IMPORTANT! Before your session:

 Once your baby is born, contact me to let me know he/she has arrived! When you have a moment, just shoot me a quick email anytime.  I will get back with you asap between M-Th (10am-8pm) I’ll send you some available dates I have, and we can schedule your exact session date. I love photographing newborns and infants at all stages, so we can set up a date you feel most comfortable with. Anytime between 4 days to several weeks works wonderfully!

STUDIO ADDRESS:

 409 N. Eufaula bldg. B. Coweta, OK 74429

Please make sure you are using the parking spaces in-front of my business (409B)

Please read the following prep guide thoroughly for a successful session.  

One of the most important things to remember at the session is to go with the flow. Your baby will be in charge at the session, and I will only do what makes your baby comfortable and happy. I have developed a posing flow that I use at every session to keep babies safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Altering this routine with lots of prop requests and multiple outfit changes can actually backfire, causing your baby to be over stimulated and over tired. I have everything you will need for your session as far as props go.

SICK POLICY: VERY IMPORTANT! 

If a family member is sick, please DO NOT bring them into the studio. If the ill family member must be present for the photos, please reschedule your session for a later date when they are well. Since I work closely with newborn babies, it is very important that I stay healthy for these precious little ones, as well as keeping germs out of the studio. I do all I can keep myself healthy, and make sure I am current on all of my vaccinations. If you or a family member is ill (and has not been symptom or fever free for at least 24 hours) PLEASE call to change your session date. If a person arrives and is obviously sick, I may ask that client to leave and reschedule. (And that is super awkward!) I greatly appreciate your efforts in helping me keep myself and my clients healthy!

What to expect….for baby:

THE MORNING OF THE SESSION:

The following instructions are suggestions only. You know your baby best, so some of these instructions may not be possible. However, I have found that these tips work WONDERFULLY to help make the most of our time together for a successful session. I find that lack of preparation can cause the session to be much more difficult and last longer. Please don’t stress if you can not do everything perfectly. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and I totally understand this is a crazy time for your family! However, willing to alter your schedule just a bit for the day can help make your session a success!

Feeding the morning of the session: 

If you are coming to the session….

WITH A TODDLER OR YOUNG SIBLING:  Please feed your baby immediately before you leave your house to come to the session.  This will allow us to start sibling photos right away when you arrive. Young siblings have a short attention span for photos, so we want to make sure we take those photos immediately so the sibling will not have to wait through a feeding. When you get here, I will swaddle your baby in a beautiful wrap and begin the sibling photos. Toddlers have a short attention span, and I do not want the sibling to have to wait a while for baby to be fed before we start photos. Dress your baby in loose clothing so it will be easy to undress them without waking them. We will start sibling photos immediately upon arrival, then family photos will follow. Please make arrangements to have a friend or family member pick up your toddler or young children so we can then focus on the individual newborn portraits. If no one is available, it is best for one of the parents to take the toddler out to grab a bite to eat, visit the local shops, or play at the nearby park while we complete the rest of the session. Sessions can last over 2 hours, and children do not enjoy sitting still for that amount of time. Please make necessary arrangements before you arrive. Thank you for understanding. 

Sessions usually last around two hours. The easiest way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to nurse/bottle feed on and off. Your baby’s feeding schedule may be a little thrown off on session day, but babies tend to be hungrier during their newborn sessions. Do not be surprised if they want to eat more than normal. **I understand that some parents may be already trying to set a “feeding schedule.” However, please understand that babies may be a hungrier at their newborn sessions because of the extra exercise from being moved around. Please be willing to have a flexible feeding schedule during the newborn session. If a parent withholds feedings and the baby is clearly showing signs of hunger and distress because of they need to eat sooner than scheduled, I will discontinue the session. Please be willing to be a little flexible just for the couple of hours we are together for a successful session. My top priority is your baby’s health, safety, and comfort. **

If you can, bring the soothie pacifier the hospital sent you home with. It’s the bendable, green/blue/orange one, and won’t leave marks. Even if you haven’t used one, just for the time that I’m posing him/her really helps. However, if you really prefer that we don’t use a paci, that is fine as well! I will always respect your wishes!

During the session…

TEMPERATURE: It will be warm in the studio. Due to this, I will be dressed comfortably, and suggest you do to! This warm temperature will keep baby’s skin color nice and even, as well as help him stay warm and comfy since he will be undressed for most of the session. You are welcome to bring the clothes you want to change into, and any makeup for touch-ups. There is a private restroom.

BABY: I provide everything needed for your baby's session. Just bring your diaper bag, and babe.

MOM & DAD: You are a big part of the show. Photographing the connection between you and your baby is one of my all-time favorite things. Just as they encourage in the hospital, skin to skin contact creates the most beautiful images, so refrain from wearing bulky, loose clothing with long sleeves. Please keep all colors neutral, I prefer to stick to whites, creams, tans & browns as it looks best with my shooting and editing style.

Dads: I ask that you bring a well-fitting t-shirt/V-neck, (please avoid the typical white “undershirt”) textured thermal shirts look great, or Henley style shirt to wear with a good fitting pair of jeans, or if you prefer, a neutral solid button up. White, grey, black, or tan works well, and looks nice for photos. Don’t worry about what kind of shoes you wear, as these will not show. I suggest removing watches to keep the focus on baby.

Moms: Don’t know what to wear? gorgeous gowns, pretty tank tops, camisoles, chiffon materials, simple solid color dresses, feminine pretty lacy cover ups look great too! Even a solid color neutral shirt with pretty lace details on the arms or shoulders looks lovely. If you are uncomfortable bearing your arms, stick with a soft simple shirt. Don’t worry about your post-partum belly showing. Photos will be from the elbows up, and your baby will cover most of you. Be sure you have no bright or chipped nail polish, as your hands will make their way into the images. Refrain from wearing lots of jewelry, watches, and big earrings. Wedding rings and simple stud earrings look classic and clean. Keep all colors neutral, again I prefer to stick to whites, creams, tans & browns as it looks best with my shooting and editing style and design simple. Please no bright lipstick as it will reflect onto babe's face.

Rest assured, I aim to photograph using flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in your family.

FOR SIBLINGS:

Including older brother / sister(s) in your newborn portraits is the perfect way to document this fleeting time in your lives.

ARRANGE FOR A HELPER IF POSSIBLE: If you are bringing young children to the session, it is important to arrange for a family member or friend to pick them up after their portraits are finished. Their portion of the session will start immediately upon arrival, and family photos should be finished within the 30 minutes. (Another reason why it is important to feed your baby before you come!) Since the full session can last for a couple hours, children can get very bored and tired waiting for the session to be over. My studio is filled with props, equipment, and lighting. Children will need to be supervised at all times. If you prefer your older children stay for the duration of the session, please bring a favorite movie, iPad, or books to help them pass the time.

Sister(s): Having a hard time finding a dress? Lots of beautiful little girls' dresses online (Etsy, Amazon) or you can bring along a snug fitting tank in a neutral color, and/or a simple classic dress in a solid neutral color. Bright colors are strongly discouraged, as they will reflect color onto their face, and the baby’s skin. Please avoid shirts with large logos or graphics. For small children, please wear bloomers under dresses to cover diapers/ underwear. Just as with mom, no bright or chipped nail polish please, and make sure to remove any peeling polish before you come to your session. I do keep nail polish remover in the studio just in case!

Brother(s): Please bring a snug pair of jeans, and a snug fitted t-shirt, V-neck, thermal, or Henley style shirt. (Avoid an undershirt and opt for more of thicker quality t-shirt instead) For toddlers, if you prefer him to be shirtless, please take a moment to chat with your guy about this so he feels prepared for the session – though if he prefers not, a tight-fitting t-shirt is perfect. Older siblings look most comfortable in a simple solid neutral color t-shirt or thermal. Collared shirts work well for older siblings, but not for little ones. The collars tend to cover their faces and need to be re-adjusted frequently, so they are not suggested for toddlers. Please no words, graphics, patterns, or bright colors.

Additional Family/Guests:

My goal is to focus on the safety and comfort of your baby, and make sure I can give you the best images possible while being in a soothing, calm environment. I am always happy to have family members come and watch, but please limit extra guests at the session. Extra guests can prohibit me from being able to move around during the session and can cause distractions. I also ask that all other children please stay in the client lounge area for safety. Session fees are for immediate family members only (mom/dad/siblings). If you would like to include other people to be photographed, there is a $50 charge per person and

notified prior to session day.

 A few additional thoughts…

Pets: I am a total pet lover. (I have 3 fur babies of my own I adore!) However, pets are not allowed in the studio out of respect for allergy issues other clients may have. But I would love to have them join us at a future outdoor session!

Props: I have just about everything you will need for the session. I have tons of baskets, blankets, wraps, hair accessories, and other simple props such as pants and bonnets for your baby’s session. I believe in simple, clean, classic portraiture, a style that focuses on your beautiful baby. My style is very organic and simple, and I generally avoid a lot of bright, props or outfits. This way your baby will not get lost in the image. Some of my favorite images have no props at all! Just baby. Beautiful and perfect on their own.

What to bring: bring your baby and milk!

I have everything to style your session at my studio. However, if you have some props / items that you would like to incorporate into your photos, you are welcome to bring them. I ask that you keep props to a minimum, or just bring items that are of sentimental value. 

Poses: Some parents ask if they can request certain poses or shots, they have seen on other photography sites or Pinterest. Yes, you can request them, and I will make every attempt to get you what you want in terms of poses; however, there are certain poses, that in my opinion, are unsafe and pose harm to the baby. These poses, I will not do. Baby is my number one priority. Some babies are uncomfortable in certain poses, and I will only do what feels comfortable for your baby.

My goal is to photograph your beautiful baby and family the way they are. Enjoy your UNIQUE session and try not to get caught up in re-creating someone else’s family photo session. This session is about YOUR little miracle. YOUR family. Almost always, parents favor the simple, classic poses instead of the photographs with crazy props because they are timeless and will never go out of style.

Please take care of these issues before your photos.

• Nail polish color changes/ heavy peeling removal (small chips can be photoshopped fee of charge because I know this can happen easily. Nail polish remover is available if needed)
• Hair color change or root cover up
• Self tanner blotches/streaks and tan lines
• Braces removal or tooth repairs/replacement
• Large tattoo removal requests (I love tattoos, but if you do not want them to show, please wear something that covers them)
• Arriving with heavily wrinkled clothes (I cannot photoshop this)
• Excessive food or mucus, snot, dirt, milk left on children’s faces.
• Requesting makeup color changes
• Poorly fitting undergarment lines/folds, and brightly colored undergarments that show through clothing. Neutral tones are best.

After your session…

The photos from your session will be presented to you in a private online proofing gallery. I will email you the link.

Thank you again for choosing me to photograph this special time!

It is my hope that you come to my studio feeling comfortable and at home. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!