Newborn
Congratulations and thank you for choosing Artsy Fartsy to photograph the most fleeting stage in your child’s life…the first few weeks. Below, I have included the information pertaining to a newborn session in your home or in studio. It is my hope that you will find this information helpful as you prepare for our session together. This information will hlep us in being successful in your shoot. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me (736-9279 or lana@artsyfartsyphoto.ca)
The Newborn Session
An Artsy Fartsy newborn shoot is geared completely around the baby. His or her comfort is our number one priority and for that reason I like to do most of the poses and shots while baby is sleeping. The techniques to get/keep baby asleep include rocking, handling, shushing and comforting baby with touch. Rest assured that I will wash my hands multiple times during the session and will absolutely not do the session if I am sick at all.
Please keep in mind that completeing the shoot at around 5-7 days of life will greatly aid in achieving beautiful portrait results. Baby will be more flexible and less bothered by persistent posing and fussing that I will do. When doing poses where baby is undressed, it is normal (and ok!) for him or her to “relieve” themselves on my backdrops….or anywhere else. I can assure you this happens all the time and I am not upset or offended. Please keep on hand some baby wipes and a towel. After each session I launder all of the backdrops and items baby comes in contact with.
For home shoots if you’d like shots of your baby undressed, please undress him/her and loosen the diaper then wrap baby in a blanket, feed him/her. That way I do not have to disturb baby with pulling to get sleepers off and we can start in on the session right away. Don’t worry if baby isn’t asleep when I arrive, we’ll work on it!
Newborns love to be warm and cozy but who doesn’t love those adorable photographs of a newborn in their birthday suit? I highly suggest that an hour before our session you raise the heat in your home so your little one is comfortable. The studio is always nice and warm to ensure that baby remains content throughout the session. I will bring a heating blanket as well as a space heater to keep baby extra cozy.
Comfortable babies sleep and a lot of the poses that look ideal with sleeping babies. No need to worry, I love awake babies too!
Location
I understand that you may not be ready to venture out of your home 5-7 days post-natal. I am definitely prepared to go to your home to do the session there if you are more comfortable. If this is the case, I will be temporarily taking over a small space in your home with backdrops and equipment. Most likely near the largest window or patio doors.
Having said that my home studio is comfortable and equipped to handle newborns and their family. I love to shoot the session in studio. This allows me to have access to all props and equipment nand have a better knowledge of the lighting situations. The familiarity definitely helps me to be successful at the shoot.
Taking My Time
There is no rush with a newborn session. Some photographers double up sessions during one day but I choose not to. I like to give special attention to each client, especially newborn sessions. I don’t mind and in fact prefer to wait for baby to fall asleep or for you to nurse or change baby and encourage you to take breaks to soothe your baby. Please keep in mind that a newborn session can run anywhere from 2-4 hours long. I try not to make any pressing plans directly after the session.
Food Considerations
Please feed baby if possible just before the session and be prepared to possibly feed a few times in between. I have found that babies sometimes need multiple feedings during the session, if for nothing more than the pure comfort of it. Also, if coming to the studio, don’t forget babies pacifier if they take one to help with fussy moments.
What to Wear
Many moms love the look of skin on skin photographs of them and their new baby. There is something amazing about the immediate connection between mom and babe. If this is something you are interested in achieving please rest assured it will be extremely discreet. Wearing a neutral coloured tube top or strapless bra can help give the illusion of skin on skin while remainin covered up.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email me.
You can find all my contact information in the top menu.
Thank you and congratulations again on your new addition!
