Before Your Session
• Please feed your baby 15–30 minutes before your session to help ensure they are full and settled for photos. If possible, arrive a little early to feed your baby. Feeding during the session is completely normal and expected, but we do work on a schedule and multiple feeding breaks can reduce shooting time.
• Please bring a pacifier, even if your baby doesn't normally take one. It can be a very helpful tool for soothing and posing transitions.
• Give your baby a bath the morning of your session. Before leaving home, try to keep baby awake for 1.5–2 hours. I know this is easier said than done, so don't stress if it doesn't go perfectly. It's completely fine if baby sleeps a bit on the way to the studio.
• If you live more than 20–30 minutes away from the studio, please plan to arrive early enough to allow for awake time and feeding before we begin, or try to keep baby awake during the drive as much as possible. Babies who sleep for extended periods in the car often have a harder time settling into a deep sleep at the studio.
During Your Session
• I typically begin with baby only photos and move into family photos afterward. If siblings will be attending, please bring activities to keep them entertained or have another adult available to supervise them until we're ready for family photos.
• For sessions that include toddlers or young children, we can begin with family and sibling photos while baby is being fed if needed.
• It's completely normal if your baby gets fussy during the session. They're in a new environment with a new person, and newborn sessions often take a little longer because of that. If baby is fed and changed, I am confident in soothing them. There's magic in the last 10 minutes, so trust the process!
What I Provide
• I provide everything for baby including wraps, swaddles, accessories and other newborn styling items. If you plan to borrow a gown from my client closet, please let me know in advance so I can have it prepared for your session.
Personal Items & Outfits
• You are welcome to bring a special outfit or sentimental item for your baby, provided it is discussed and approved before the session.
• Costumes and novelty outfits are not permitted. This includes tulle-heavy outfits, poorly fitting clothing, fantasy-themed items, unrealistic props, and similar accessories that do not match my style of work.
• Any items brought to the session that were not approved beforehand may not be used.
Posing Requests
• If there are specific poses you would like to try, please communicate those requests before your session so I can plan accordingly. Certain poses require additional setup and time.
• My Instagram portfolio from the past six months is a great resource for examples of posing styles and setups.
• Every baby is different, and some babies simply will not tolerate certain poses. *If a pose is not working safely or comfortably for your baby, we will move on to make the best use of our session time.*
• Please keep the differences between Essential and Full Newborn Sessions in mind when considering pose requests. Essential Newborn Sessions do not include sibling photos. Table poses are no longer offered for either session.
Preemie & NICU Babies
• Preemie and NICU babies who are now within the typical newborn weight range (approximately 6–9 lbs) may still be older developmentally than a traditional newborn. Because of this, some poses may not be possible and settling can take longer.
• I will never force a baby into a position that appears uncomfortable or unsafe.
• If your baby is on oxygen and you plan to remove the cannula for photos, please remove the adhesive stickers the night before or the morning of your session whenever medically appropriate. This allows redness and swelling time to diminish. A hat or headband bow can often help temporarily hold the cannula in place when needed.
Studio Policies
• I use a specialized newborn posing air mattress during sessions. Please keep children away from the posing area and off the mattress at all times to prevent damage. Replacement cost for the posing bag is $350.
• Parents are responsible for supervising their children throughout the session. Any damage to studio property, furniture, equipment, props, or supplies caused by children attending the session is the financial responsibility of the parent or guardian and may result in repair or replacement charges.