Newborn Session Prep Guide
Whether this baby's Newborn Session is your first or tenth, here are a few reminders to help you prepare for our upcoming appointment.
Newborn Boy - Swaddled with Blue Rainbow
Newborn Boy - Head on Hands Pose
Address+Directions
(Note the NEW Address!)
My studio is located in Downtown Minot at
400 East Central Ave., Suite #306. (In the Old Brick Building just east of Ebenezer's) Please try not to arrive more than 5 minutes early, as families before you need time to leave and I need time to clean & prep between appointments. When you walk in the very front door (which has a 1 above it), you'll find the elevator straight down the hall and to the left. Take the elevator up to the 3rd floor. You'll turn to the right off the elevator then take the long hall to the left. I am at the end of the hall just past the restrooms.
What to Bring
Pack a diaper bag well-stocked for normal day out of the house.
+Extra diapers and wipes.
+Extra formula/bottles or whatever you'll need to nurse comfortably. My studio is nursing/pumping friendly, so bring what you need!
+Plan to possibly need to feed baby upon arrival. Sometimes, even if they just ate before you left the house, they'll wake up just enough to realize they want to eat again and the session hasn't even started. This is completely normal.
+Any props (heirloom items, blankets, outfits) we've discussed and are planning to use in the session.
+The studio can get warm for parents. Warm babies are comfortable babies. If you are planning photos, you are welcome to change clothes once we're done so that you are comfortable.
+Drinks or snacks. The session can feel long and you may find yourself feeling fatigued. I highly recommend bringing a snack & water with you. I normally have bottled water at the studio. If you find you need some, please do not hesitate to ask!
+Siblings - If siblings under 9 years old are coming, please make plans for them to leave with dad/mom, a friend or family member once their part of the session is done. The studio is can be boring and/or overwhelming, but there is nothing for them to do. However, we are a couple blocks away from Main Street Books, an ice cream shop, a sandwich shop, Charlie's cafe, the Train Museum and a few other good restaurants.
+Soothers/Pacifiers/Nook/Binkies - Even if baby is not taking one regularly or at all, sometimes they help calm & soothe during wrapping and almost always for posing, especially unwrapped. I do carry them sealed in studio, so if you forget it, we will have one to use just in case.
Payment
If your session is not paid in full, your balance is due at the time of the session. I can accept cash or check at the studio. If you're planning to pay with a card, let me know so I can set that up for you.
What to Wear
So, I will never tell you what to wear for Your Family Photos. After all, these are your photos & I want you to feel like home when you look at them. That being said, I know color coordination can be difficult. I have attached a few ideas below to help guide you in the process- scroll to the bottom for those. A quick list of do's & don'ts..
Do pick 2-3 colors that work together with a neutral being one of them, add in a 4th if needed.
Do add texture (not to be confused with patterns).
Don't choose graphics.
Don't choose neon.
Prepping Family & Siblings For Photos
-none of this is intended for baby-
In the days before - use chapstick and lotion to remedy dry/chapped lips and skin.
Night before - Remove or apply nail polishes as desired, clean & clip nails - check toes on littles.
Do not drink any punches or juices that stain lips, teeth & mouth before the session.
Remember to make plans for siblings so they are taken care of once we move on to the Newborn solo portion of the session.
++Illness Policies++
If anyone in your party is ill with a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, rash or are otherwise contagious, please reach out to reschedule. Even if it happens to be the morning of the session. We will gladly reschedule rather than risk exposure. I serve Newborns, Elderly, cancer patients and otherwise immunocompromised people and will not risk exposing them to something they can not fight off. If any client arrives to a session ill, I reserve the right to send them away without holding their session. On this same note, if I am ill the morning of the session, I will reach out to reschedule. I would not risk exposing your brand new little one to anything either.
We are excited to see you!
Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Newborn Girl - Swaddled in Heart Bowl
Sisters - Newborn Girl on Bed Full Composite
Outfit Color Inspiration