Scheduling your Newborn Session
Newborn sessions are scheduled in the morning only, as this is when babies tend to be sleepiest and most content.
• Babies under 2 weeks old are booked at 9:00 AM.
• Babies over 3 weeks old are scheduled at 11:00 AM, since older newborns are often more alert earlier in the day.
We only photograph one newborn per day to ensure a calm, unhurried experience. From years of experience, we’ve learned that afternoon and evening sessions are not ideal, as babies tend to be less settled during those times.
Sessions are held on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and select Saturdays. Booking in advance is highly recommended to reserve your preferred date. However, we also accept last-minute bookings when availability allows.
If your session hasn't been scheduled in advance, please call or email within 24 hours of birth with your baby’s birth details. We understand that birth and postpartum recovery can be unpredictable and are always happy to work with you to find the best time.
Please Text or Email when baby arrives so we can schedule and prepare for the session.
When you email or text to book your session, please include the following:
•Baby’s birth date and time
•Baby’s weight at birth
•Baby’s name (if known)
•How delivery and postpartum went –We hope everything went smoothly, but it’s helpful for us to know if there were any complications such as jaundice, NICU time, an extended hospital stay, or any health concerns. This helps us schedule your session at the right time for your baby’s needs.
Most newborn sessions are scheduled between 8–14 days after birth. The timing depends a bit on your baby’s weight and development:
• Babies born around 5–6 lbs are usually scheduled closer to day 14.
• Babies around 7–9 lbs can often be photographed between 7–12 days
We recommend scheduling within the first two weeks, if possible, while babies are still very sleepy and naturally curled up.
A baby is still considered a “newborn” for up to 6 weeks, and beautiful sessions can still be done beyond the two-week mark—with a little extra prep and care. This guide will walk you through how to prepare for a successful session at any age within that window.
Baby Boys & Circumcision
If your baby boy is being circumcised, please do not schedule the session on the same day or the day after. Babies are usually sore and uncomfortable during this time, so it’s best to give them at least 48hrs to heal.
As long as healing is going well, we can still photograph your baby—many circumcised newborns are photographed without any issues.
Please also keep in mind: While we never turn away babies based on age, certain poses may not be possible as your baby grows and becomes more alert or less flexible.
Session Day Prep
To help your session go smoothly, here are a few tips:
• Feed your baby right before your session.
Newborn sessions last about 2–3 hours, and babies usually feed every 2–3 hours. Feeding before arrival can help your baby stay sleepy and content during the session. That said, babies are unpredictable, if they seem hungry during the session, we’ll take a break so you can feed them in private.
• Morning feed:
We recommend giving your baby their usual early morning feeding, usually about 3 hours before your session, and then letting them go back to sleep. There’s no need to keep them awake.
• Once you arrive:
We’ll undress baby down to their diaper, then give you time to feed again before we start. This helps settle baby into that sleepy state we need for posing.
• Baby-led sessions:
We follow your baby’s cues at all times. We never rush or force poses, and we never delay feedings.
• Feeding details:
Feed your baby as you normally would—whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding. If you’re using bottles, please bring extra just in case. If you pump, you’re welcome to bring milk or pump during the session if needed.
• Check for diaper rash:
If your baby has a diaper rash, even gentle changes can be uncomfortable and may cause crying. A quick check before your session can make a big difference!
What to Bring to Your Session
• Dress baby in loose pajamas (no onesies or tight clothing to avoid marks on the skin)
• Pacifier (even if baby doesn’t normally take one – it can help soothe during posing)
• Spare diapers & Extra bottles (if bottle feeding or pumping)
Even if your baby doesn’t usually take a pacifier, please bring one just in case. Newborn sessions are a new experience, and babies often find comfort in extra sucking during posing. Using a pacifier for a short time during the session won’t create any lasting habits.
Most importantly, come ready to relax and enjoy the experience. Babies pick up on your energy, and a calm parent helps create a calm baby—which leads to a more successful and peaceful session.
Baby Safety and Composites
It is important to understand that we take baby safety very seriously. Most complicated images are composites and not all babies are able to bend in all poses. We will always discuss poses before we start the session and explain how we achieve the pose. No poses are ever promised. Babies are never forced into a position, so if a baby is not having the pose that pose will end. These poses require spotters and sometimes even the aid of the parents.
Nursing Moms – Food Suggestions Before Your Session
Every baby is different, and we always recommend speaking with your Pediatrician, Doula, or Lactation Consultant if you have specific concerns.
To help your baby be as calm and comfortable as possible during the session, we suggest the following:
• Stick to a bland, gentle diet for 24–48 hours before your session.
Think comfort foods like bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and whole grains.
• If your baby is prone to gas, avoid common gas-triggering foods (a list from a pediatrician is included in this guide).
• After your session, feel free to return to your regular diet.
Please use the food list provided as a general guide, and consult a professional if you have any questions. Our goal is to help ensure your baby feels their best during the session.
Breastfeeding Food Guide
This list includes common foods that may cause discomfort for babies under 6 weeks old. As your baby grows, you can begin reintroducing these foods one at a time to see how they react.
Every baby is different, so please consult your Pediatrician with any concerns.
Foods to Avoid or Limit Before Your Session:
Citrus & Acidic Foods:
• Oranges, Lemons, Grapefruit
• Pineapple, Cranberries
• Strawberries & all berries
• Tomatoes and tomato-based foods (pizza, spaghetti, chili, etc.)
• Spicy foods (tacos, salsa, hot sauces)
Gas-Producing Vegetables:
• Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage
• Brussels Sprouts
• Onions, Asparagus
• Cucumbers / Pickles
Drinks to Limit:
• Soda
• Coffee and Tea
• Wine and Beer
Dairy:
Some babies are sensitive to dairy. If your baby seems extra fussy or gassy, consider checking with your doctor about eliminating dairy short term.
This guide is just a starting point—always follow your doctor’s advice and do what feels right for you and your baby.
The Newborn and Family Wardrobe
At Ever After Photography PNW, we offer a beautiful collection of newborn outfits for boys and girls, including wraps, hats, headbands, bonnets, stuffed animals, props, backdrops, wreaths, and more. We add new items to the studio every week!
If you have special outfit ideas or requests, please call or email us before your session so we can prepare.
For Parents & Siblings:
When bringing your own clothes, we suggest solid, simple outfits without busy patterns. Wearing colors in similar tones helps create a lovely, coordinated look for couples and family photos. Long pants are recommended, and shoes are optional.
Important Note:
Babies often pee or poop when posed naked, which can happen on Mom or Dad! If you have plans right after the session, please bring a change of clothes just in case.
Toddlers and Newborns
Many of our clients come back as their families grow, and we love working with children of all ages. We understand that toddlers and kids can be unpredictable—naps get skipped, tantrums happen, and perfectly well-behaved little ones are rare!
For newborn sessions with siblings, we start by photographing the family and siblings first. This helps capture those special moments while little ones are fresh and more cooperative. After the family and siblings are done, we focus on settling the newborn and photographing the baby alone.
Because toddlers have short attention spans, Mira works quickly to get great shots. Typically:
• Family and sibling photos happen at the beginning of the session.
• Then we spend the rest of the time focusing on the newborn alone.
If anyone needs to leave early for work or another commitment, please let us know ahead of time. We can adjust the schedule to make sure family photos are done early.
Pets
We welcome pets to join your session, but please keep in mind they can be as unpredictable as children. While we love including them, we can’t always guarantee perfect results with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my baby doesn’t sleep?
Many babies don’t sleep through the session, some stay wide awake the whole time! We can still capture beautiful images, especially when your baby is wrapped and cozy.
What if my baby cries?
Babies cry, it’s normal! We create a calm, comfortable environment and use many soothing techniques. Mira, being a mom herself, knows how to help comfort your little one.
What if we can’t get any great baby photos? Do I get a refund or a reshoot?
Mira has a strong track record of getting wonderful newborn photos, even with fussy babies. If it seems impossible to photograph your baby, Mira will discuss options with you during the session.
What if my toddler doesn’t cooperate?
We understand kids can be unpredictable! We have many tricks to engage children and, with your permission, can offer treats or incentives to encourage sweet smiles.
Is there retouching? My baby has acne and my toddler has a scratch on their nose! Yes! Basic retouching like removing acne or small marks is included. More advanced edits (like head swaps or major color changes) may have an extra fee.
My baby still has their umbilical cord—can we still take photos?
Absolutely! Many babies still have their cord at their session since it can take up to two weeks to fall off. When wrapped, we cover the cord carefully to avoid irritation. When undressed, we protect the area gently. We always handle newborns with the utmost care and respect for their post-delivery needs.