Newborn Preparation

Newborn Photographs:

Tips for having a great Newborn session:

So you’ve decided to invest in some awesome Newborn photos. And now, if you are like most of my clients, you’re probably wondering, “What the heck should baby wear?" Or if you are having photos done with your baby, “what the heck should we (the parents) wear?”

Please note that posed Newborn shots are best done when baby is 2-10 days old. We can do baby photos at any age but they are more likely to sleep during the session when they are this age. If your baby was pre-term please ask photographer about the best time to do the shoot. (Really small babies can shoot when a bit older and have gained some weight).

Parents: Wear something you love. (If having photos done with your baby) Pick the outfit in your closet (or shop for one if need be) that makes you feel amazing. The one that makes you smile when you put it on, that you know you look good in and that brings a little extra pep to your step. Do not wear oversize outfits, as these tend to make you look larger than you actually are. Choose well fitting clothing and be aware of low cut tops may not have you looking your best. Moms: Please be ready and have Hair/Make-up done as there is not time at the studio to do this.
Baby: This is the Second single most important tip: If at all possible feed baby at the studio. This will ensure that baby is going to be sleepy and content while at studio and you are increasing your chances of getting sleepy posed baby shots. Maybe give babe a bath prior to coming. If baby sleeps before coming do not worry as we will still be able to get great shots as babies have their own schedules. Awake shots are just as cute too. Please use your judgment.....if baby has to eat prior to coming I would never ask you to refrain from feeding your baby. (The best newborn shots are achieved after baby has had a full feed at the studio prior to taking photos-but as a Mother of three I know sometimes we can plan all we want to and ultimately baby has the upper hand in this one).
Baby: Please refrain from using new products that you have not tried before on baby’s skin. Chances are if baby is newborn they are going to have peeling skin and some markings. I would recommend Glaxal Base cream. This is a cream that you can buy over the counter and has no dye, perfume or lanolin. This is a great cream recommended by doctors for sensitive skin and decreases your baby’s chance of rashing due to sensitivity. (Over the counter purchase at most pharmacies.) Do not worry about bad skin as I do edit the photos. Please note: If baby’s skin requires additional editing beyond the norm there may be an extra charge for this.
Bottle-feeding: Please do not change formula just before your Newborn Photography Session as baby will be fussy.
Breastfeeding diet: This is the most important thing to do!!! If you are breastfeeding baby I would ask you to avoid these foods 24-48 hours while nursing as they can cause gas and discomfort which makes for a fussy baby and will not give you an optimal portrait experience:

Caffeine
Wine + Beer
Soda
Asparagus
Vegetables
Spicy things
Broccoli
Cabbage
Chocolate
Acidic Juices or fruit: cranberries, pineapple, grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and strawberries.
Peanuts
Tomatoes including Pizza, Ketchup or Chili
Possibly Dairy (check with your doctor)

I would ask that you bring extra Formula if bottle-feeding, a soother, extra diapers and wipes and changes of outfits if desired.

Usually for Newborn shoots I ask the parents to bring items in that they wish used for a session (hockey gloves for the sports shots, guitar for the musician etc.) Bring what means something to you. Please bring only 1-2 items only.

If you do not have any items you wish used do not worry as I have Hats/Outfits, wraps, stuffed teddy bears, and props galore at my home studio for us to use. Your package includes the use of these props.

Siblings: If Package chosen includes shots with siblings then we can do some photos with siblings also. Please have someone who will watch the sibling while we shoot baby. I will ask that someone can take the sibling home for the remainder of the newborn shoot so that it can go smoothly and baby can remain asleep for their shoot.

Prior to your shoot I will go over the types of shots that you most desire. Colour choices and make sure that any questions are answered so that you have the best experience possible and the most success for Newborn Photos.

Please allow about 2 hours for the Newborn Session as we will soothe and sometimes take a bit longer than your average session. All time is at discretion of photographer and package chosen.

Now that your session is complete.... what now?

Within about 1-2 weeks I will post your online gallery that you can choose your photos and it will remain online with password protection for about 14 days so that you can make your selections toward your purchased package. (once chosen and payment has been received they will be available for digital download). You are encouraged to save your photos in several places to ensure that you have these cherished memories for a lifetime.

Further questions please ask:

Please note that these recommendations are only meant as guidelines to have the best possible newborn session but is not meant to replace health advice by your medical practitioner. Always check with your medical practitioner !!

Erika Belanger

Erika Belanger Photography

PO Box 177, Station Main

Cold Lake, Alberta T9M 1P1

Email: [email protected]

Website: erikabelangerphotograhy.zenfolio.com/