Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! Here, you’ll find lots of info about your upcoming newborn session, what to expect, and how to prepare. I look forward to documenting this very special time for you and your newly grown family!
Location & When to Book
Newborn sessions take place in my natural light Elmvale studio (about 20 minutes north of Barrie, Ontario).
I prefer to photograph babies between 5-14 days old. Babies this new typically curl into those peaceful, sleepy poses, are less alert, and haven’t yet developed newborn acne or colic. Before 2 weeks, babies typically curl easily into womb-like poses still very comfortable and soothing for them. It’s ideal to book your session while you are pregnant. Because baby’s birth date is unpredictable, I’ll reserve a session for you around the time of your due date. When baby arrives, please contact me so that we can confirm your session date preferably within this early window.
As a mom to 7, I truly understand how overwhelming these first days with a newborn can be. Sleep deprivation and meeting baby’s needs fill your new everyday. Venturing out of the house within baby’s first 2 weeks is an investment of effort and energy on your part and I assure you, it is so very worth it. Baby grows and changes so quickly and it’s important to document this beautiful and very special time. The studio is a quiet space and I encourage parents to rest while I gently pose and photograph baby.
Session Timing
Newborn sessions are never rushed in order to allow for plenty of feeding breaks, rocking/soothing to sleep, and a calm environment. You can expect your newborn session to last between 2-4 hours. It’s best not to schedule other appointments/events on the same day as your session. Sessions are typically booked in the morning around 10am.
Preparing for your Newborn Session
Because baby will be bare for most of the session, the studio is kept at a very warm temperature to keep her comfortable. I suggest you come dressed in light, comfortable clothing, prepared for a hot summer day. Please also bring a change of clothing; babies typically relieve themselves multiple times during a session (on backdrops, blankets, and sometimes in parents’ arms). Don’t stress or worry about this. I completely expect it, am not upset in the least, and anticipate plenty of laundry.
I suggest feeding baby just before your session and you are also more than welcome to feed her and settle her upon arrival and of course, throughout the session. Babies tend to eat more frequently during a session, often purely for the comfort and closeness of being in mom’s arms. If she shows signs that she’s hungry/not settling, we’ll take a break, whether she just needs mama cuddles or is ready for a full feeding. Please come prepared with extra formula and nursing cover (if you’re more comfortable using one). Also, if baby takes a soother or you are open to trying one, please do bring it as well. These can be particularly useful when baby isn’t quite in a deep sleep.
If you have special items (hats, etc.) you’d like incorporated into your images, please feel free to bring them. If not, I have plenty of props at the studio to choose from including antique baby carriage, baskets, wood bowls, etc. as well as timeless knit hats and headbands that are perfectly sized to fit newborn heads and photograph beautifully.
What to Wear
I suggest light, neutral clothing for parent/baby and family portraits with your newborn. A simple tank top or t-shirt helps keep focus on your connection and love. Bright colours, logos and patterns are often quite distracting. I also like to suggest you bring a black shirt (particularly dads) in the event that you’d like baby photographed in your hands/against a black backdrop. Many parents also like the natural look of skin on skin with dad removing his shirt and mom in a simple, ivory/neutral wrap provided (see an example of this type of image in my Portfolio section under “Newborn”). Having been a new mom 6 times, I know how tough it can be to feel beautiful postpartum but if you feel up to it, I recommend “together” portraits. You’ll want to remember just how tiny he was in your arms and how immediately and immensely he filled your hearts with love.
Bringing Sibling/s to Your Newborn Session
If your older child is willing/receptive, I am always happy to capture a sibling portrait and/or family portraits at the beginning of your session. Because newborn sessions last 2-4 hours and need to take place in a very warm and quiet studio environment, clients usually arrange to have a caregiver (grandparent, aunt, or dad) take their older child to a nearby park or restaurant, and home (for nap time, etc.) after sibling/family portraits.
My approach: Safety, Posing & Natural Imagery
Throughout the session, we follow your baby’s cues. Understanding newborn reflexes, settling and soothing baby, and recognizing his unique preferences are key components in how I work. Your baby’s comfort and safety is always my first priority. Backdrops, fabrics, wraps, etc. are freshly laundered for every session. I regularly use hand sanitizer and wash my hands throughout the session. Please also rest assured, I will always reschedule if I am not well.
My perspective on newborn art includes a blend of posed and natural images always with my focus on the amazing little person I’m privileged to photograph. I love clean, simple, natural imagery. It doesn’t get sweeter (or safer) than a baby cradled in his mama’s arms or simply nestled. Tuning in to a baby’s personality and unique and special features lends to a more natural photographic approach and a different kind of attention to detail: the quivery half-smile as she lightly dozes, those eyelashes just like her daddy’s, wispy, dark hair, her favourite sleeping position 10 days into the world with both arms above her head. There is such a timeless beauty present in these pored-over-details so noted and loved upon by parents – beauty that does not require props or complicated set-ups but is every bit, and maybe even more, worth remembering.
After the Session
Your password-protected, online proofing gallery will be posted 10-14 days after your session. The gallery includes 30-35 carefully selected and retouched session images. Minor retouching (skin flakes, scratches, etc.) will be done automatically but I don’t remove birth marks such as salmon patches/stork bites unless requested to do so. As with my shooting style, my editing style is clean and natural. If you have retouching requests, please let me know. At this time, orders are placed by phone or email and I’m happy to further discuss what display options you’re most interested in, and to answer any pricing/product questions you might have.
The proofing gallery is posted for 7 days for ordering purposes. After this time, there is a reposting fee to have the slideshow posted for an additional 7 days. Keeping to a timeline, allows me to provide you with excellent care and service. I will process your order so that your finished prints and beautiful final products are in your hands and on your walls for you and your family/friends to enjoy as soon as possible.
Congratulations again! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
info@laurareive.com | 705-322-6546