Welcome
Guide
How to prepare for your newborn session
Congratulations, Bringing new life into this world is HARD.
But here you are! Whether you're a pregnant mom, a postpartum mom reading this with a baby tucked in her arms, an expecting parent, a new dad wondering if you'll ever sleep again, adoptive parents marveling that your miracle is ACTUALLY here, IVF parents, first-time parents, or tenth time over parents... you are amazing! Having the honor of documenting your newest family member for the first time isn't something that I'll ever get over -- even after thousands of newborns! Over the next few pages, I'll help get you ready for our session, along with walking you through my process so you can relax and enjoy this magical time in your life!
WHEN WILL OUR SESSION BE? **Please email me within 48 hours of baby's birth to schedule your session. Sessions take place Monday - Friday. The last thing I wanted to do when my babies were a few days old was leave the house, so I like to give new parents at least a week to acclimate to life with their baby. Newborns' heaviest sleep weeks are before the two-week mark, so I've found the sweet spot for recovered moms and a sleepy baby is between 1015 days. Sometimes schedules (both mine and yours!) make that five-day window tough to catch, but don't worry! I've successfully photographed babies as young as 2 days up to one month (with modifications) for NICU stays. We'll cater the session to your baby's comfort and safety. Your baby is in experienced hands with me. If you've had a c-section or a difficult birth and are concerned about being up for the session, rest assured that you can relax comfortably and not lift a finger during the session (unless you are breast feeding, of course!)
WHY 10:30 AM? When in the womb, most pregnant women are active during the morning/afternoon and move less in the evening before falling asleep at night. The rocking motion during her active times is what lulls baby to sleep, and usually, when she lays down, that's when baby is most active and kicking! During the first few weeks, baby will have a backward sleep schedule, which will make for sleepless nights for parents but usually helps for a nice sleepy newborn session for me! Starting at 10:30 am is a good time to catch your newborn's deepest sleep and allow travel time along with time to do any hair/outfit/makeup prep for yourself!
WHAT IF BABY DOESN'T SLEEP? If you get to the session, and baby is ready to rock and roll...please don't stress! Newborns can have awake periods of up to two hours so we'll spend this time capturing some awake shots! We can sometimes do your chosen props with baby swaddled while awake. If that is not safe or possible, we can switch to a more comfy prop in the same style. There is no such thing as a "bad" baby. My heart breaks anytime I have parents tell me that previous sessions with older children resulted in a crying baby, an upset photographer, and stressedout parents. Over the next few pages, I'll walk you through my session workflow. It is gentle and baby-led for sleep, and has worked for every session I've done!
WHILE YOU'RE AT HOME One part to my workflow is having a baby who is ready to sleep. Babies who have slept well the morning before the session, usually end up awake at the session. Keeping them awake that morning is key!
Some ways to keep baby awake: Feed baby at their normal feeding. After feeding, don't actively try to get baby to sleep--let them be awake! If baby is fussing, you can soothe them--we don't want a crying baby! This is a great window of time to give baby a bath! Not only will it keep baby awake, but it will fluff up greasy hair and clean off any grimy folds newborns can get around their neck! Letting baby kick unswaddled in a warm room is a great way for them to wear themselves out!
BUT: if any of this is stressing you or baby out, please just let baby snooze and we'll still have an amazing session! We can always swaddle baby if they are not sleeping deeply!
WHAT TO WEAR -
Moms
If you're a mom who has just given birth in the last few weeks, finding something that fits can be a challenge. My goal is to show you how beautiful you truly are - even if you don't feel it. I highly suggest loose, flowy, and textured! Avoid clothing that you'll have to keep adjusting or wrinkles easily. Be sure to wear a strapless bra (or tuck the straps) if your shirt calls for it. Skin to skin contact is always beautiful, so off the shoulder tops are a great choice. Whether it's a maternity gown you love, a favorite comfy sweater, or a color you feel beautiful in--bring it! Maternity jeans/leggings work well, the focus will be on you + baby. If baby has siblings, we'll do family portraits at the beginning of the session. Please arrive camera ready! We have a full length mirror and items for touchups, but please feel free to bring anything you may need! Please be mindful of everyone's nails, as your hands will be photographed. Chipped polish, dirty or ragged nails will show in the final images. Extensive editing to fix them is available at an additional charge.
WHAT TO WEAR -
Dads
In the spirit of keeping this session stress free, I highly recommend dads go simple with their clothes. Fitted, thick t-shirts are the way to go, excessive fabric from dress shirts and collars can hinder posing tiny babies in their dad's arms. Don't worry about any "dad bods", because first and foremost all bodies are good bodies, and secondly, the focus is mainly going to be waist and up with a heavy dose of cuteness happening in your arms!
Like with mom, please be mindful of dirty or ragged nails! Filing and scrubbing them will keep the editing time down for me!
WHAT TO W E A R - Siblings First and foremost, make sure they like what they are wearing and that the clothes fit perfectly :) Don't forget to try everything on in the DAYS BEFORE the session. Sometimes young siblings are nervous to be around the new baby, so this isn't the time to put them in an outfit they hate! Happy kids make for happy portraits so keep their comfort in mind when choosing their outfit. For family photos to stand the test of time and not look dated, pick classic pieces. White and neutral colors or pastels are best. We also prefer no shoes or socks. Don't hesitate to email me with outfit ideas in the days before your shoot! If you need help or inspiration, I can send suggestions. Again - avoid collars, clothing that is too large/small and skirts and dresses that are too short without bloomers.
SIBLINGS Siblings are invited into the studio for the first 30 minutes of the session. Please bring quiet toys/ipad/tablet with headphones or on a low volume. After family and sibling portraits are captured, we ask that they be picked up or taken out for some fun parent/kid time. We will pull out all of our tricks to give us the best chance of capturing a sibling portrait! It's a great idea to talk up the session in the days leading up. Referring to it as a "Big Brother or Big Sister Session" can make them feel special and excited. Also, let them know our names (Alexis and my assistant, Gladys) so we're not total strangers ;)
Sometimes young siblings are nervous when they arrive. I'll pose baby alone and take a few portraits first, so siblings can get used to the flash. Depending on their personality, we'll either make a big deal of meeting them or keep the studio quiet and calm to they can get comfy with us.
We have a cute selection of stickers, stuffed toys, snacks and pop its as rewards! The promise of a special trip with dad/loved one to a favorite store or restaurant after their portraits also has worked really well.
WHAT IF MY TODDLER WON'T TAKE A PHOTO? First and foremost, if you are concerned that your young sibling won't want to get on set and smile for a photo, you are not alone! Especially if your little one is under 3. Adding a new baby to the family is such a wonderful time, but can also be a bit stressful for the new big brother or sister. We will pull out all of our tricks to give us the best chance of capturing a sibling portrait! It's rare, but not getting to photograph and sibling portrait can happen. Especially with our littlest siblings, 3 and under. We can encourage and bribe with the cutest toys, but sometimes those are no match for a determined toddler. Meltdowns or other behaviors not usual for your child happen, especially during such a big change to the family.
Our best advice is to remain positive and encouraging, even if your little one is having a hard time. We'll ll never force your little one to pose. We also won't prolong a situation that is upsetting to them. We dedicate 20-30 minutes for a sibling portrait. If at that time we haven't captured it, we will move on to our next pose, which is usually the family portrait. We have found if we push for much longer, we end up with a very sad sibling who won't even try for a family portrait. In cases where a sibling portrait is not possible, we suggest reserving a Sitting Baby Session at around 7 months old. We will add in a sibling portrait at no additional charge. Sometimes, siblings just need some time to get to know each other and then portraits together become a breeze!
SESSION DO'S AND DON'TS DO: bring baby in an easy to remove outfit that DOES NOT need to be taken off over the head. No onesies please, unless they are the button/kimono size.
DO: bring bottles if you've done any bottle feeding or are planning to. A couple bottles of pumped milk or formula could make a huge difference in baby's sleepiness if a full belly is what will help them stay in a deep sleep!
DON'T: stress if you haven't bottle fed baby and prefer to stick with breastfeeding! You're doing great! DON'T: eat spicy/gassy foods 24+ hours before the session if you are breastfeeding. These foods can cause tummy upset in your newborn. Please hold off on your morning coffee until after the session. Even a tiny amount of caffeine in breast milk can make for a fussy baby! DO: bring a pacifier. It can make posing so much more comfortable for your baby. Plus, it'll help them stay asleep longer, which means more portraits! DON'T: bring "newborn sized" crocheted hats from chain stores. Spoiler alert: they aren't newborn sized.
DO: be prepared to feed more than usual during the session. The posing process burns more calories than they are used to, so baby will most likely want to feed before their scheduled feeding time. DO: bring a breast pump or bottle warmer if you like! DO: clean baby's nails, as well as between their little fingers and toes.
DO: wipe baby's mouth, eyes & nose with a warm washcloth to get rid of any crusties DON'T: worry if baby has dry skin. It's totally normal and part of their "newness". You can apply pediatrician approved lotion BEFORE you leave the house. Just don't slather it on. We don't want a shiny baby for the portraits DON'T: stress if baby isn't loving the props you've chosen. Every baby has a different comfort level, just like we do! We always have a back up plan, so rest assured we'll capture beautiful portraits of your baby - how ever they are most comfy!
ARRIVING TO THE STUDIO! Our studio is located at 325 Jefferson Avenue, Franklin Square. Please pull right into the driveway or park on the street in front of the house. Our entrance is at the side door, next to the Alexis Hardy Photography sign. See you there! Reminder: We ask that shoes be removed before entering the studio. Please wear comfy socks or ask us for our single use slippers!
STARTING THE SESSION When you first arrive at my studio, we'll remove shoes and head on in! We have a bathroom that you are always welcome to use. The newborn studio will be WARM - 80º, so bring along a light, comfortable outfit to wear after family portraits. I'd love to spend some time getting to know your baby before starting posing. I'll take baby out of your carrier and begin undressing them for their first pose. It lets me get to know how deeply they sleep, what positions they find most comfortable, as well as their disposition. If baby needs a top off, we can always do that before we begin. We'll take care of all feedings (unless exclusively breastfeeding, of course!) and diaper changes, unless you let us know otherwise.
DURING THE SESSION I'll have your chosen props and preferred colors ready when you arrive. If you've brought a small accessory from home, now is the time to take it out! If at any point I pull out a hat, headband or color that you aren't 100% in love with, let me know! This entire shoot is about what you love and will have to remember this time in your life forever! If baby is awake and happy, I'll be sure to document the many expressions that newborns make. Hopefully, that will tire baby out! If sleep still seems far away, I may have you feed baby one last time when they start to get sleepy - this will ensure a full tummy while I photograph them over the next two hours. Sessions last 2-3 hours.
MEET MY ASSISTANTS! Gladys has been the lead assistant here at Alexis Hardy Photography for over two years! Jenni also assists our newborn and mini sessions. Both mothers themselves, (Gladys is my mom!), they have everything it takes to help keep our session running smoothly and safely. From helping with setups, keeping your baby safe, and making those siblings smile, they are a vital part of every newborn shoot. If there's anything you need while my hands are full, just let her know and she'll take care of you!
THINK ABOUT WHAT STYLE YOU WANT FOR YOUR FAMILY SHOTS What background would go best with your family's style? Do you love classic, modern, light and airy or deep and moody? All are styles I love, but given the time constraints of a newborn's sleep cycle, it's important to choose one color that fits your family's vibe!
THANK-YOU. I have the very best job in the world. And what I've found throughout the last 15 years of photographing newborns is that it's not just about taking pretty photos of pretty little babies. It's about being there for new parents, and making this one day a relaxing one - not adding to your stress, but giving you a break to sit back and really marvel at this little life you've been chosen to be the parent of. I hope the memories during the shoot are as beautiful as the photos you'll have as heirloom images for decades to come.
If you have any questions before, during or after your session with me, please don't hesitate to ask!