Newborn Session Preparation Information

Congratulations on your new addition!  This is such an exciting time.  Please review the notes below before your upcoming newborn session.  If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.  You may call, text, email, or reach me by Facebook at anytime. 

Newborns are best photographed between 5-14 days old.  Please contact me when you know your due date and we will set your session date ‘in pencil’. This date is not set in stone as babies come when they want to. Call, text or email me when your baby is born so we can adjust your session date if needed. If you are breastfeeding then please see the bottom of the page for the list of foods to avoid 48 hours prior to your session. 

Newborn sessions will take place in my home studio.  The room will be kept very warm to ensure that we have a nice warm, sleepy baby.  I use studio lighting, so the studio will be a cozy, warm, dark little cave.  Please note that your session will be 3-4 hours long.  Please plan your day accordingly.  Babies sense their parents feelings and nerves.  Please remember to stay clam and relaxed so that your baby will be as well.  Babies that are clam and relaxed are easier to fall asleep and pose.  Remember your baby will most likely cry.  Its OK, it does not bother me.  Your baby may not act the same.  He may not sleep as well or go to sleep that quickly.  Its fine, babies aren't used to being repositioned and posed every few minutes.  We will take breaks whenever needed.

I like to photograph newborns nude.  Clothing usually swallows the baby and too much takes away from the beauty of a new little one.  Photos will always be done in a tasteful manner and I will ensure that no private parts other than a little tushy will show.  If you are uncomfortable with having baby photographed completely nude, let me know before your session.  In that case I can use a diaper cover or put baby in positions so that his/her diaper will not show.  I will also have props such as crochet hats, blankets, headbands, etc. on hand, but you are welcome to bring something that is special to you that you would like for me to include in your session.  

Please use the following as a checklist in preparation for your newborn session:

• Keep baby awake at least 1 hour prior to session if possible.  The more sleepy baby is, the easier he will fall and stay asleep. Play and interact with your baby to keep them awake for 1-2 hours prior to your session. Great tips to keep them awake are giving baby a bath or undress them and keep them naked. This will ensure they are very sleepy while they are here. 
• Dress baby in a loose item of clothing that is easy to remove (no onesies that have to come off over the head, etc.…)  Please avoid any clothing which might leave marks on the skin, such as socks.
• If at all possible, please try to time feedings so that baby can be fed upon arrival.  Full babies sleep better and sleeping babies are easier to position and can handle the session for longer.  This works best because if you feed your baby before you come here they will start their sleep cycle while in the car seat. We don’t want that, we want baby to do that at the studio. If baby is formula fed then bring additional formula and bottles.  We will take breaks throughout the session to feed baby more, if he still seems hungry or needs comfort nursing.
• Bring anything you would like to use in your session. (Blankets, hats, headbands, outfits, etc.)  You do not need to bring anything if you don't want to.  I have many items and props for use during your session.
• Please bring a pacifier, even if your baby hasn’t started using one yet.  Please buy one just for this session.  We might need it just for a minute or two while in a pose to keep them asleep.  I recommend the “Soothie”  because they don’t leave marks on the babies face like other kinds.   Please try to avoid the pacifier with the animals attached to them, as they animals tend to drag and touch the baby, which can startle them awake.
• When you arrive please take baby down to just a diaper.  Loosen the diaper and wrap baby in a blanket for warmth and comfort.  I will have a space heater to keep the room very warm for baby.   This means that the room will be VERY WARM for Mom and Dad.  Please keep that in mind and dress accordingly.
• I may ask you to help throughout the session.  If you are unable to help because of a pain (c-section or sore from giving birth) it is helpful to bring dad or a grandparentalong if my assistant is unavailable.  Also note that my studio is on the second floor, so please let me know if stairs are difficult for you to manage at this time.
• Feel free to bring yourselves a snack and drinks, as it may take a few hours for your session.
• Be prepared for messes.  Babies don't care where they use the bathroom. Please have wipes and extra diapers handy.  I have been peed, pooped and puked on.  Its OK.  Don't worry about your baby messing on my blankets or other props, it happens.  I clean, wash and disinfect all my props after each session.  
• Most of all know that I love babies.  I have two children myself.  I have lots of patience and I'm very caring.  I take my time and stay calm.  There is nothing your baby can do that will upset me.  I will hold, comfort and love on your baby throughout the session.  Safety always comes first at Shauna Nienhaus Photography.   I will explain the poses and if you are uncomfortable with anything, please let me know.  Thank you for choosing me to capture images of your most precious baby!

Siblings

If older siblings are being photographed with baby, we will discuss this before the session.  We will decide together whether we want to do the sibling images at the beginning of the session or at the end, and how comfortable you are with siblings holding the new baby.   When the sibling and family images are finished, we ask that someone be available to take the older children away from the studio.  Although this may be inconvenient, we need the rest of the session to remain free from distraction so that the baby can be asleep and we can produce those beautiful images that you are in the studio for.  

What to Wear

Please keep clothing simple.  Avoid patterns and logos, especially finely striped shirts, as that leaves a distinct moire pattern in prints that looks warped.    We want the focus to be on the baby, not on distracting clothing.  Any color is fine, as long as everyone is wearing complementary colors.  I love little girls in dresses and little boys in jeans and solid t-shirts.   Don’t worry too much about shoes because I will most likely make you take them off.  I love bare feet :)