Session Information
To achieve the sleepy newborn images, I heat my studio to around 25, which is perfect for newborns, but can be a bit warm for parents, so I recommend wearing layers. I also recommend bringing a spare outfit just in case bubs spits up on you.
It's super helpful when a newborn has a feed just before the session to get that lovely milk drunk sleepiness, but if your bub isn't ready for a feed until later in the session don’t stress, we can to a break during the session at anytime for bubs to have a feed. Rest assured that every baby needs a little break during their session.
Dress bubs in a simple baby suit that is easy to undress and re dress, preferably don’t have any fiddly singlets on. if you are worried about bubs being cold on the way to the session just pop an extra blanket on top for the drive over.
If you have a toddler or a husband who is a bit of a mess, you are more than welcome to change into your photo outfits once you arrive at the studio.
What to wear
For me personally working out what to wear is the hardest part of the session. Trust me when I have had my family photos done I find it overwhelming trying to organise all the outfits. Most importantly wear something you feel comfortable in that’s your style. Wear something in neutral colours, blues, whites, grey, denim or pastel colours. Prints are great too, you just want to avoid putting too many different prints together. If one person has a print on then keep all the other outfits a little less busy.
If you need some ideas check out my Pinterest page linked below
I also have some inspiration videos linked in my highlights on Instagram
If possible try to organise all the outfits for the session prior to bubs arrival. It will be one less thing for you to do. I have had clients need to go shopping the morning of the session to get their outfit.
Its best to choose your own outfit first then work the children’s outfits around your own. Kmart and Best and Less have some beautiful outfits that won’t break the bank in gorgeous natural tones. Cotton on Kids, Country Road and Seed have great options too.
I’ve got different wraps and blankets to pop bubs in for the pictures. We can have a chat about colour choices when you arrive for your session. If you have anything special you would like to have incorporated into the session just let me know.
If you can, things to avoid
Bright fluoro colours Solid Black tops T shirts with large logos Everyone wearing the same outfit
Things to bring along:
Spare clothes
Water bottle
Nappy bag
Snacks and drinks for kids
If you have a dummy bring it along even if you haven’t used it yet.
Siblings
It will help if you can prepare any siblings before the session by telling them we’ll have a fun time with the photographer. Plant the seed early, talk about the sessions for a few days before. I fully understand this is a very busy time! Tell them the plan for the session, we will get dressed in a special outfit, we will go to a studio, we will take some pictures as a family, some picture of you and mummy, you and daddy, you and baby. Then you can have some snacks and a play. After the session we will go home.
I have been a primary school teacher for 19 years and I have a crazy toddler of my own so I know how difficult it can be to get children to co operate in new situations. Especially when their world has just been turned upside down with the arrival of a new baby.
For this reason I will do the family and sibling photos first, then they are free to play in the living room next to my studio. I have a toy box there for them to play with but feel free to bring along any toys and snacks that you know will keep them busy whilst we continue with the photo shoot.
It’s great if you can have a few bribes planned to help encourage them to join in weather its a special treat or a trip to the park once the session is finished. Anything that will help.
