Newborn Prep

We have photographed many newborns over the past years and here is what we have found to lead to the most successful session: We ask that you please read over the prep and follow it to the best of your ability to ensure a successful session.

If you have selected our small studio unit for your newborn session and are wanting sibling shots, we ask that you please bring another family member to take sibling(s) home after we take sibling and family photos so that we can continue on with the newborn session without baby being disrupted from their cozy sleep.

If you are nursing, avoid eating anything spicy (i.e. pizza, hot sauce, etc.) that might upset the baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session.

Please bring a pacifier for the baby. This is mandatory. If you do not bring one, one will be provided for you at the studio. Having a pacifier on hand can be the difference between getting the shot and missing it if babe wakes up. We use it sparingly and only if we feel we need to to save a pose / shot.

It is crucial to keep baby awake for the majority of the morning before the shoot. We recommend at minimum, keeping them up 2-3 hours before leaving home. Without this, we spend too much time getting them to sleep and not as much time photographing them. If you need to, give the baby a bath (or towel bath if umbilical plug hasn't fallen off) to keep them awake or get them naked to stay alert.

Feed your baby as much as possible during the 12 hours before the session. This is especially true for breastfed babies. It will help amazingly with getting them to sleep deeply. This will allow for baby to not only sleep deeply but for as long as possible too. If you are already supplementing—the feeding just before the session is one to do this for. As formula sits heavier on the belly and they sleep better. After you keep them awake and give them a good feeding, allow the baby to fall asleep in the car on the way to the studio. This will put them into a deep sleep so that they are ready to go when they arrive. If you have a long drive to our studio, we might ask you to feed them again upon arrival.

Bring extra clothes for yourself in case your baby uses the bathroom on you. It happens often. For your family shots, please plan to bring earth tone colored shirts for your partner/spouse and other children, if any. Mommy, if you plan on parent shots, please wear natural or minimal make-up. Avoid too bright or too dark of eye shadows and lipsticks. Next to your naked sleepy baby, a natural face will provide the best image. As for mommy's wardrobe, you can bring an earth tone tank, shirt, or use one of the options we offer at the studio. Daddies, please bring both a cream/tan neutral shirt and a solid black shirt to change into for our "shadow images."

Dress baby in loose fitting clothes to avoid any lines on skin—a simple button-up or zip up sleeper is best. We prefer items that we do not have to take over their head so try to avoid onesies.

When you arrive, please leave them in their car seats. They will be warm, cozy, and asleep. Taking them out will cause the baby to be alert and awake. We will remove them and get them in their birthday suit when we are ready.

Both studio options include a shooting area and a couch for you to sit back and relax while we work with your baby. We ask that you please avoid hovering over the photographers while they work and keep noise to a minimum to avoid waking your sleeping baby. Your session can last anywhere between 2-4 hours. We encourage you to bring snacks, a book, a magazine, your electronics, etc.

Upon arrival please get comfortable and set aside 2 diapers, wipes, and a pacifier for us so that we disturb you as little as possible.

COVID-19 CLAUSE:
As a result of COVID-19, our team has made some adjustments to our newborn sessions until further notice. Independently of the state of Wisconsin's advisory date of resumption, until our team determines it is safe to resume to normal protocols, we will be adding the following precautionary steps to all sessions in our unit, including newborns.

We are only allowing immediate family members (existing household members) into scheduled newborn sessions to reduce the risk of our team's health being impacted.
We will wash our hands thoroughly before entering our unit. We ask that you please do the same.
We will wear face masks during the entire duration of your baby's session. We ask that you please wear yours as well. For parent and family shots, you will be invited to remove at that time.
Our studio will be cleaned after each client and fabrics will be cleaned, sanitized, and washed between sessions.

Newborn Session Questionnaire