Prepping for a Newborn Lifestyle Studio Session | Indianapolis Newborn Photographer
Thank you for choosing me to capture your little one at this precious, amazing, crazy time in your lives. This phase will go by quickly so having these images will be wonderful reminders of how tiny your little one once was and how you felt when you brought your baby home.
I'm looking forward to hosting you in my studio and I want to make it a comfortable and painless process. Please use these tips and information to prep for the session to ensure it goes as smooth as possible:
*Try to keep baby awake for a couple hours before you leave for the session. Give baby a bath to keep him/her awake, interact with him/her, tickle feet. I know - so counter-intuitive to what you want to do, but again, we want baby nice and sleepy (: Maybe even ride next to baby in the car on the way over to keep him/her entertained.
* The goal is to have baby nice and full for the session, so I HIGHLY recommend feeding baby when you arrive. This makes a HUGE difference and will help ensure a smooth session. I have a boppy you can use. (I will remind you when you arrive but strip baby down to his/her diaper for this feeding and please take a wet cloth during this time and wipe down baby's face/body to eliminate skin flakes and "eye boogers." If baby is super flaky you may consider using a baby-safe lotion (nothing greasy!))
*Please bring an extra bottle of breastmilk or formula. It’s easier to feed baby quickly in the studio if he/she becomes unsettled.
* If baby takes a pacifier, please bring it with. And even if baby does not take a pacifier, bring one and if you are comfortable, we may use it if baby appears that they just want to suckle. I have some new ones in the studio as well. Newborns are so fresh they haven’t developed real patterns of liking/not-liking pacifiers. I know new parents are often reluctant and again I would never force a baby to use a paci if parents don’t approve, but as a mom of three, pacifiers were often a helpful tool.
*If you use cloth diapers please plan on bringing disposable ones for the session or I have some in the studio. The diaper stays on for the session and cloth diapers are too bulky.
*MOMS: This one’s for you! Take care of yourself! Don’t forget to eat and bring water (or I have water here). I know you usually carry the heavy load getting everyone ready for photos but don’t forget about your own self-care.
* My studio will be quite warm to help keep baby asleep and comfortable - so plan for that.
* You don't have to worry about providing anything for baby. I have outfits/wraps for baby.
* As for what to wear for mom, dad, and siblings (if applicable) - I suggest neutrals/earth tones for this type of session.
* Remember that newborn lifestyle studio sessions are for immediate family only.
*The questionnaire you fill out prior to the session is the time to let me know if you have any specific shots you want included. Remember - this is a lifestyle session so do not plan on any formally posed shots. If you want posed shots, then let’s talk about switching the type of session. Also PLEASE do not arrive and show me a bunch of Pinterest ideas on your phone. I already will have a semi-detailed workflow planned out and I don't like to be mean and say "no." (: It’s better to send me photos from my portfolio that you like before the session.
*Normal session time is 60-75 minutes but that is just an estimate - sometimes they are quick and easy, sometimes they last longer than planned. Don't stress if it's taking awhile to get baby settled - it's all part of the process. I can never guarantee we will be done at a certain time to accommodate older siblings’ schedules, work schedules, etc. We are on the baby’s schedule. I suggest you clear your schedule for the part of the day you’ll be with me. Enjoy the process. But as long as baby is calm, we’ll shoot eyes open or eyes closed, since it’s a lifestyle session.
*More than likely, I will have an assistant helping me that has worked with me several times.
*Regarding health safety, we use hand sanitizer and have masks available if you want us to wear them. We both get the flu shot annually.
*Just to be upfront, my family or portions of my family might be home. They are used to this routine and will be completely out of the way as my studio is closed off. We do not have any pets.
*Lastly, you need to know how to get here! My address is 6525 Briarwood Place, Zionsville.
*After the session I will post a sneak peek on social media within two days, unless you opted out. My typical turnaround for proofs is one week or less. Once you choose your 10 favorites (or all of them), expect a 7-14 day turnaround. Turnaround times are subject to change depending on my workload at the time but I will communicate expectations with you. NOTE: Proofs will not be fully edited. They will be cropped and have basic exposure and color corrections. I will complete all of the detail editing for the images you select, including redness removal, extending backgrounds, blemish removal, etc. The final images will be much more polished than the proofs.
*Please let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to meeting you and your new addition!
Rescheduling Notice: Please note that if I am sick, I will reschedule our session. Per my contract, if that puts us outside the window of 3 weeks of age, you have the option to cancel your contract and I will return your deposit. Babies can be photographed successfully outside of the 3 week window but I don’t want to compromise your desired results and I definitely do not want to risk the health of your baby. I will always be open and honest about my health (which good news, I am typically a healthy person - but I have kids and kids tend to bring those germs home). (: Since my studio is in my home, I also will have an open discussion with you if any of my family members are sick and we can mutually decide how to proceed.
Fresh 48 Prep | Indianapolis Newborn Photographer
I’m honored to capture these raw and emotional moments for you. As a mother myself I know how crazy and emotional those first few days in the hospital can be. You may be a new parent, trying to figure it all out. Or you may be seasoned and this is your 2nd or 3rd…..or 4th. (: Either way, there is a new little human in your life and I want to document your love for this new being soon after he/she arrives. These will not be the images you print and hang on the wall - they will be the ones you put in a book and look over several times as your baby grows up and remember the time surrounding his/her arrival. This moment will only happen once and I’m so happy you decided to have quality images taken to document it and to keep forever.
PRE-BABY:
Once you book, please put my number in your phone (765-749-4388)
I ask that you keep me posted about your due date if anything changes. If your doctor schedules an induction also please let me know.
Text me when you are on your way to the hospital
BABY IS HERE!
Text me to let me know once baby arrives.
We’ll discuss the best time to hold your Fresh 48 session. Fresh 48 sessions will occur during the day to maximize the natural light available. Let me know if there are siblings you want to include and I’ll try to coordinate with you when they will be at the hospital.
Text me your room number and if there is a security code I need to enter the ward. (or sometimes it’s easier for Dad to come get me)
PREP:
Pack away your bags and put them in a closet or bathroom so the room is "tidy" for pics.
As for dress, for mom I recommend something simple like a plain tank top and comfy pants or I have some mom's that wear a nice robe from home. For baby- he/she can be in anything - diaper, swaddle, onesie. Really can't go wrong with baby and it's all about remembering the time so whatever you have him/her in when I get there will be fine I'm sure. I do like to get some shots of fingers, toes, etc. so at some point we'll strip down to diaper and get some close ups of features. Sometimes we wait until the end for that as it might upset them. For dad I also recommend something simple.
Try to time a feeding so that he/she eats before I get there. (if you do want some nursing photos, please let me know and I’m more than happy to capture that for you)
WHAT TO EXPECT:
The session will last 30-45 minutes.
Once I arrive I’ll open up the blinds to try to maximize the light in the room.
There is not much formal posing but I will help direct you to get the best images. I will place you and baby in the best light but sometimes light in a small hospital room can be sparse. We will spend a lot of time near the windows but in some cases the overhead lights will have to do.
I don’t mind if a few extended family members join but I recommend they are only there for a short period and not the entire session. Most hospital rooms are small!!
POST-SESSION:
Prepping for a Studio Session | Zionsville Family Photographer
You have booked a studio session and now what? I’m here to assist you every step of the way. This post will cover some helpful tips about dress, prepping kids, planning your session, what to expect, and lastly my address so you know how to get here. There is also a special section about cake smashes if that is included in your session.
DRESS:
- If your entire family is included in the session, coordinate without completely matching. Hey, it is your session, and if you are dead set on everyone wearing white shirts, then by all means, go for it. BUT - I highly discourage it. (: Variety is definitely more interesting. I tell my clients to pick a couple coordinating colors and dress the family in a mix of solids and patterns of these colors. Then maybe add a splash of color (if needed) in a scarf or accessories.
- Wear what you are comfortable in! If you are not comfortable or confident in the clothes are you are wearing - it will show in the photos!
- Bright fluorescent colors are a NO NO! Whether you realize it or not, bright colors will reflect off of skin and clothing, so anyone standing next to that person wearing the hot pink shirt will have hot pink skin. I can't edit that out.
- If you have glasses that don't have the non-glare lenses, you might consider taking them off for the photos as my strobes will reflect in your glasses. If your glasses are must then we’ll work on positioning you to minimize the effect but be aware it will be difficult to eliminate it completely.
- Typically I only take photos of families from the waist up so I’ll ask that you remove your shoes.
- Children -
Make sure the clothes on your little ones fit and they are comfortable in the clothes. If you go out and buy something new, I know it's hard to buy clothes that aren't one size up, because you know they grow so quickly. But baggy clothes will swallow up little ones, especially if they are sitting down.
No shoes - I typically love bare feet for kids in the studio
Babies can show some skin! Shirtless babes or babes in a diaper cover can make great images and allow you to capture that sweet chubbs phase. (:
PLANNING YOUR SESSION:
You can select two different backgrounds for a studio session. Below are my background options and you can let me know which two you would like and which one you would like first.
- For kids I have plenty of crates, bowls, stools, and other props for them to sit on/in.
- Feel free to bring a couple different outfits for babies/little kids.
- No matter the timing of your session, I recommend keeping the kids on a normal schedule for the day. We can plan our session around naps, meals, etc.
- Make sure kids (and you) are fed before the session or at least have had a heavy snack. We all get cranky when we are hungry!
- Plan ahead, set clothes out, check timing/directions, and save my cell number in your phone (765-749-4388). It's hard when clients show up and they are frazzled because they were in such a hurry and the kids are all crazy, etc. I know things come up, but if at all possible, leave plenty of time to get ready, get dressed, and drive to my studio. If you are running a little late - DON'T FRET - it's not going to be detrimental to your session. Just text me to let me know. I would rather you be 10 minutes late and show up relaxed than show up on time with screaming kids.
- Please fill out the questionnaire to help me plan the best session possible.
RESCHEDULING POLICY: If you have a conflict come up, please let me know ASAP. I normally am fine with rescheduling and transferring your deposit to another session.
My Address is 6525 Briarwood Place, Zionsville, IN 46077
AT YOUR SESSION:
- Empty your pockets - no phones, wallets, keys bulging out of pockets
- If you have young children - try to make sure their faces are clean. I don't know about you, but my kids always seem to have bits of food, yogurt stains, and/or snot on their face.
- Please do not take photos with your cell phones during sessions. (Unless you want to take a picture of me taking pictures and post on FB about what an awesome photographer I am). (: If you want to video a cake smash or special moment, please feel free.
- Most importantly - RELAX and have FUN! Sometimes kids take awhile to warm up in the studio so please don’t force them do something they don’t want to do or get frustrated. We’ll work with it and I have some tricks up my sleeve to help kids feel comfortable.
CAKE SMASHES:
- I love cake smashes! I partner with Lil’ Bites Confections to provide a simple 6 inch smash cake for an additional charge. I will pick up your cake before your session so you don’t have to worry about it! (Because you have enough to worry about!) https://www.facebook.com/lilbitesconfections
- Here are some tips if you are providing your own cake: Do NOT get red icing! (unless you are going for a bloody Halloween theme). And a cake with chocolate frosting can kind of look like, you know what, when smeared all over. Also - it’s super helpful if the cake is on a solid cardboard piece (or some bakeries put a ribbon around the cardboard to make it pretty) to help transport it to the cake stand or floor. It’s difficult to try to move just the cake without messing part of it up.
- I recommend that you feed your child a cupcake or a piece of cake a week or so prior to our session. It’s not required but it’s good to have a trial run.
- If you have a special theme and have props you want to bring, please feel free (maybe just give me a heads up beforehand). I have a few girl and boy banners that I can show you to see if you want to use those. I tend to keep my studio setups simple.
AFTER YOUR SESSION:
- Your work is done! You did it! I will post a sneak peek on Facebook and Instagram within a couple days, unless you opted out. A proofing gallery will be send to you in 7-10 days and then after you select your final images I’ll finish up edits and send you a final gallery. Typical turnaround time for the final gallery is 7 days. If you had a full session or upgraded to receive all images, expect the turnaround time to be 14 days or less.
If any questions arise at any point in the process, please don't hesitate to contact me. kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.
Prepping for a Studio Newborn Session | Indianapolis Newborn Photographer
Thank you for choosing me to capture your little one at this precious, amazing, crazy time in your lives. This phase will go by quickly so having these images will be wonderful reminders of how tiny your little one once was and how you felt when you brought your baby home.
I'm looking forward to hosting you in my studio and I want to make it a comfortable and painless process. Please use these tips and information to prep for the session to ensure it goes as smooth as possible:
*Try to keep baby awake for a couple hours before you leave for the session. Give baby a bath to keep him/her awake, interact with him/her, tickle feet. I know - so counter-intuitive to what you want to do, but again, we want baby nice and sleepy (: Maybe even ride next to baby in the car on the way over to keep him/her entertained.
* The goal is to have baby nice and full for the session, so I HIGHLY recommend feeding baby when you arrive. This makes a HUGE difference and will make the session much smoother. I have a boppy you can use. (I will remind you when you arrive but strip baby down to his/her diaper for this feeding and please take a wet cloth during this time and wipe down baby's face/body to eliminate skin flakes and "eye boogers." If baby is super flaky you may consider using a baby-safe lotion (nothing greasy though!).)
*Please bring an extra bottle of breastmilk or formula. It’s easier to feed baby quickly in the studio if he/she becomes unsettled.
* If baby takes a pacifier, please bring it with. And even if baby does not take a pacifier, bring one and if you are comfortable, we may use it if baby appears that they just want to suck. I have some new ones in the studio as well. Newborns are so fresh they haven’t developed real patterns of liking/not-liking pacifiers. I know new parents are often reluctant and again I would never force a baby to use a paci if parents don’t approve, but as a mom of three, pacifiers were often a helpful tool.
*If you use cloth diapers please plan on bringing disposable ones for the session or I have some in the studio. The diaper stays on for the majority of the session and cloth diapers are too bulky.
*MOMS: This one’s for you! Take care of yourself! Don’t forget to eat and bring water (or I’ll have water here). I know you usually carry the heavy load getting everyone ready for photos but don’t forget about your own self-care.
* My studio will be quite warm to help keep baby asleep and comfortable - so plan for that.
* I have plenty of hats, wraps, blankets, etc so you don't have to worry about providing anything. My studio sessions are completely planned out based on the colors and info you provided in the questionnaire. My workflow revolves around the props, wraps and accessories I will be using and I work in a manner that helps babies stay asleep the entire session, after he/she initially falls asleep. If you have a special outfit you want photographed on baby, please let me know beforehand, but understand that will probably compromise one of my other setups.
* As for what to wear for mom, dad, and siblings (if applicable) - I suggest something simple. Solid colors are good - patterns or wording take focus from the baby.
* Session flow: The flow may depend on what type of family and parent shots you prefer. If you don’t want baby wrapped we will probably start with family shots. If you prefer baby wrapped for family shots, I will wrap baby first and rock out a couple sets. Sibling shots (if applicable) will be next and then some parent & family shots. Next will be more wrapped/half-wrapped baby sets and I save the naked shots for last. Please let me know if naked shots are desired or not. Note: naked shots are the least priority on my list - if baby is awake and/or fussy they may not be possible. If baby is calm we’ll get some eye-open shots which are always awesome to have in your gallery. We may need a feeding break at some point if baby becomes unsettled. NOTE: if several siblings are involved, we may discuss tackling sibling and family shots first to get those out of the way. I like to minimize distractions in the studio so I suggest keeping younger siblings in the playroom until they are needed for photos.
*The questionnaire you fill out prior to the session is the time to let me know if you have any specific poses you want. Also PLEASE do not arrive and show me a bunch of Pinterest ideas on your phone. I already will have a detailed workflow planned out and I don't like to be mean and say "no." (: It’s better to send me photos from my own portfolio beforehand that you like.
*Normal session time is 2-3 hours but that is just an estimate - sometimes they are quick and easy, sometimes they last longer than planned. Don't stress if it's taking awhile to get baby settled - it's all part of the process. I will never rush through a newborn set, pose, etc. just because it’s taking a long time. Patience is key and necessary when dealing with babies. I can never guarantee we will be done at a certain time to accommodate older siblings’ schedules, work schedules, etc. We are on the baby’s schedule. I suggest you clear your schedule for the part of the day you’ll be with me. Enjoy the process. It’s actually pretty fun to watch. (:
*Just to be upfront, my family or portions of my family might be home (my husband works in the basement and depending on the time of the year, my kids may be home). They are used to this routine and will be completely out of the way as my studio is closed off. We do not have any pets.
*Depending on availability, I may have an assistant who is trained and has worked with me several times before. In the absence of an assistant there may be a couple poses I ask a parent to spot or help.
*Regarding health safety, we use hand sanitizer and have masks available in case you want us to wear them. We receive the flu shot annually.
*Lastly, you need to know how to get here! My address is 6525 Briarwood Place, Zionsville.
*After the session I will post a sneak peek on Facebook and Instagram within two days, unless you opted out. An online gallery with all images will be delivered to you within 14 days (21 days max during peak fall season).
*Please let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to meeting you and your new addition!
Rescheduling Notice: Please note that if I am sick, I will reschedule our session. Per my contract, if that puts us outside the window of 3 weeks of age, you have the option to cancel your contract and I will return your deposit. Babies can be photographed successfully outside of the 3 week window but I don’t want to compromise your desired results and I definitely do not want to risk the health of your baby. I will always be open and honest about my health (which good news, I am typically a healthy person - but I have kids and kids tend to bring those germs home). (: Since my studio is in my home, I also will have an open discussion with you if any of my family members are sick and we can mutually decide how to proceed.
Prepping for a Studio Mini Newborn Session | Indianapolis Newborn Photographer
Thank you for choosing me to capture your little one at this precious, amazing, crazy time in your lives. This phase will go by quickly so having these images will be wonderful reminders of how tiny your little one once was and how you felt when you brought your baby home.
I'm looking forward to hosting you in my studio and I want to make it a comfortable and painless process. Please use these tips and information to prep for the session to ensure it goes as smooth as possible:
*Try to keep baby awake for a couple hours before you leave for the session. Give baby a bath to keep him/her awake, interact with him/her, tickle feet. I know - so counter-intuitive to what you want to do, but again, we want baby nice and sleepy (: Maybe even ride next to baby in the car on the way over to keep him/her entertained.
* The goal is to have baby nice and full for the session, so I HIGHLY recommend feeding baby when you arrive. This makes a HUGE difference and will help ensure a smooth session. I have a boppy you can use. (I will remind you when you arrive but strip baby down to his/her diaper for this feeding and please take a wet cloth during this time and wipe down baby's face/body to eliminate skin flakes and "eye boogers." If baby is super flaky you may consider using a baby-safe lotion (nothing greasy!))
*Please bring an extra bottle of breastmilk or formula. It’s easier to feed baby quickly in the studio if he/she becomes unsettled.
* If baby takes a pacifier, please bring it with. And even if baby does not take a pacifier, bring one and if you are comfortable, we may use it if baby appears that they just want to suck. I have some new ones in the studio as well. Newborns are so fresh they haven’t developed real patterns of liking/not-liking pacifiers. I know new parents are often reluctant and again I would never force a baby to use a paci if parents don’t approve, but as a mom of three, pacifiers were often a helpful tool.
*If you use cloth diapers please plan on bringing disposable ones for the session or I have some in the studio. The diaper stays on for the majority of the session and cloth diapers are too bulky.
*MOMS: This one’s for you! Take care of yourself! Don’t forget to eat and bring water (or I have water here). I know you usually carry the heavy load getting everyone ready for photos but don’t forget about your own self-care.
* My studio will be quite warm to help keep baby asleep and comfortable - so plan for that.
* I have plenty of hats, wraps, blankets, etc so you don't have to worry about providing anything. My mini studio sessions are completely planned out based on the colors and info you provided in the questionnaire. My workflow revolves around the props, wraps and accessories I will be using and I work in a manner that pretty much guarantees that baby will stay asleep the entire session, after he/she initially falls asleep. I typically do not allow special outfits for mini sessions. If you want more flexibility with such things, consider a full session as it provides more time and flexibility to get more special requests in. Note: hats and headbands are easy to slip on and off so those are no big deal to add as long as they match the wraps I'm using.
* As for what to wear for mom, dad, and siblings (if applicable) - I suggest something simple. Solid colors are good - patterns or wording take focus from the baby.
* Session flow: I will wrap baby first, layering a few different wraps so I can interchange wraps when needed without fully unwrapping baby. One set up will be a fully wrapped babe, next will be a sibling set up (if applicable), then parent/family shots. We’ll end with a set up with my first layer that will showcase more of baby (typically revealing baby’s legs). If you want baby in an outfit for parent/family shots then we’ll tackle that last.
* Remember that newborn mini sessions are for immediate family only. If you want to include grandparents or others, please discuss upgrading to a full session.
*The questionnaire you fill out prior to the session is the time to let me know if you have any specific poses you want. Remember - this is a wrapped session so do not plan on any naked shots. If you want naked shots, then lets talk about upgrading to a full session because those take longer both posing baby and during post processing. Also PLEASE do not arrive and show me a bunch of Pinterest ideas on your phone. I already will have a detailed workflow planned out and I don't like to be mean and say "no." (: It’s better to send me photos from my portfolio that you like before the session.
*Normal session time is 60-75 minutes but that is just an estimate - sometimes they are quick and easy, sometimes they last longer than planned. Don't stress if it's taking awhile to get baby settled - it's all part of the process. I will never rush through a newborn set, pose, etc. just because it’s taking a long time. Patience is key and necessary when dealing with babies. I can never guarantee we will be done at a certain time to accommodate older siblings’ schedules, work schedules, etc. We are on the baby’s schedule. I suggest you clear your schedule for the part of the day you’ll be with me. Enjoy the process. It’s actually pretty fun to watch. (:
*More than likely, I will have an assistant helping me that has worked with me several times.
*Regarding health safety, we use hand sanitizer and have masks available if you want us to wear them. We also receive the flu shot annually.
*Just to be upfront, my family or portions of my family might be home. They are used to this routine and will be completely out of the way as my studio is closed off. We do not have any pets.
*Lastly, you need to know how to get here! My address is 6525 Briarwood Place, Zionsville.
*After the session I will post a sneak peek on social media within two days, unless you opted out. My typical turnaround for proofs is one week or less. Once you choose your 10 favorites (or all of them), expect a 7-14 day turnaround. Turnaround times are subject to change depending on my workload at the time but I will communicate expectations with you. NOTE: Proofs will not be fully edited. They will be cropped and have basic exposure and color corrections. I will complete all of the detail editing for the images you select, including redness removal, extending backgrounds, blemish removal, etc. The final images will be much more polished than the proofs.
*Please let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to meeting you and your new addition!
Rescheduling Notice: Please note that if I am sick, I will reschedule our session. Per my contract, if that puts us outside the window of 3 weeks of age, you have the option to cancel your contract and I will return your deposit. Babies can be photographed successfully outside of the 3 week window but I don’t want to compromise your desired results and I definitely do not want to risk the health of your baby. I will always be open and honest about my health (which good news, I am typically a healthy person - but I have kids and kids tend to bring those germs home). (: Since my studio is in my home, I also will have an open discussion with you if any of my family members are sick and we can mutually decide how to proceed.
Looking for a specific post?
Latest Posts
