Welcome Home Baby

Yesterday was our first maternity shoot which seems only fitting since today was our first newborn shoot. To have two shoots so close together that intimately mirror and relate to each other is amazing. Granted it would be more amazing if they were the same clients but still...In honor of today's first... I thought I would post some of the tips I have assembled on newborn photoshoots, a fitting followup to our last post I think.
But first some thoughts on the newborn shoot in general. First off babies are amazing! They are excellent little models, incredibly limber, not adverse to multiple outfit changes, but most of all babies are amazing because of the way they highlight a relationship, shaping and molding not only their own life but the lives of the people around them as well. Yesterday you were just a kid, to everyone but yourself and your friends of course. You enjoyed hanging out, going out for drinks, doing things that lets face it might not have been too bright. Today though... today you are parent, a mother, a father, the lifeforce behind another lifeforce. You are the safety line, the provider, the nurturer. What a difference a baby makes. These memories are more than magical on their own, every smile, every cry, even that drool bubble slowly making its way down your babies chin. You don't need much help. But to solidify these memories forever, just in case you forget how little and cute they once were when they break your favorite cd, or spill something on your favorite blouse, or shave the family dog...lets take pictures.

Things to Consider when booking your Newborn's first Photoshoot

The best place to have the shoot is in your own home.

• The best time is within 10 days of the birth. After 10 days the baby becomes much more active and much less flexible, making those oh so cute Ann Geddes style pictures almost impossible to snag.

A few hours before the shoot, turn your thermostat up. While this makes it a little uncomfortable for us adults, your baby will appreciate it. This helps make sure the baby is warm, comfortable, and sleepy even when you want those nude shots.

• Try if at all possible to feed your baby an hour or so before the shoot, again this helps make them comfortable and sleepy, and it will be less likely we have to stop the shoot to get in a feeding, which if this happens, that’s fine, your precious little angel’s needs come first.

• You’ll want to have a black outfit on hand for you, it’ll really contrast well against the baby’s skin and draw the attention to the baby not what you’re wearing. Plus black is almost always flattering.

Try to schedule your shoot on a day and time when the daddy and any siblings can be present. A first family photo would be adorable.

Have fresh diapers, a damp cloth, and some formula ready and at the hand, you don’t want to run all over the place looking for anything at the last minute.

Also pick out any outfits and/or props you want to use and have them setting out. Blankets with interesting textures and colors always look good as backdrops. Maybe an expected favorite toy. Or something to really contrast the innocence and fraility of your newest family member. We’ll bring a few props with us, blankets, toys, etc so don’t worry if you don’t have any

Save a wide-edged ribbon in a favorite color from your baby shower, it could come in handy.

Babies usually don’t like flash, so scope out your home and find a place that’ll have the most natural light at the time of your session. If your baby doesn't mind flash, we'll use it. But its good to have a backup plan.

If your interested ask Fairytree about making your baby announcements, complete with text cute borders and plenty of pictures from your shoot.

Come back soon to see some of the pictures from our Waiting on Baby and Welcome Home Baby shoots!