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Newborns

Newborn Sessions 

Those first moments of Baby’s life when they are serene and petite are so precious, but also so fleeting!  Our newborn portrait sessions will capture those moments, turning them into timeless pieces of art for you and your family.  Newborn sessions ideally take place within 21 days after birth to take advantage of Baby’s natural squishiness.  Sessions include the use of our wraps, headbands, and props.  Our Studio sessions are usually between 1-3 hours long to give plenty of time for Baby to feed and settle as needed between poses.  We schedule a limited number of newborn clients per month. We encourage expectant mama to book your newborn session 1-2 months before Baby is due.  We keep our newborn schedule very flexible, so don’t worry if baby doesn’t come on time.  Contact us to book your session today.  

Studio Session Day

Prior to your arrival, we will have prepped the studio by laying out wraps and blankets, testing studio lighting and arrange the props you selected so that we have a seamless newborn session.  We also ask baby's parents to help in preparing for our session.  Please try to keep baby awake for 2-3 hours before the session and time their feeding schedule so they will be ready to go when you arrive.  If you are close to by (10-30 minutes away) you can give baby a good feeding right before you arrive, then we can start your session once you arrive. A good feeding will help put baby in a full milk coma which makes it easier to position him/her into all those cute poses.  If you are nursing, please avoid foods that can make baby gassy or fussy for 48-24 hours prior to session.  A list of those foods can be found in this breastfeeding guide.  

 

PLEASE BRING A PACIFIER with you, as this is a must-have to soothe baby between poses, even if baby doesn't typically take a pacifier it can buy us a quick minute to catch the shot.  For family shots with baby, we encourage everyone to dress in neutral colors (or at least solid colored clothes), because it flows better with the setup. Please try to avoid pattern, plaids and prints, especially if we have sibilings, non-solid clothing can make headswaps difficult. Check out our What to Wear page for info. Mom have the option to use one of our Flowy gowns, from our Gown Collection.  Gowns marked with the star (*) next to it are recommended for the Newborn Session.  Finally, if you have a special memento or item (wedding rings, dog tags, etc.) you would like incorporated please let us know.  We also would recommend bringing a change of clothes for mom & dad, incase baby has an accident on you.

Candids & Colors Photography Savage Mill Studio

Sit back and Relax

Having a new baby can be stressful, we do our best to streamline our workflow and encourage our new parents to sit back and relax.  The studio is set at about 80 degrees to ensure baby is warm and comfy.  We have a couch, chairs, boppy, a changing table stocked with diapers, wipes, and even toys to keep siblings occupied.  So sit back and relax...you deserve it!  (Studio Experience) If you forgot something, don't worry we have extra diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, and pacifiers on hand! :-) Downstairs on the 1st floor there is Rustiq Bakery or The Dive Bar so if anyone gets hungry you can grab some food and eat while we work with Baby.

Newborn Frequently Asked Questions

*When is the best time to photograph a newborn? 

 

Within 3 weeks of birth is best.  Typically newer babies, will sleep through the posing and revert back into their squished fetal positions easier.  Babies between 8-14 days old are very photogenic, but they also hit a belly growth spurt around this age and tend to cluster feed. We have found days 5-7 and 14-17 to be the "sweet spot."  Please know we do not turn away older babies, but they may lose some flexibility and we may not be able to get those squishy balled-up poses, but we can still have a successful session. 

 

*Where does the session take place?

 

All newborn sessions take place at our studio located in Historic Savage Mill. We are located in the Carding Building Studio #308.  Rustiq Bakery is located in the courtyard at the entrance of our building. Detailed instructions are sent with your session confirmation info.

 

*What time are newborn sessions done?

 

We book newborn studio sessions Monday-Friday between 9 am and 10 am. Most newborns tend to be sleepy at this time.

 

*How far in advance should I book a session? 

 

Sessions should be booked at least 4 weeks in advance of your due date to ensure we are available. Please do not worry if baby doesn’t come on time, we build flexibility into scheduling so we can accommodate early or late babies.   We will try to accommodate booking less than 4 weeks out if we have availability.

 

*How long is a newborn session? 

 

Studio Newborn sessions, we plan for 1-3 hours.  Outdoor Newborn Sessions we plan for 45-75 minutes.

We will not push a studio session past 3 hours. IF baby does not settle with in the first 1.5-2  and we do not have any acceptable images we will offer a reshoot for another day.

 

*Is there a place to change and feed Baby? 

 

Our studio has chairs, a changing table, extra baby items in case forgotten, refreshments, and some snacks to help keep everyone comfortable during the session.

 

*Can I bring my own props and heirlooms? 

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Please let us know prior to your session if you intend to bring something, so we can see if we can accommodate. Also with the current covid situation, we try to limit what comes into the studio.

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*Are family shots included in a newborn session? 

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Yes, with the Full Newborn Session! Please note only immediate family in the studio, please no extended family. If older sibling(s) are attending the session, please let us know so we can plan accordingly. We do have an area in which they can play quietly. IF for some reason they get upset and cannot be calmed within a few minutes we do ask that they are taken out to the area around the elevators or courtyard, out of respect for our floor neighbors.

 

*Can you do newborn multiples? 

 

Of Course!  However, extra fees may apply if I have to bring in an assistant to ensure the safety and comfort of your babies. 

 

*Is there anything else we should bring for a session?

 

Mom & Dad should bring an extra change of clothes for them, especially if we're doing naked baby family poses. Poop happens during these sessions, so bring an extra change just in case.

 

 

Breastfeeding Food Guide

This is a list of common foods to avoid while nursing to prevent a gassy and fussy baby

****We highly suggest if your baby is gassy to avoid the listed foods 48 hours before your session.****

 

  • Citric Acid foods and drinks:

    • Cranberries

    • Pineapple

    • Grapefruit

    • Oranges

    • Lemons

    • Strawberries

    • All berries

    • Tomatoes or tomato products

    • Chocolate

    • Peanuts (nuts in general)

    • Pizza

    • Spaghetti

    • Chili

    • Tacos/spicy/Mexican food/salsa

    • Ketchup

 

  • Gassy Vegetables:

    • Asparagus

    • Onions

    • Cucumbers/pickles

    • Broccoli

    • Cauliflower

    • Brussel Sprouts

    • Cabbage

 

  • Restrict Foods Such As

    • Soda

    • Coffee

    • Tea

    • Wine

    • Beer

*Check with your doctor to see if Dairy is an issue

**Guide by Dr. O’Connell: Newport Beach, CA (List courtesy of Ana Brandt Photography**)

 

Maryland Baby Photography Studio |  Maryland Newborn Photographer | Maryland Baby Photographer

 

Maryland Newborn Photographer
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