Newborn Studio Prep Guide

I’m so excited about your upcoming newborn studio photo session! My goal is to create a safe, calming, positive experience for you and your sweet new babe. This guide exists to provide answers to some frequently asked questions and help you feel comfortable and prepared for the upcoming session.

The Basics

WHAT TO EXPECT

All props, styling and set-up are provided with your session fee. Spaceheaters, masks (for me), and hand sanitizers are always used with the safest precautions taken for your little one. Session time usually range around 1.5-2.5 hours (this depends on how sleepy baby is, or how many times they will need to stop to feed etc). I will be handling the baby the entire time unless breastfeeding or diaper change is needed. Expect calming music, snacks, Keurig, a couch and free wifi while you visit with us! There is also a coffee shop next door if you or a support person would like to grab something there.

WHEN TO SCHEDULE

Most newborn sessions are booked between 5-14 days old. I ask that you reach me soon after your successful delivery as it may take up to a week to schedule.

Preparing For Best Results

PRE-SESSION TIMING

If at all possible, try keeping baby stimulated and awake an hour or so before the session; a bath usually helps in keeping them awake (this also helps get dead skin off baby before the session). We will need the baby to be asleep for a majority of the session to achieve some poses. It’s best to start on a full belly so feeding him/her right before the shoot is best. Please dress him/her in a button down outfit so I’m not having to pull anything over their head while undressing them. 

PREPPING BABY

Try to skip a feeding in the morning until right before your appointed time. 

Bathe your baby with either a full water bath or a wet cloth wipe for some awake time. Avoid using oily moisturizers if possible.

FEEDING SCHEDULE AS FOLLOWS: 

• If you live within 15 minutes, feed baby 20 minutes before leaving.

• If you live within 30 minutes, feed baby 10 minutes before leaving.

• If you live 1 hour away, feed baby half the milk and the remaining half once arrived in studio.

• These are just suggestions, you can obviously do whatever you want!

Put something that does not require me to pull anything over their head. zip up sleepers are a great option! If possible, refrain from socks and mittens.

SESSION BASICS

HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT TO BE THERE?

How long should I expect to be there? Sessions can take around 2 hours (or longer, if baby is fussy). The baby is the boss of these sessions. I will never force a baby into a pose, or push too much. If baby Is fussy and needs a break we take one. With this, sessions can take a while, so settle in and relax! I try to keep the space fairly warm for the babies so you may want to dress in layers you can take off so you aren't too warm. Feel free to bring a tablet or relax on the couch during our session! We will call on your for certain poses if I need a spotter (although you will be in the room at all times, do not worry!) 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

If you chose the baby + family session fee to be in the photos with baby, we recommend simple clothing. For example; mom wearing a white dress and dad in jeans/pants with a nice white T-shirt or button up. Avoid patterns if possible and think about how you coordinate and look together. I will choose a seamless backdrop that compliments what you decide to wear.

The basic session is 90 min- 2 ish hours of shooting, depending on how cooperative baby is. Sessions are customizable if you would like to add parent and/or siblings. Speak with the photographer beforehand so you can work out a package that fits. We have products available to purchase separately. Speak with your photographer for more on this.

WHAT IF BABY HAS GAS?

If you are breastfeeding and your baby has gas issues, please abstain from eating the following 48 hours before your session : dairy products — milk, cheese, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, or any food that has milk, milk products, casein, whey, or sodium casein in it. Other foods that may cause gas and fussiness include anything with caffeine, soy, fish, peanuts, chocolate, wheat, beef, nuts, eggs, corn, citrus fruits and prenatal vitamins containing iron (Courtesy: Babycenter & ModernMom Parenting).

SHOULD I BRING ANYTHING?

All I need you to bring is a pacifier without an animal attached this can help us get through a pose before eating, or pacify a baby that doesn’t want to settle. It’s nice to bring a bottle of formula or expressed breast milk so I can feed baby during the session (if baby gets fussy), but it’s not mandatory. Once baby has that connection with mommy in the middle of the session, it’s sometimes hard for them to get back into a deep sleep or if mommy’s milk is not in all the way baby may want to use mommy to snack and pacify frequently. If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, that’s perfectly fine. We will take breaks as we need to as the baby is always the boss during these sessions. I will play a white noise machine during the session to mimic the sounds of the womb.

SIBLINGS

At Set Apart, we LOVE siblings. Sibling shots are some of the most precious images you may receive. If the sibling is under six, please have someone bring the sibling once we are ready for them. Some parents have their spouse or support person drop Mom and Baby off, and take the sibling(s) somewhere to hang out. We will text them when it's time to head to the studio for family and/or sibling shots.

These sessions can take quite a while depending on the baby's temperament, and siblings tend to get antsy and sometimes younger ones are just over it before they even getting started.

I also advise parents to wait to dress the siblings until right before its time for the pictures. Sometimes they eat, play etc and their outfits intended for the portraits get dirty.

Thank you for your cooperation with this!

WHERE IS THE STUDIO?

ZEAL creative Studio is located at 2240 North High St. Columbus, Ohio 43201.There is limited parking on the side of the building. If that is not available there are meters near by. I can’t wait to see you!

ANYTHING ELSE?

Some final thoughts: I try to share with each parent is if they are planning to be in any photos, consider pampering yourself to a nice hair appointment, get your nails done and wear something simple and flattering! Sometimes I will take close up shots of parents hands on baby for example, so clean nails and wedding bands make for a beautiful photo waiting to happen!

If you have any additional thoughts, or would like to discuss specific wishes for posing and styles/colors please discuss this with me at the time of booking.