Scheduling and preparing for your newborn session is one of those fun and exciting to-do’s when you are pregnant. Planning for your session doesn’t have to be stressful though! Whether you’re planning for an at-home session or one at my natural light Demorest Studio, I promise to make this experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. However, as a mom of four little ones, I understand how helpful it can be to know what to expect. Here are a few tips I give to my clients in order to help them feel prepared for their newborn sessions.
Feeding Time
Usually a full baby is a happy baby! I remind my clients to try to feel the little one right before they arrive, but sometimes that is not always possible if a long drive is ahead of them. If it has been more than an hour and a half since baby has been fed, I typically recommend my clients go ahead and have a feeding before we get started with photos. If you prefer to bring along a bottle with breastmilk or formula, make sure you have that in your diaper bag. If you need anything specific for nursing (nipple shield, Boppy pillow, etc.) be sure to bring those along as you are packing for your session.
Items of Comfort
Bring along things that might comfort your baby. Maybe they love their pacifier or a specific sound. If you have toddlers, this counts for them too! Maybe they have a lovie or toy that brings them comfort. Make sure to pack those for the trip.
Wardrobe
If your photographer offers a client wardrobe, be sure to touch base with them on things you might need to bring along for your session. For HJP clients, they can arrive and know that they have pieces curated and ready for them. If using the client wardrobe, be sure to bring neutral undergarments for mom, pants and belt for dad. And if you are choosing to wear shoes, be sure that dad has some neutral socks.
If you are choosing your own wardrobe, my favorite choice for moms is flattering flowy dresses that are framed under the bust with neutral tones or subtle patterns. For dads, I love a classic solid button down shirt or a henley.
Little Details
Don’t forget your nails and jewelry! If you can fit in your wedding bands make sure you have those on (we all understand the swelling of pregnancy and postpartum!). If anyone in the family needs a haircut before the session, make sure you plan ahead.
Preparing your space (for In-Home Sessions)
If you are opting for an in-home session, make sure the rooms you would like photos in (nursery, master bedroom, living room, etc.) are clear of any clutter. Throw all of those diaper boxes and baby shower bags in the closet or spare room. Talk with your photographer about any concerns you have about your space and how they might photograph.
Make a morning of it!
Having a newborn session is a big milestone! It is definitely one worth celebrating. Make a morning of it by grabbing a cup of coffee or your favorite takeout on the way home. If the weather is nice, maybe you can bring along the stroller and go for a family walk.
Hello Jude Photography provides newborn photography in North Georgia for busy moms who want a stress-free and luxury portrait experience. Also offering maternity, family, and baby photography, our studio is located in the heart of Demorest, between Clayton and Gainesville. We serve families in Habersham, White, Stephens, Hall, Rabun, Banks, Jackson, Gwinnett, Forsyth, and Dekalb Counties, and all throughout the North Georgia region.
We offer a high-end, full service experience including a pre-session consultation, exclusive access to the carefully curated Studio Wardrobe and cozy bright and airy studio space, a beautiful gallery of story-telling images, and an array of family heirlooms such as albums, prints, custom framing and more to pass down to your children. If you are searching for the perfect maternity, birth, newborn or family portrait photographer near Demorest and are wanting to create heirlooms for your family, we can’t wait to serve you.