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 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. 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 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 Covid, my assistant and I are fully vaccinated. We use hand sanitizer and have masks available if you want us to wear them.
*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. 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.
