Prepping for an In-home Newborn Session | Indianapolis Newborn Photographer

One of the best services I provide my clients is offering on-location newborn sessions.  I bring all of my gear, props, accessories, etc. to you- all you have to do is tidy up a bit, follow a few simple directions, and open the door.  (: 

If you have an in-home posed+lifestyle newborn session coming up, please read the following to understand how to prep for the session, how the session will play out, and what to expect. 

Session Length, Poses, & Props

Sessions typically last 3-4 hours, including my set-up and tear-down time. As far as poses/inspiration images go, I cannot guarantee that we will get any specific images but I will surely do my best to get the images that are of most importance to you and your family.  I will bring enough blankets, wraps, hats & headbands for the entire session but if you have something you’d like to use, please feel free to let me know in your questionnaire so I can plan for it.

Session Prep - Please try to follow these as much as possible - it will give us the best chance for a smooth session

AWAKE - Try to keep baby awake for a couple hours before I arrive.  Give baby a bath, play with baby, tickle his/her feet.  It will help assure that baby will be tired when it's time to sleep for the session. 

FEED - We will get the best images when your baby is sleepy and full.  PLEASE plan on feeding your baby once I arrive so you can be feeding while I set up and baby will be nice and full once we are ready to begin. Do not skimp on this feeding - goal is to have baby as full as possible so he/she isn’t waking and “snacking” the entire session. Having a bottle handy is also a good idea during the session.

UNDRESS - I’ve found that it is easiest if you wrap him/her in a blanket (vs. clothing) for this feeding. That way we won’t have to bother the baby with undressing before we start.  If you use cloth diapers please put baby in a disposable diaper for the session. Cloth diapers are too bulky to hide under wraps.

CLEAN UP - This is referring to baby and some of the normal flakiness or "eye boogers" that he or she may have.  During that feeding before our session, please take a wet cloth and wipe down baby's eyes and face.  If baby is super flaky, you may consider using a baby-friendly lotion (nothing greasy!).  This will greatly reduce my editing and turn around time. 

WARMTH - It would be helpful to crank up the heat a bit to keep baby comfortable. I will bring a space heater and if I am in a closed off area for the posed portion, then I can get it nice and toasty, which is what is ideal for baby.

LIFESTYLE - If you want lifestyle shots taken, please pick up in any rooms where we might take photos (generally ones with ample natural light).  Many couples also like to take newborn/family photos in their bedroom, so you may want to pick up and make the bed.  (:  Less is more for lifestyle photos.  Also, if you could have a step ladder readily available for me during the lifestyle portion, that would be super helpful.  There are a few shots I like to take from higher up + I am vertically challenged.

Setting Up

WALKTHROUGH - When I arrive, I will first perform a walkthrough of the house to determine where I will set up and where we can take some lifestyle shots.  I shoot newborns with a studio light (don't worry, perfectly safe for babies) so really all I need is a cleared out space for my light, beanbag, and props.  I prefer a room with minimal light (or one where I can easily block the light with curtains/blanket) and an enclosed room or a semi-enclosed room helps me keep the room warm with my space heater. For the studio portion, I prefer not to shoot in open living room spaces and areas where I am in the way of siblings, pets, etc. We will use natural light for the lifestyle portion so the quality of light will dictate where in your home we capture those images.

MY STUFF - I will make a few trips to the car to bring in all my goodies.  With me I will have: a bean bag, a backdrop stand, blankets, a basket/crate or two, a space heater, a suitcase of wraps/headbands/hats, and my camera equipment.  I try to be as non-intrusive as possible but there are times I may have to move a few chairs or a coffee table to set up shop. 

During the Session

SESSION FLOW - All of my sessions start with me wrapping baby for some prop and beanbag shots.   After a few different setups and looks, and while baby is wrapped, we will work in sibling shots.  After sibling, I will work through some more baby-only set ups, ending with the naked shots, if desired and baby allows. 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. More than likely, baby will need to be fed or topped off after the posed portion and I’ll take this time to tear down my studio set up and clean up. The lifestyle family portion will be last once baby is all settled again.

BABIES CAN BE MESSY - Don't worry about spit-up or messes.  Not my first rodeo. Some of my stuff has been soiled in the past and I have become an expert in removing it. 

FEED, FEED, FEED - Some babies wake more often during the session than others so having a bottle handy is sometimes an easy way to get baby back to sleep without disturbing baby too much.   With that said, I always try to coax baby back to sleep using other methods before resorting to another feeding.  Please have a pacifier handy as well.

DISTRACTIONS - Please do whatever you can to keep the noise level to a minimum during our session.  I will bring a white noise machine but it can’t cover up all noises.  You may want to make arrangements for older children and/or pets that might be distracting.  I normally take sibling shots after a few posed baby-only set ups so I can let you know when they need to be ready for their photos.   Let’s also talk more about pets. I’m a pet lover but I also want to minimize the interaction between animals and my newborn props, blankets, etc. It is best if animals are kept away from the area that I’m shooting to keep pet dander and hair off of my stuff and to minimize any distractions they may cause. That said, I’m more than happy to include them in lifestyle portion!

RELAX - We know that babies can be unpredictable and it’s impossible to know how each session will play out.  I will take great care to get the shots you desire but I also will follow the baby’s lead.  If the baby is fussy, we’ll just take a break.  Please don’t get frustrated as they can sense stress (especially from their mommy)!   

PACIFIER - If your baby takes a pacifier please have it handy. I also travel with new ones. I would never force a baby to take one if parents are comfortable but as a seasoned photographer and mother of three, pacifiers are helpful tools for calming and settling baby.

SAFETY FIRST – My MAIN priority is your baby’s safety.  I take great care in handling your baby and ensuring that he/she is supported properly and is comfortable.  I am a mommy to three kiddos so I know how delicate newborns are.  If there is ever a point where you become uncomfortable, please let me know!  This is also why I always try to have an assistant with me - her main job is to ensure baby is safe.

ASSISTANT - I always try to schedule my sessions when my assistant can join me. It provides a safer environment for the baby and allows the parents to sit back and relax. If she is unavailable and I’m flying solo, I may ask for your assistance for some of the set ups to ensure complete safety.

COVID - my assistant and I are fully vaccinated. We wear masks and sanitize throughout the session to ensure we are taking all measures to keep everyone safe.

WARDROBE - As for what to wear for mom and dad - I suggest something simple.  Solid colors are good - patterns or wording kind of take away focus from the baby.   Let's also talk about what not to wear - take your fitbits, apple watches, etc. off or any other accessories that would distract from baby. (:  As for baby's wardrobe during the lifestyle session, a plain white onesie is nice or I have some neutral wraps we can use.  I HIGHLY discourage putting the baby in any complete outfits (pants+shirts, dresses, etc.).  Newborns don't fit in clothes very well and they just end up being baggy/awkward and covering the baby's face and cute features.  Newborn sessions are about the newness and tiny little features - clothes cover all of that up. 

TIME - A newborn session is an investment of time for both parties. The session duration on my website is just an estimate - sometimes they are quick and easy, sometimes they last longer than planned. 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 I’ll be with you. Enjoy the process. It’s actually pretty fun to watch. (:

After the Session

I will post a sneak peek on Facebook and Instagram within two days of our session, unless you opted out.  Post processing of all of the photos will be completed within 2-3 weeks (during busy fall season it may be up to 4 weeks) and I will send you a link to your online gallery.

If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to email me or give me a call at 765-749-4388. 

Prepping for a Family Session | Helpful Tips | Indianapolis Family Photographer

Preparation is key in having a successful photo session.  It doesn't have to be complicated - you don't have to spend hours shopping for new outfits, practicing poses, or training your children to smile.  I always want my clients to come relaxed - ready to be yourselves.  The tips below are helpful tools to assist us in capturing the best photos we possibly can that portray the reality of your family. 

DRESS:

- 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!  If you have young kids, you want to be comfortable picking them up and playing with them.  (: 

- Dress for the weather.  I know it may not be ideal and you may have had a special summer outfit picked out and it's 50 degrees, but you want to be comfortable. 

- 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. 

- Women - don't over-accessorize.  We want the focus to be on the beautiful faces of your family, not on the big hoop earrings you are wearing. 

- 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.

• Shoes matter - The rugged sneakers or Spiderman boots with the nice khaki pants might not be the look you are going for. I will say with that, please make sure they are comfortable - I have seen way too many times that parents go buy new shoes and they don't fit properly or they are not comfortable and that makes for unhappy kids.

• Vests and coats - I have a love/hate relationship with vests and coats - they can be great for photos but so often they ride up and cover the kids faces. If you do want them wearing a vest or coat, please make sure it properly fits.

BEFORE YOUR SESSION:

- If you have an evening session, I recommend keeping the kids on a normal schedule for the day.  Taking them out all afternoon and missing naptime will prove disastrous for the photo session. 

- 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 our location.  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. EXCEPTION: If you are participating in a mini session and have a session after you, then showing up late might reduce the number of photos we capture.

- Please fill out the questionnaire if possible, 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. But please know that if it’s during my peak fall season (Sept, Oct, Nov), I have likely turned down business to hold your spot and I will have to charge a reschedule fee of $100, per our contract.

Rescheduling based on weather will always be a day-of decision and we will try to make a decision early enough in the day so that we both aren’t spending time prepping for a session that won’t happen. I will be in touch via text the day of to discuss the weather and gather both opinions. If you have a morning session, I will be in touch the evening prior to that to discuss weather. During my peak fall season (Sept, Oct. Nov.) I will be less lenient about rescheduling. Rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, temperatures under 40 degrees will qualify for rescheduled sessions. Misty weather, cloudiness, only a potential for severe weather, and unseasonal (warm in fall, cool in summer/spring) temperatures will not qualify for a reschedule unless mutually agreed by me. And just to make it clear, if fall doesn’t feel like “fall” or the colors are not peaking at the time you thought they would - that is not an acceptable reason to reschedule and I will not agree reschedule based on those reasons. This girl cannot control the weather or the pretty fall colors. (:

AT YOUR SESSION:

- If possible, place your PHONE, wallet, bulky keys, etc. in a bag to carry around or hand them to me to put with my stuff.  These things bulge in pockets and peak out of pockets and they just look funny in pictures.  I usually am carrying around a bag and I can store your stuff.  Please don’t leave valuables in the car - there have been reported car break-ins for photographers and clients at parks. People are unfortunately preying on us since they know we’ll be gone from the parking lot for period of time and possibly are leaving belongings in the car.

- If you have young children - make sure their faces are clean before getting out of the car.  I don't know about you, but my kids always seem to have bits of food, yogurt stains, and/or snot on their face.  Food and snot can be an editing nightmare.

- Please do not take photos with your cell phones during sessions (or bring a real camera and take photos of your own - and yes this has actually happened to me).  (Unless you want to take a picture of me taking pictures and post on FB about what an awesome photographer I am).  (: 

- If you choose a nature outdoor location in the spring, summer, or early fall, please check yourselves for ticks after the session and before getting in the car.  And again when you get home.  It's just a precaution; I actually have yet to see a tick on myself or a client after a session, but we know they are out there. 

- Most importantly - RELAX, have FUN and be yourselves!  I love capturing candid moments so if you feel inclined to pick up your kids and swing them around, please do so.  Yes, I will help pose, but especially with young children, we will also follow their lead.  I want this to be a positive and fun experience - I'm not just selling you photos - I truly want you to enjoy the entire session experience. 

AFTER YOUR SESSION:

- Your work is done!  You did it!  I post a sneak peek on Facebook and Instagram within a couple days, unless you opted out.  I will finish editing and send you an online gallery within 14 days (21 days max during my busy fall season). 

If any questions arise at any point in the process, please don't hesitate to contact me.  kellymartinphotos@gmail.com or 765-749-4388.