seat. Allow baby to fall asleep in the car on the way to the studio. When you arrive at the studio, please leave baby in their car seat. I will be the one to unbuckle and remove him/her and we will go right to work.  A full baby = a sleepy baby, and we need a very sleepy and calm baby in order to achieve the sweet, flexible poses that we’re going for!

Please note that the studio will be kept at 85 degrees to keep your little one warm while in their birthday suit. Therefore, I recommend dressing in layers so that you may remove as needed to remain comfortable. Do bring an extra outfit for yourself in case baby soils your clothing. This happens often. 

 During the session, sit back and relax. I won’t need much assistance, so take advantage of this time to rest in my sitting area (I’m sure you need it!). Parents will often watch a movie, answer emails or read in my sitting area while I work with your new little one.  I’ve even had some parents take a nap! 

This is a full service studio meaning that I will be changing baby’s diapers, cleaning up any messes, and feeding baby when required during the session. I usually ask that Moms stay outside of hearing and smelling range; Once baby has that connection with mommy in the middle of the session, it’s sometimes hard for them to get back into a deep sleep or if mommy’s milk has not come in all the way baby may want to use mommy to snack on and pacify frequently. I have always had the most success by being the only one to interact with baby during the session. If you’re breastfeeding and are open to bringing bottles with breast milk, great! Of course if you are exclusively breast feeding then I will ask you to step into the warm studio to feed baby when required (again, asking that you remain open to feeding on demand at the studio). 

Family/Sibling Portraits

If you have older siblings that you would like photographed with your newborn we will do these shots FIRST. Cream, ivory or white (without patterns or logos) is recommended for older siblings (tops with jeans or even dresses for girls). The more texture the better (knit, lace, etc). They’ll be barefoot, so no need to look for clean shoes.

*Due to the nature of the session we ask that your spouse/partner take the older siblings home or out for something fun to do while we finish up with the individual newborn shots.

I encourage parent portraits with the new baby, and these are usually done right after the siblings. A white/cream short sleeve shirt is suggested for Dads and a white/cream tank or blouse top is suggested for Moms. 

**A note to Mom: I know that you may not feel like yourself right after giving birth, but I strongly encourage you to have a portrait taken with your new baby while they are still so young and fresh. He/she will grow up and will want to know what his mother looked like holding him close to her heart as a newborn. I will shoot you in flattering angles, so don’t worry! Worst case scenario is that you don’t like the image and never look at it again, but at least your child will have this moment documented.

Things to Consider

I will spend a lot of time getting every little finger and toe positioned perfectly when photographing your little bundle.  First and foremost, it is important to me for your baby to look comfortable and peaceful in the photographs and for each image to be a piece of art.  I have experience and patience with newborns.  I have 2 children of my own. My motto is safety first.  I will never put your newborn in an unsafe pose/prop.

Be prepared to spend between up to 3 hours at my studio.  I am a perfectionist and I want to capture your baby in every way that I can even down to their little lips and eyelashes – it’s not unusual to spend up to 20 minutes working to perfect one pose.

Just to warn you: When being photographed with your baby, you may get peed or pooped on! This happens in my studio (usually on me), but some parents are surprised by and unprepared for it.

Hey there, I'm Amy

I’m a photographer. But what you need from me is more than a photograph.

Are you a determined mother yearning for the perfect family photos? Ones that live on more than just your phone? I specialize in just that.

Why? Because you deserve so much more!

More for your family.

And more for your home