Prep Guide
Arrival Etiquette:
Kindly aim to arrive only 5 minutes prior to your scheduled session time. If you happen to arrive early, we kindly ask that you wait in your vehicle until your designated session time.
Upon Your Session Time:
When it's time for your session, please make your way to the front door, as there is no side entrance available.
Parking:
Feel free to park in an available spot in the driveway. For family sessions, ensure everyone is ready in their chosen outfits, including hair and makeup for the ladies. This will help maximize our session time and keep the focus on capturing beautiful moments. Limiting outfit changes can contribute to a smoother experience for your baby. It's always a good idea to bring along snacks and milk as a precaution, but please ensure any snacks brought into the studio are nut-free.
Studio Etiquette:
Remember, less is more when it comes to bringing items into the studio. Outdoor shoes are not permitted inside to maintain cleanliness, especially with little ones crawling around. You'll have access to the client's closet and prop room during the session to enhance your experience and personalize your photos.
Visit my pinterest page for outfit ideas
Newborn session prep
Preparing Baby:
Prioritize keeping your baby awake before the session, although challenging, it will yield better results in the end. A relaxing bath for your baby before the session can help induce a state of calmness and sleepiness, ensuring a peaceful session.
For a cozy, "milk drunk" baby, aim to feed them just before departing for the studio. Additionally, have extra milk on hand for a mid-session feeding if needed.
Wardrobe Suggestions:
I recommend opting for neutral tones such as whites, creams, and greys, avoiding bold patterns or logos. To coordinate outfits, lay them out on the bed and take a photo to visualize the overall look.
Studio Facilities:
You'll have access to my clients' closet and prop room, allowing you to personalize the session with your preferred items.
Feel free to bring any props with sentimental value, and I'll make every effort to incorporate them into the session seamlessly.
Preparedness for Mess:
Accidents are a part of the process, so don't worry if props get dirty – it's a common occurrence. Be sure to bring extra clothes for both yourself and the baby, along with an ample supply of diapers.
Family and Sibling Portraits:
Family and sibling pictures typically kick off the session, allowing dads to take kids home if things become a bit chaotic. Consider bringing along activities to keep siblings entertained during the shoot.
Comfort in the Studio:
The studio can get warm, especially during the initial family pictures. Bring along lightweight clothing to change into once these photos are completed, ensuring everyone remains comfortable throughout the session.
In Home Newborn prep
Getting Baby Ready:
Before the session, it's beneficial to keep your baby awake for about an hour beforehand. This helps encourage a contented, sleepy state, perfect for capturing those newborn moments. Around 30 minutes before the scheduled session time, ensure your baby is fed and settled comfortably.
House Preparation:
While a perfectly tidy home isn't essential, it's advisable to declutter the designated space for the session to minimize distractions. In areas where you plan to take photos, such as the nursery, consider tidying up and removing any items that could detract from the focus of the images. Open curtains and blinds to maximize natural lighting and turn off overhead lights and fans to create a warm, inviting atmosphere conducive to capturing beautiful moments.
Temperature Management:
Babies thrive in warm environments, so ensure the room where the session will take place is comfortably heated. Adjust the thermostat a few degrees higher to maintain a cozy temperature throughout the session.
Attire Recommendations:
For family portraits, coordinate outfits that complement each other, focusing on timeless and neutral colour palettes. When selecting attire for your baby, prioritize simplicity and comfort. Choose a single outfit for family photos and opt for neutral, muted-coloured swaddles for solo shots. Accessories such as headbands (for baby girls) and additional blankets or baskets can add texture and visual interest to the photos without overwhelming the scene (I will provide swaddles, blankets and accessories).
Cake smash prep
The session is divided into two parts for your convenience:
First Half: This portion focuses on capturing regular portraits and allows access to the client's closet and prop room to personalize the session according to your preferences and style.
Second Half: The latter part of the session is dedicated to the smash segment. For this, you'll need to provide your own outfit tailored for the smash experience.
If you opt for the bath portion, we will allocate time for only one setup before the smash to ensure ample time for the bath experience. I will provide all necessary items for the bath, including towels for afterward.
While I offer a selection of generic props, balloons, and banners, any theme-specific props should be provided by you to ensure alignment with your desired aesthetic.
When it comes to cakes, simplicity is recommended, but if you prefer it to match your chosen theme, please send images at least two weeks before the session.
It's advisable to introduce your little one to the texture and taste of cupcakes a few weeks prior to the session to help them acclimate.
Parents should be prepared to get a little messy during the smash portion of the session. It's all part of the fun and capturing those candid moments!
