Session Prep Information

Here are my tips for preparing for your newborn session with me!

First off, don't worry if you're running late, that's very normal, and honestly expected. Just let me know if you are running late by texting me at 514-462-1960. We only ask that you don't come early.

Now let me tell you what to expect for your session:

We run our session very baby led, if baby is super sleepy at the beginning we will start with the solo newborn posing, the family portraits tend to work well at the end of the session, but we are flexible. Mama shouldn't worry too much about having something to wear, I have beautiful comfortable and flattering dresses you can wear if clothes aren't fitting how you like :) (wear nude colour underwear because most of my dresses are white) Otherwise all of you dress in neutral colours like beige or grey or soft blue or pink or any earth tones :). Please do not wear any dark colours or patterns, I only shoot natural light and the dark clothing makes for very dark images. Please make sure you have something comfortable to wear for the rest of the session because it will be very warm in the studio.

If you have your older child joining us for this session I try to move the portion where older sibling is involved to the beginning of the session, in case one parent will need to leave with that child because of naps, or if they are getting restless. We have plenty of parks nearby, so if you are worried about your older child not being able to be present for the entire session, please let me know so I can adjust the plan for the session to complete all the family photos at the beginning so then Dad can take them to the park or to the nearby mall.

For your reference here are a couple of examples of the colour palette you may enjoy choosing from.

Here are a few tips for a sleepy baby!

Sleepy baby means more photographing time so I totally appreciate it if you can try out these tips for before the session, these are not a MUST (unless I have listed them as important), but they help the session go more smoothly. Every baby is different so if you miss one of these tips, don’t fret! They are just a guideline :)

- IMPORTANT do not plan to do anything before the session that would overstimulate your little one. No doctors appointments or family or friend visits. We want baby tired but not overtired. So just plan for a chill morning getting ready for your photos :)

- IMPORTANT remember to bring plenty of water, dress in layers and good nutritious snacks, just in case baby needs to breastfeed more than normal. It is a warm room and I do not want you wasting away on me :)  

- try and keep baby awake for their normal awake time before you leave as this might make it easier for baby to sleep for longer, so we have ample sleeping baby time for posing haha :) A lot of clients achieve this by giving baby a bath before the session. If baby is super sleepy in the morning they may not sleep during their session, so you may have to disrupt their routine just a little bit with a bath to keep things working in our favour.

- IMPORTANT: bring a pacifier for them - even if they aren’t taking one yet or you aren't planning on giving one to them, it is for the tiny moments where they may need to soothe suck while I pose them, this short amount of time will not ruin their latch if you are breastfeeding. 

- IMPORTANT Feed baby until they are completely full JUST before you leave your house, again, just like the awake time just before you leave means we can have more sleepy baby time.

- Dress them in easy to remove clothing (I love those zip-up footie pjs because it doesn't go over their head - if you are worried about them getting cold, use extra blankets - or dress them how you would prefer, it's not that huge of a deal haha, it just helps if you avoid outfits that have to go over the head to remove them) 

- Do not worry if the car ride puts them to sleep - that's all part of the plan!  

- Keep in mind we will be keeping the studio very warm as we will be working to keep baby sleepy and comfortable. Dress in layers so you can stay comfortable as well during the session. 

Very IMPORTANT, please let me know if you are bringing any props or items for your session ahead of time by replying my email with photos of these objects or outfits. I plan your session ahead of time, so if you bring items last minute I cannot guarantee that I can include it in the session. If you have nothing to bring don't worry :) I have everything you need! I have all the props and outfits in my studio for your little ones, as well as for you Mama!

Can't wait to work with you! If you have any questions at all please let me know!