I love welcoming newborns into the studio. Moms of course will come worried but I have a few tricks up my sleeve after working with newborns for almost 10 years, and it's been a while since I had one that did not sleep. During newborn sessions we try to get a few different set ups and include parents or siblings into the pictures. If you are expecting, let's chat so I can tell you all about our different options!
What is sweeter than one baby? TWO BABIES! And, both girls. While I may personally never get to know what it's like to have girls, I certainly get to snuggle them during sessions. More often than not I am in the studio in Chester for newborn sessions, but every so often a family wants it to take place in their home and I get to stretch my creative wings! Every space is different, the lighting is never certain, but it's fun to find the best spots. This was a lifestyle portrait session that took place in their beautiful home in Richmond. We incorporated a few pieces from the family, and I brought a few wraps, and together it was the perfect session! Thank you V family for trusting me to come in your home and capture your sweet girls, I look forward to seeing you again!
So you found out you are expecting multiples, congratulations! Once that first wave of excitement (and nausea?) wears off, I am sure you will take a deep breath and realize that now all of your costs will at least double. The good news is, not with me. Whether it's newborn session or the cake smash, the cost is the same for your family as it would be for my 'single' babies. And you can include any older siblings or you (and your spouse!) that you'd like. After all, it's not just your babies that will be changing over the course of the year, you all will be! And I want to capture that for you.
Having a session with multiples can be a little nerve-wracking. I wonder if they will both sleep at the same time and fall into posing together naturally, but they just spend months of their lives being so close that it almost seems unnatural to pose them solo. (But don't worry, we still do!) My moms of multiples will read the same helpful hints post that I share with my singleton parents and so far I've had great success with "my" babies. I promise that I will treat them as if they are my own! I adore working with babies and families and I think it shows :)
PS. Did you notice the special up top, Expecting moms of multiples? Book a baby plan before February 1, 2017 and receive a free canvas from the newborn session!
Here are a few of my favorite newborn images from my twin and quadruplet sessions:
I am so honored you have chosen me to capture your newest love! I take the upmost care in making sure that "my" babies are always in safe positions, warm, and of course looking their best. There are a few things that I will ask you to do before arriving for the session, this helps the session to run more smoothly, and for you not to stress that we will get great images for you to display.
Before the baby arrives:
-"Schedule" your session. Send your estimated due date. I will pencil you in so I can be on baby watch and know when I will need to fit you in to the schedule after baby arrives!
-Send me nursery pictures! I want to tailor the session so that it matches your style and the baby's decor. I also like to work with some neutrals to ensure that you will be able to hang these pictures anywhere in your home/office.
-Tell me about any must have shots. I am happy to accommodate a few requests if possible. Do you have a special blanket or prop that you're just itching to include in the session? I want to see how to incorporate beforehand it so I can be prepared when you bring it. This is also why I ask for nursery shots, I may see something that would look great in pictures. (Ie this adorable elephant was in a nursery and I asked mom and dad to bring it along to the session! As it turns out, grandpa gifted it to Maxwell and made it so much more special to be in the pictures!)
Once the baby arrives we will pick a time/day for your session! But don't worry, I've likely been expecting you and will have some options ready!
The day of the session:
-Wake | Feed | Sleep. We need the baby to have a little time awake before you leave for the session, this will help them to be sleepy (or sleeping!) upon arrival. I usually suggest parents to give the baby a bath and then feed them FULL. Think, Thanksgiving dinner unbutton your pants full. The bath will wake them up, the feeding will help put them to sleep, and the car ride will continue that. If you are more than 20-30 minutes away you may have to feed again when you arrive, but I usually can transfer baby from carseat to posing without too much disturbance.
-AM Scheduling. I usually schedule sessions to start in the 9-10AM timeframe. The lighting is great in the studio if we choose to use natural light, and I feel for those babies that are confused on day/time that this is the time of the morning (since they've been up all night!) that they are settling to a deep sleep. We can be a little flexible on time though as long as we schedule it in advance.
-Don't stress! If you need a few minutes to freshen up when you arrive, that is totally fine. I almost always start with baby posing and have a full bathroom at your disposal. These pictures are ones you will treasure forever so should you need to put the finishing touches on your makeup or just do a quick glance over yourself, you will have the time to do so. Occasionally throughout the session I may ask for a hand (usually the parent that didn't just give birth unless they are tied up with other children!) or two in posing some of the more complicated poses. (Because, here's a secret, they're photoshopped!) This cute little baby's hands on his chin never actually put the weight all on himself, we merge two photos together.
Safety first, you guys! So important with newborn sessions. Even note in the second picture when dads hands were on top of the head, his right hand was only 2 inches away just incase baby started to wiggle.
At the session:
Relax! This is the easiest part! Aside from maybe assisting a few times and snuggling your baby a bit, you get to relax! I have a coffee maker and mini fridge right in the room along with lots of different snacks to choose from! As long as I don't tell my husband when it's restocked you will have everything you need. I've caught him sneaking things a few times ;) You get the comfy bed area to sit on, and I've even had a few dads get really relaxed fall asleep. Don't worry, we wake them up when it's time for them to help ;)
Temperature. I keep the room around 80 degrees. I always recommend wearing layers/tank top and usually that's all that's needed to get more comfortable. If you are hot natured and need to step out of the room for a minute that is totally fine.
I have lots of props and blankets to style your session beautifully, so if you do not have anything to contribute to the actual pictures, that it okay! All you have to do is bring your baby! There are a few items that will help the baby at the session: