What to know before your newborn session || Orange County Newborn Photographer
When I had my first baby, I had absolutely no clue about newborn photos. I had no clue what to wear, what to expect, how long it would take, what to bring, etc. Basically I knew there would be my baby and a camera. Everything else was 🤷🏼♀️. As an Orange County Newborn Photographer, my hope is to answer all those questions prior to your session. Knowing exactly what to expect not only helps you better prepare but allows you to relax and enjoy the few hours of someone else holding your baby. You can watch the session, take a shower or even nap! 🙌🏼
So let’s dig right in…
What to wear? I provide wardrobe for all of my clients so if you’re booking with me, no need to worry about this part. If you’re not however, there are some things to keep in mind. First of all, keep the colors neutral. No bright colors or graphics. Simple white sweater or blouse paired with maternity jeans is perfect. Make sure your top is nursing friendly and comfortable. If it’s not, bring a change of clothes to change into after your portion of the session is over.
But what if I don’t want to be in the photos? As a mama myself, I know exactly how you feel after going through a hard 36 hour labor. Swollen, sore, tired, and Not. Photo. Ready. Buuuut that being said, there are ways to make yourself feel better and you’d be surprised at how good it feels to actually out makeup on after days of full mombie (mom zombie) mode. First of all, I highly suggest hair and makeup, I have a great list of referrals and I promise you’ll be much happier with the end result. If after all my attempts at talking you into don’t work and you still don’t want to be in photos, don’t worry. I have some easy poses that don’t actually show your face but still show you’re there.
What to expect? My newborn sessions are typically done in your home and can be between 1 and 3 hours. It all depends on baby’s temperament that day and I am very patient - diaper changes, multiple feeding breaks, etc are all normal. I arrive at your home and will do a quick walk through to find the naturally brightest area for our shoot. I try to avoid the main living room because I do ask for a quiet area so baby can stay asleep. The area we choose will get HOT, I bring a space heater and I also ask you to turn up the heat in your home to 75º-80º. Baby will be happiest if he/she is warm. I’ll have you feed baby right before I arrive and if baby takes a bottle or pacifier, have that ready as well.
How long will the session take? Like I said they can last between 1 hour and 3 hours. Although I shoot very quickly and typically only take 1.5 hours total. If there are siblings, I usually start with them, then do full family and finish up with baby alone. After family photos are done, I always suggest someone takes the siblings to a park or out for ice cream so we can focus on the baby and siblings will feel special for doing a great job with their part of the session.
What to bring? Just baby in a loose fitting white onesie, a loose diaper (so there are no lines on their skin), a pacifier or bottle or both. If you have any special requested outfits or swaddles please have them ready as well.
After your session, your proofs will be ready in 1-2 weeks. We’ll plan a time to meet again in person to look over them together. This is when you’ll choose your favorites and create a collection to purchase. Please have all financial decision makers present or discuss your budget prior to our meeting. Prints or albums will be custom made and ready in 6 weeks at which time, I will drop them back off to you. Digital image purchases will be available for download 1-2 days after your ordering appointment.
Lastly, babies pee and poop on my stuff, on me, on the floor and it’s fineeeeee. I took off their diaper knowing it was likely going to happen so please don’t feel bad. I have three kids of my own so believe me, I’ve seen worse! 😜
What was the biggest surprise to you at your newborn session?
Orange County Newborn Photographer
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
Hi, and thank you so much for reading this blog post. I love featuring my clients images here, and this will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me to be your Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!
If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
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If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
Sessions are currently booking into 2019, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.
I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!
XO- Laurel