Your session and what to expect
WHAT TO BRING?
Unless there is a sentimental or special outfit, don’t worry about how your newborn baby is dressed. I have a variety of wraps, headbands, bonnets, rompers and other props we can utilise throughout the shoot. Make sure to keep the diaper on your baby loose prior to the photography session to avoid lines or red marks on the skin. Also, avoid socks which can also often leave marks on the skin.
Bring along nappies, wipes, a cuddle blanket, a dummy (that always helps, even if it’s just for the few hours of the shoot and a bottle if bottle fed.)
** Please NO GREEN NAPPIES FOR BABY - pastel colours are fine **
MY STUDIO
All Newborn and baby photography sessions take place in my studio in Dunedin where I shoot with studio lights only. It is a calm, clean and warm environment.
During the session, the studio gets very hot, so dress comfortably and bring some water or snacks along.
I try to keep things as comfortable for your baby as at this stage they can’t regulate their own body temperature.
WHEN TO FEED YOUR NEWBORN BABY
During the session there will be plenty of time for feeding and cuddles. I would recommend feeding baby in the comfort of your own home just before you come for the newborn session. Once baby has a feed, they will be very sleepy for us and we can get those beautiful sleepy shots that we want. Look at other newborn photos and you’ll likely see sleeping newborns in most of the shots. That’s because while they’re sleeping they naturally fall into the best poses – and that means adorable baby photos! Their eyes will definitely open throughout the shoot, so we can capture those “waking” moments, too.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR SESSION
Since I like keeping my portraits elegant and classic it is recommended that you choose colour tones that are neutral eg.white/oatmeal/soft grey etc. This will keep. your image timeless. Simple white (or even black) shirts or earthy tones clothes would work best. This also goes for siblings. Mums can even wear a nice earthy toned dress.
Please stay away from bright colours and any logos on shirts.
WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW
VERY IMPORTANT! Please do not let baby have a huge sleep before you come over! You will not get the full benefit from your session.
Don't worry if baby does a poop or a wee. This is normal! I wash everything I use afterwards anyway.
Don't panic if baby has awake or unsettled times. This is normal! In my experience, I will be able to tell quickly if we need to reschedule.
I will never leave baby unattended or in a precarious pose. I might ask you to stand close by if I need a hand or need to collect something from the studio.
MUMS!
Your body has been through a lot lately! You're tired! You might be overwhelmed. Please don't bee too hard on yourself! Baby picks up on your energy, so if you get anxious, baby will get upset. This is normal! Don't overthink things before the session. Come and relax and have an enjoyable time. And please please please, if at any stage you feel unwell, let me know. We can postpone your session if you're not feeling good. Your well-being is important!
DADS!
Dads can sometimes be pretty uncomfortable holding a tiny tiny baby. Just know, it's normal to feel a bit awkward. Don't worry - I'll talk you through every step of the session to help you feel comfortable and tell you exactly what to do. You're job is to make mumma feel comfortable.
You've got this dad!
SIBLINGS!
Rene Goodwin Photography have very strict rules in the studio around siblings during a newborn session.
As a mum I do understand the importance of capturing those family and sibling photos. But as an experienced newborn photographer I also understand that this is not always possible. Little ones have lots of mixed and new emotions when a new baby arrives and it can be VERY NORMAL to "act out" during a session. Please be realistic around setting expectation of children under 4 years old.
Siblings must be supervised at ALL times. Please read the cancellation policy in the T's & C's.
Climbing on furniture in the studio are not permitted. Your child's safety is first priority.
Rene Goodwin Photography do not take any responsibility for the behaviour of a child or if a child gets hurt or injured due to running around or climbing on furniture.
The first 20-30 minutes will be dedicated to family/sibling photos. If the child do not choose to participate in the session after this time, we will continue with the rest of the session. At request, additional time may be added if necessary, and charges will apply accordingly.
Unfortunately I can't guarantee those perfect sibling photos if your child is unwilling to engage (even though I'll try my absolute best!!!).
Please arrange (if possible) for young children to be taken home or to the park after 30 minutes - It is too hot in the studio for little ones to stay for the full session
Siblings under 4 years old - Only photographed on their back with newborn for safety reasons
Siblings over 4 years old - Can be photographed on their back or in a "sitting up while holding baby position".
If siblings are happy to be part of the session it's always AMAZING and I will be more than happy to include them as much as possible during the session.