Newborn sessions have become very popular and there are so many different ways to do them. From styled to lifestyle I can do them all, they are so much fun and I just love all the different visions everyone has for their pictures. Newborn pictures are such great ways to remember all the details of your little one and to have memories to cherish for always!
This week I have put together some information and tips if you are looking to or need to book a newborn session this year. I am booking for spring now but I am unfortunately not booking for the summer months June, July or August 2018 as I am expecting my own newborn sometime in June! Contact me if you would like more information on sessions or booking.
When scheduling a newborn session please remember that newborns have a mind of their own and do not always follow the schedule we would like them to have. This is why my newborn sessions are up to 3 hours of session time. This allows plenty of time to set up different things, feed and change baby, and get baby back to sleep if needed. These sessions also take a LOT of editing sometimes because not every baby has perfect baby soft skin. Baby acne, jaundice, scratches, redness, and bruising are all common and are things I will gladly fix on your precious baby. Because of this I will say that newborn sessions do tend to cost a little more than regular sessions and tend to take the entire 2 weeks or more to finish and get into your gallery. My newborn sessions include up to 25 fully edited images with print release. As long as we are able to get a good amount of images I will try to include around 30-35 images in your gallery for you to choose from. Unfortunately there are not always that many to add into your gallery, I will do the best I can with your little one.
Scheduling: It is best to schedule your newborn session for about a week after your due date to ensure you have a spot on my schedule. I understand babies do not always wait for their due dates and like to come early. If this is the case, let me know when baby arrives and we can try and schedule you sooner. It is preferred to take newborn pictures in the first 14 days of life when baby is still very sleepy and easier to work with. Do not worry if we are unable to schedule you right away, newborn sessions can be done at any time, an older less sleepy baby may be a little harder to work with when it comes to wrapping them but they may be awake more and therefore we might be able to get more pictures of them with their eyes open!
Location: The location of your newborn session is entirely up to you! I am happy to come to your home if you have good natural lighting or I have an indoor location to use if you prefer. During the summer months when the weather is warm, outside is always an option.
Props: If you would like to do a specific theme or color scheme let me know beforehand. I will have props and backgrounds ready for your session. I do have wraps, blankets, baskets and some other various items for you to pick from. You are also welcome to bring your own props you wish to use.
What to wear: Newborn outfits, diaper covers, blankets, wraps are all good things to put your baby in for your pictures. Outfits do tend to be a bit big and can cover baby’s face, just something to think about when choosing which ones to use. Baby can be naked for some, if not all, of the images so please keep that in mind when deciding what to get. If you choose to have others in the images, baby, mom/dad or siblings, it is best to put them in more solids or neutral colors. It is important to keep focus on the subjects.
If you have any additional questions feel free to contact me. Newborn sessions for 2018 are $300 and include the 3 hours of session time and 25 fully edited digital images. A $50 nonrefundable retainer is required to book. I understand not everyone feels they need that much time or images but if you are wanting to do newborn pictures I do ask that you book the newborn session, I will not be booking newborn sessions as standard sessions.
Heather Lake Photography 