For Parents

Parents, you are a big part of the show. Photographing the connection between you and your baby is one of my all time favorite things. Just as they encourage in the hospital, skin to skin contact creates the most beautiful images.

• Wear cool and comfortable clothing as the studio will be nice and warm.

• Moms: I have a variety of dresses here in the studio closet (mostly cream/neutral tones, sizes S-XL) or choose to be wrapped in a neutral-toned studio fabric. Please bring a strapless bra in nude/white or a bra that we can easily tuck in the straps. If you prefer to dress yourself, choose a simple blouse or dress that coordinates with dad’s clothing. Neutral colors and tones always photograph well, and please avoid logos and patterns on your top. Be sure that your nail polish is chip free and a non distracting color as your hands will make their way into the images. Also, rest assured, I aim to photograph you using flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in your family.

• Dads: I ask that you bring a solid colored long or short-sleeve shirt, a solid colored button-up, or a knit sweater in a neutral/earth tone. Match with a pair of jeans or khaki’s. Your hands make a great prop holding baby, so please have groomed nails as well.

• I suggest bringing a change of clothes for everyone being photographed in case of any accidents. (they do happen)

For Baby

• Please dress baby in a button-up or zip-up sleeper that can be opened from the front and does NOT require going over their head to remove.

• Before the session, please try and keep baby awake as much as possible to ensure he/she is good and sleepy. Some tricks to use to keep baby awake: try giving them a bath, keep baby only in a diaper, tickle their toes, and even let them fuss for a little bit for the few hours beforehand.

• Plan on a good feeding right before you leave your home for the studio. This way, assuming your drive isn’t too long; the baby will still be full and has probably fallen asleep in the car. I can immediately get started on the session when you arrive and hopefully get an hour or two of photos done before baby needs a feeding break.

• It will be around 80 degrees in the studio. Due to this, dress comfortably and in removable layers.

• Sessions last between 2-3 hours, sometimes longer if there are siblings, or if baby is a light sleeper, or is extra hungry. The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottle-feed off and on during the session. If you are pumping, bring an extra bottle or two to use during the session. Giving them an extra bottle when needed during the session allows me to accomplish more of the poses you love.

• If you can, bring the soothie pacifier the hospitals usually sends you home with. It's the bendable, green/blue/orangish one, and won't leave marks. Even if you haven't used one, just for the few hours that I'm posing him/her usually really helps to soothe them during a pose that is more intricate.

• If you don’t happen to have one, I keep unopened soothies here in the studio (as well as plenty of newborn diapers and wipes). However if you really prefer that we don’t use one, that’s fine as well!

• If your baby has hair, try and wash beforehand so it’s oil free. It will be softer and photograph better. Also avoid using excess lotion on baby’s skin before arriving.