HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NEWBORN SESSION | SOUTH CAROLINA NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
DURING THE SESSION
As a mom myself, it is always my hope to make the day of your session as stress free as possible. I arrive with lots of grace and understanding that these early days are tough and exhausting! There is no need to clean your entire house or do anything special to your home – you’ve just had a baby! Let’s talk about what you can expect during your newborn session.
When I arrive at your home, I’ll wash my hands so that I’m prepared to make any adjustments as needed (with your permission), and have you show me your nursery, bedroom or any spot you wish to have photos taken so that I can find the best light in your home. Then, we will get started. I’ll set up my newborn posing bag and my space heater to keep baby warm since he or she will have minimal clothing on. I also provide wraps for you to choose from to have baby wrapped in for his or her individual pictures!
Once we are done with the baby’s individuals, we will move right into full family pictures. I’ll guide you through the entire session, asking you to give lots of snuggles to your sweet baby, and photographing the precious and fleeting details of this season of life with your brand new little one.
Preparing your other children
A new face in your home can be so overwhelming for your kids. It’s not even easy for us adults to have a stranger in our home.
Sit your children down the week of your session and build up the anticipation. Tell them that in a few days, you’re going to take some family photos. “On Tuesday, Mrs. Carly is going to come into our house and she’s going to take some photos of us with your baby brother/sister!” You can even pull up my instagram (@carlypoole.co) or website and show them pictures so they know what I look like! Continue to talk about the session here and there the days leading up to the session!
For older children, give them expectations on what you’d like to see their behavior look like! Sit them down the morning of the session and let them know what your expectations are and remind them who I am.
Don’t be afraid to plan a treat for them during/after the session! This could be something small like their favorite candy bar or something bigger like going to their favorite restaurant for dinner! Kids love working for a reward so this typically works really well. Plus, we have EVERYTHING they’d need or want at our fingertips in your home.
Most importantly,
I want you to know that I know exactly what it’s like having a newborn. They’re unpredictable and I understand that. If your baby is hungry 45 minutes into the session, let’s take a break for you to meet your baby’s needs. I often feel like moms feel stressed or maybe even rushed because they feel like they’re “taking up my time”. I assure you, I do not feel that way. I can take this time to photograph the nursery, your other kids, you feeding your baby or just sitting and chatting about this sweet season. Mama, I don’t care if it takes 5 hours to photograph your newborn session, I’m here for you and I see you. Please do not feel rushed! I not only want to photography your family, but I want to create art so I’m here for as long as you need me.
Lastly, remember we don’t have to use your baby’s nursery for the whole session. We can use any room in the house (trust me, I’ll tell you if it won’t work – specifically for lighting reasons) or outside if weather permits! If your family likes to hang out on the back patio, let’s do it! If you all like to snuggle up on the couch for a movie, I’m all for it. I want to make your session unique to you and your family!
Looking for a South Carolina Newborn Photographer located in Columbia? I’d love to chat with you about what the experience looks like to hire Carly Poole Photography. Click here to contact me or if you’re interested in my Motherhood Membership, click here to apply!
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW