Newborn session PREP GUIDE
First and foremost, thank you so much for allowing me to capture your little one’s first photos. I cannot wait for your upcoming newborn portrait session and to meet your family! In this prep guide you will find tips on how to best prepare for a successful newborn session. I am so glad you’re here and I cannot wait to work with you!
X0, Marie
My studio is located at 34 W. Chicago Ave, 2nd Floor, Naperville, IL 60540. The building is called the Jefferson Club, and it is right next to Empire (bar/restaurant).
My studio is right above the store called Dash Of Nash. Enter through the brown doorway next to Dash of Nash. Go straight up the stairs when you enter the building and then through the door at the top. Please note there is no elevator in the building.
There is free two hour street parking on the street right in front of the building and all around, but if you can’t find parking, the Water Street parking garage (130 Water St, Naperville, IL 60540) and the Central Parking garage (75 E Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540) are both very close by. Call or text me if you have questions. My number is 630-202-0969.
The Ally and B Photography studio has a cozy loft vibe featuring a brick wall, big windows with bright natural light, beautiful wide planked, LVP light oak flooring, and a variety of shooting areas, each with their own look and feel. A perfect spot to make your memories look and feel timeless! During a studio session with me, clients can rest easy knowing that they are in a pristine space and can relax while they help themselves to snacks and water. Clients will also enjoy the multitude of gorgeous high-quality props and accessories that are provided with each session.
Sessions are easiest when the baby is nice and sleepy, however, we will go with the flow and follow the baby’s lead. To try for a sleepy baby during the session, try to keep the baby awake as much as possible in the hour before the session. Play, give a bath, etc.
Please plan to feed baby right before you leave for the session, however, if you have a long drive, you might want to plan to feed baby when you arrive. Plan for at least 3 feedings just to be safe, however, we usually don’t need that many. Either nursing or bottle feeding is completely fine.
During the ride to the session, please dress baby in loose clothing or a sleeper so baby’s skin doesn’t have clothing marks on it during the session.
To ensure baby is cozy and sleepy, the studio will be very warm (75-80•). I recommend everyone dress in layers and mom might want to bring a tank top or t-shirt to change into after the family photos.
If you are using a pacifier with your baby, please bring it along to the session. If you are not using a pacifier, I ask that you consider allowing me to use one during the session. Sessions tend to go faster if I am able to use a pacifier to keep baby sleepy and soothed while transitioning him/her into different wraps and poses.
I always have brand new (still in the package) pacifiers in my studio that I am able to use if you do not have one or forget to bring yours.
I provide all props, wraps, hats, headbands, etc., and perfectly coordinate the setups for your newborn session. This ensures that you receive gorgeous photos that are consistent with my portfolio. I also provide snacks and bottled water during each session.
The sibling and family photos are always done right at the beginning of the session.
If you are bringing siblings for your newborn session I recommend, if possible, parents come in two cars. This way, one parent/significant other can take the sibling(s) home after the family and sibling photos are finished. You are also welcome to bring a babysitter, grandparent, or other family member with to take the sibling(s) home after the family photos are finished.
It can be a long wait for little ones, and to avoid spreading germs, I do not keep toys or activities in my studio.
If you cannot come in two separate cars, it’s okay, however, I do recommend bringing books or activities to keep them occupied while they wait.
I do recommend that sibling(s) practice sitting/laying with and/or holding baby in the days before the photo session so they feel more comfortable during the sibling shots.
I recommend that all family members wear a neutral color palette or coordinating muted colors for a timeless look. You do not all need to match exactly, though. Coordinating neutrals are best. In addition, please do not have every family member wear a white shirt. Too much white tends to get overexposed in camera and does not allow for depth and texture to show through in the photos.
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