LIFESTYLE FAMILY/BABY SESSION PREP GUIDE
I appreciate the opportunity of capturing the precious moments of your newborn and your family. Enclosed below, you'll find some useful tips to ensure your photoshoot is a success. By carefully reading the following information and preparing for your session will greatly aid me in achieving this goal. Thank you for your time and for helping me be able to do my best for you! I can't wait to meet your little one!
Please read the following prep guide thoroughly for a successful session.
One of the most important things to remember at the session is to go with the flow. Your baby will be in charge at the session, and I will only do what makes your baby comfortable and happy. I have developed a posing flow that I use at every session to keep babies safe, comfortable, and relaxed. However, please note that it is common that during the session, the baby will be more fussy and tired than at home because we touch and stimulate her/him so much more. Please don’t get upset because of this. My goal, is for you to be able to come in and relax, sit back and enjoy watching your precious baby, and I will take care of the rest! I absolutely love what I do, and your baby will always be treated with the utmost respect and care.
SICK POLICY: VERY IMPORTANT!
If a family member is sick, please DO NOT bring them into the studio. If the ill family member must be present for the photos, please reschedule your session for a later date when they are well. Since I work closely with newborn babies and little infants, it is very important that I stay healthy for these precious little ones, as well as keeping germs out of the studio. I do all I can keep myself healthy, and make sure I am current on all of my vaccinations. If you or a family member is ill (and has not been symptom or fever free for at least 24 hours) PLEASE call/text to change your session date. If a person arrives and is obviously sick, I may ask that client to leave and reschedule. I greatly appreciate your efforts in helping me keep myself and my clients healthy!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
THE MORNING OF THE SESSION:
The following instructions are suggestions only. You know your baby best, so some of these instructions may not be possible. However, I have found that these tips work WONDERFULLY to help make the most of our time together for a successful session. I find that lack of preparation can cause the session to be much more difficult and last longer. Please don’t stress if you can not do everything perfectly. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and I totally understand this is a crazy time for your family! However, willing to alter your schedule just a bit for the day can help make your session a success!
keeping baby awake for at least an hour or so before the session This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session & when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing & going from one set to another easier. A warm bath is a great way to do this as well as talking & interacting with baby while keeping he or she in just their diaper.
feeding schedule If you live near by, feed your baby immediately before you leave your house to come to the session. If you live more than 30 minutes away, please feed your about 2-3 hours prior to the session, then, plan on feeding him again as soon as you arrive at my studio to get him nice and full before we start the session. Dress your baby in loose clothing so that the baby is not easily sound asleep. If you are nursing and pumping, please bring a couple of bottles of expressed milk. If you are using formula, please bring extra formula! More than you think you will need! Babies tend to feed more than usual at the session.
feeding technique When feeding your baby, please take your time and make sure your baby gets a full feeding. I like to use the term “milk drunk”, meaning your baby eats until he falls into a deep sleep. Please don’t feel rushed during feedings at the studio. There is plenty of time set aside during your session for baby’s needs. It is so important to make sure baby has a full belly to get those sleepy baby poses. A hungry baby will not pose and will remain unsettled during the session. Sessions usually last around 3 hours. Sometimes a little longer depending on if baby is a light sleeper, or needs to stop multiple times to feed. The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottle feed on and off. I understand that some parents may be already trying to set a “feeding schedule.” However, your baby’s feeding schedule may be a little thrown off on session day, but babies tend to be hungrier during their newborn sessions due to the extra exercise from being moved around. Please be willing to have a flexible feeding schedule during the newborn session.
the use of pacifier If you can, bring the soothie pacifier. Even if you haven’t used one, just for the 3 hours that I’m posing him/her really helps. If you don’t happen to have one, I keep new pacifiers here in the studio. However, if you really prefer that we don’t use a paci, that is fine as well! I will always respect your wishes!
with a toddler or young sibling When siblings are involved, we typically begin the session with family and sibling photos. Young siblings tend to have a limited attention span for photography and cooperate best at the session's start. Upon your arrival, I will expertly swaddle your baby in a beautiful wrap and commence the session. If your young siblings have too much energy, to ensure a focused environment for individual newborn portraits, we kindly request that you arrange for a friend or family member to pick up your toddler or young children. This allows us to concentrate on capturing the essence of your newborn. In the event that no one is available, we recommend that one of the parents takes the toddler out for a meal, a visit to local shops, or playtime at a nearby park while we continue with the session.
While our studio provides toys for young siblings, please note that our studio space is primarily designed for photography, featuring large and heavy photography equipment as well as various props. For safety reasons, we insist that a parent remains present to supervise young siblings at all times. Please be aware that our studio cannot be held responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses caused by children. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in making necessary arrangements before or during your session. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in creating a smooth and enjoyable photography experience.
DURING THE SESSION:
temperature It will be around 75+ degrees in the studio. For some poses, I might also add a heater. Due to this, I will be dressed comfortably for a warm few hours, and suggest you do to! This warm temperature will keep baby’s skin color nice and even, as well as help him stay warm and comfy since he will be undressed for most of the session. You are welcome to bring the clothes you want to change into, and any makeup for touch-ups. There is a private restroom inside the studio.
outfits Dads: I ask that you bring a well fitting t-shirt/v-neck, (please avoid the typical white “undershirt”) textured thermal shirts look great, or henley style shirt to wear with a good fitting pair of jeans, or if you prefer, a neutral solid button up. White, grey, black, or tan works well, and looks nice for photos. Don’t worry about what kind of shoes you wear, as these will not show. I suggest removing watches to keep the focus on baby. Moms: Please wear pretty tank tops, camisoles, chiffon materials, simple solid color dresses, feminine pretty lacy cover ups, or even a solid color neutral shirt will work. My studio has some dresses for you to borrow. Don’t worry about your post partum belly showing. I will mostly shooting down. Photos will be from the elbows up, your baby will cover most of you. Please refrain from wearing lots of jewelry, watches, and big earrings since those are things distract the focus of a photo. Wedding rings and simple stud earrings look classic and clean. Keep all colors neutral (white, ivory, black, grey or tan) and design simple. Sisters: I have that covered too! I have lots of beautiful little girls dresses in various sizes (1 year to size 10) at the studio! Or you can bring a simple classic dress in a solid neutral color if you happen to have one. Bright colors are strongly discouraged, as they will reflect color onto their face, and the baby’s skin. Please avoid shirts with large logos or graphics. For small children, please wear bloomers under dresses to cover diapers/ underwear. I ask that girls hair be natural (or in braids) and free of large bows, headbands, etc. A simple small clip or tiny flower or halo looks beautiful in photos. Keeping accessories simple will ensure a timeless, classic photo that puts the emphasis on your beautiful children. Brothers: Please bring a snug pair of jeans, and a snug fitted t-shirt, v-neck, thermal, or henley style shirt. For toddler boys, if you prefer him to be shirtless, please take a moment to chat with your guy about this so he feels prepared for the session – though if he prefers not, a tight fitting t-shirt is perfect. Older siblings look most comfortable in a simple solid neutral color t-shirt or thermal. Collared shirts work well for older siblings, but not for little ones. The collars tend to cover their faces and need to be re-adjusted frequently, so they are not suggested for toddlers. Please no words, graphics, patterns, or bright colors.
daybed to take a nap Our studio has a bigger room furnished with daybeds, sofas, and chairs. We understand that the initial days with a new family member can be demanding and exhausting. If you feel the need to rest, whether it's mom or dad, please feel free to lock the front door of the studio, close the curtain, and take a nap at your convenience. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.
A few additional thoughts…
Food: Feel free to bring a snack or lunch, especially if the session falls during or extends into mealtime. However, kindly enjoy your food in a designated area to facilitate easy cleanup. Food residues can attract ants or other insects, so maintaining cleanliness is essential. Your efforts is greatly appreciated.
Pets: I am a total pet lover. However, pets are not allowed in the studio out of respect for allergy issues other clients may have. But I would love to have them join us at a future outdoor session!
Props: I have just about everything you will need for the session. I have tons of baskets, blankets, wraps, hair accessories, and other simple props such as pants and bonnets for your baby’s session. I believe in simple, clean, classic portraiture, a style that focuses on your beautiful baby. My style is very organic and simple and I generally avoid a lot of bright, props or outfits. This way your baby will not get lost in the image.
What to bring: Your baby and everything he/she needs everyday: milk, diapers, wipes, burp cloths, etc.
Nearby stores and entertainment:
Supermarkets: Within minutes, you'll find Central Market, Tom Thumb, Kroger, and Trader Joe's.
Parks: Bicentennial Park is the closest, while Dove Park is a personal favorite. If your kids enjoy indoor activities, Adventure Kids is located in the same plaza.
Shopping: Southlake Town Square is nearby.
Dining: There's an abundance of restaurants and fast-food options in the vicinity for your culinary preferences.
Thank you again for choosing me to photograph this special time!
It is my hope that you come to my studio feeling comfortable and at home. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives, and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email me at julyangelphotography@gmail.com anytime, or call/text me at 313-409-1704.