Newborn Details... Booking
Booking a Session: The best time to book your newborn session is 2 or 3 months before your due date to ensure I’m available when your little bundle of joy arrives. I only photograph 2 or 3 sessions each week to ensure I have time to prepare the studio for a new session and time to edit each image to perfection.
Timing of the Session: The best time to photograph your newborn is in the first 10 days while they are still in that sleepy and curly stage. After two weeks of age, they tend to be disturbed while sleeping. While it's possible to still achieve adorable newborn poses and images after two weeks, some poses will no longer be possible if the baby doesn't comfortably go into the pose. Also, after two weeks old, soothing the baby to sleep may be more difficult and time consuming, which might limit the variety of poses and shots. Older babies can also become colicky or baby acne can start to flare. All that being said, all of my clients with older newborns have still been happy with the results.
Planning ahead: I will ask that you nurse or feed your baby right before you leave home if you live close, or plan to feed the baby as soon as you arrive. A full baby is a happy sleepy baby. If at all possible try to keep your newborn awake or stimulated a couple of hours prior to our session so he/she will be ready to fall asleep in a cozy warm environment. Many of the poses are done tastefully and can be done with a naked baby or wraps/outfits, no private parts showing. No need to dress baby in a cute outfit from home.
Siblings/Family: I welcome sibling/family shots during a newborn session; however, I prefer sibling shots be taken at the beginning of the session. The studio is small and all family shots should be discussed prior to arriving so that the studio can be set up for them. The focus will be primarily on just the newborn. If you have other young children that may need extra time, we can arrange a separate mini family session to make things easier.
Props: I supply all blankets, props, headbands and hats, but I welcome any props you may have. I am open to new ideas and sentimental items if they can be incorporated safely! If you see something you like in any of the galleries, be sure to mention it before your session. Any attempted prop shots will also be decided upon before arrival so that they can be ready.
Outdoor shots: If time and weather conditions allow, we can venture outdoors to a nearby shady area. This will be the last portion of the session if there is time.
Equipment: I only shoot with top of the line equipment. I currently shoot with a Canon 5D Mark III, Sigma ART 50 1.4, Canon 50 1.4, 85 1.2L and 24-70 2.8LII for newborn and sibling sessions.
Turnaround Time: A view and order session will be scheduled 2 to 3 wks after your session.
Newborn Details... The Day Of Your Session
Location: The newborn studio is located in Hidden Meadows, just North of Escondido.
10320 Meadow Glen Way E
Escondido, CA 92026
Take the stairs to the second floor and our little studio is in the back left corner.
Preparation: Please try to follow these guidelines for the best success at your session. If possible, keep baby awake and stimulated for the hour prior to the session. Try to arrive shortly after feeding baby as a full belly makes for a happy baby. Try to get a good burp before placing baby in carseat so gas doesn't settle in their tummy. Please dress baby in a button down outfit so we can avoid pulling anything off over their head when you arrive.
Check your babies fingernails, if they're long and could scratch, please file them gently.
The room will be between 80 - 85 degrees to keep the baby warm and comfortable, so please dress accordingly. We will be playing white noise to help soothe the baby as well. This is all to mimic being in the womb.
Our newborn studio is small. There is only room for one parent. There is a deli & small market in the building next door if you need any snacks or small personal items. If sibling/family shots are planned, they will be taken first and I suggest one parent take older siblings out of the studio so we can focus on the newborn for the remainder of the session.
Sessions usually last around 3-4 hours. Karen likes to take her time and move slowly with the baby, only photographing the baby when he/she is comfortable.
Medical Issues: If your baby is jaundice, please let us know and we will postpone your session. It typically clears up by 2 weeks, and we'll make sure to fit you in when baby is ready. Similarly, if your baby still needs time to heal from any procedures that might cause them pain, it's best to let it heal and do the session when your baby is comfortable. Cords that are still attached may also cause the baby discomfort and limit poses.
Gas: Gas is common in newborns and sometimes the discomfort in the baby is hard to identify. If you're breastfeeding and you suspect your baby has gas issues, please avoid the following foods for 3 days prior to your session: Dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream or anything with milk in it), caffeine, soy, chocolate, broccoli, eggs, or anything that makes you feel gassy.
Please Bring:
Diapers
Wipes
Pacifier: Please bring a Soothie brand pacifier (0-3mo) (Not attached to any toys/wubanubs). I have (new in package) extras if you don't have one, don't stress! Other brand pacifiers tend to leave red rings around the babies mouth. Even if you don't normally use a pacifier, especially if breastfeeding, the pacifier is the best way to, well, pacify, the baby. If the baby smells you nearby and wants to comfort nurse, the pacifier is key. Without it, it may be very difficult to soothe the baby and get any good photographs.
Karen's cell number is 951-378-1010. Call or text as necessary before your session.
Newborn Details... Viewing and Ordering Session
Your viewing and ordering session will be scheduled for 2 - 3 wks following your studio session. Most viewing sessions are done at your home so you can easily visualize any art or products you want to hang on the walls or display. A gallery of 20 - 50 + images will be presented for you to choose from. Samples of products are available for you to look and touch. Packages offer discounts and digital images are available to purchase.