Welcome to Ashley Walker Photography's Newborn Guide. I’m starting to prep for your session, I am looking forward to meeting your new addition! Newborn sessions can last 3 hours+! Please do NOT schedule any other appointments on the day of your baby’s session.

Before I get started, SAFETY is my #1 priority when it comes to newborn photography. Some poses may look uncomfortable to the adult eye, but I assure you that all of the positions that baby will be in are safe and I will be watching and listen to what baby is telling me, from their body language and skin coloring. As a mother of two, I can tell the difference in a tired or frustrated cry versus a cry of pain, and sometimes baby may cry since they are being moved as they try to sleep. I constantly watch babies blood flow and coloring to make sure they have proper circulation. I also would like to mention that for your family’s safety and my own, I am up-to-date on all vaccinations. If you or anyone close to you is experiencing any signs of illness (cough, runny nose, fever, etc.) please let me know so we may reschedule. In the event that I am sick or around anyone experiencing signs of illness, I will reschedule to avoid passing anything to your family. 

I’ve sent over my family outfit guide and I recommend selecting mom, dad and any siblings outfits prior to baby’s arrival. This will make the time when you’re settling in back at home and prepping for your session less stressful. I encourage outfits to be simple, neutral and most importantly comfortable. 

Preparing for a newborn session:

  • 12 hours prior to the session, please remove any bandages from baby’s skin. This is so the marks have time to fade before the session.

  • 12 hours prior to your session, try to moisturize any dry spots on the baby. A tiny bit of baby’s lotion or oil on a cotton ball rubbed in small gentle circles can do wonders!

  • No need to dress the baby in an outfit. If you have a one-piece onesie that zips or buttons up the front this is best. Please make sure the baby’s diaper is slightly looser than normal to prevent marks on their skin.

  • If you’ve introduced a pacifier or are bottle feeding please have them handy and pre-made to help baby get into a deeper sleep. If you are breast feeding please wear a shirt that is easy for you to nurse baby. For the family portraits you will have time to quickly switch your top. 

  • Please do not turn on your air conditioner and keep your home warm. Baby will be naked during parts the session and babies love to be warm. I also have a traveling space heater I bring with me. This means we will all be hot but baby will be comfortable! 

  • Please prepare yourself to sit back and relax while I work. In the event that I need a spotter I will ask for one of you to come sit next to baby to ensure their safety. In my experience, minimal interaction between baby and parents during a session makes baby calmer, they can smell you and will want you to cuddle and feed them. Passing baby back and forth between us can cause anxiety for all, and my goal is to make this an enjoyable and an easy experience for all of you. 

  • Please do not clean your entire house before I arrive, I know what it is like to be a new mom and to have a newborn, if I need to re-arrange items I can do it quickly before I take the photograph. 

  • Please gather any special mementos, outfits, etc that you’d like included in your session so we don’t forget to incorporate them, preparing this beforehand will be a huge relief in those first days at home

 

What to wear?

Please see my email regarding outfits. There is a lot of information in there and it gets its own email. Having wardrobe chosen before baby arrives will make it less stressful for you during those first days back at home. 

 

Who should be at your newborn session?

Newborn sessions are intimate and meant for baby and immediate family only. If you have older children an extra set of hands can be helpful. A family member or close friend that your child(ren) are familiar and comfortable with is important, while I am working they can help watch and play with them. It is important we have a quiet and stress free work space for the session and only have to worry about the new baby. Siblings appreciate this one on one time and that they don’t have to watch everyone care for the new baby. 

 

Preparing siblings for pictures

Encourage the older sibling to hold the baby or lay next to the baby by making it a BIG deal! Making it a fun job that you need help with or make it seem like a treat for them, can be helpful. Hopefully the older sibling(s) will want to hold the baby or lay next to the baby for a few shots. In some cases they are not ready and we will try later in the session or if you are comfortable with it, offering a reward can be very helpful in getting children to cooperate. Please be aware that some older siblings do not cooperate, no matter the reward, and it may not be possible to get a sibling shot. I will try my hardest to get at least one good shot, but it is not guaranteed.

 

Turn around time

I always aim to get your gallery back to you within 5 business days, this depends on the editing queue ahead of your session, feel free to ask about the turn around time at the end of your session. 

These items do contribute to the overall success of your session so if anything is unclear or you have questions please let me know.