Hello and welcome!
I hope you are all doing well! I'm very excited to meet your little one! Please use this as your guide for what to expect and how to prep for your newborn session. If you have any questions, please let me know!
Disclaimer: The Prep Guide is a key component to a successful newborn session. Please be sure to read the entire prep guide below. I cannot guarantee specific poses or that your baby WILL sleep because all babies are different. However, I can assure you that if you follow this prep, the chance of a sleepy, happy baby will be much greater! (please note - pumping a bottle is NOT required, only requested for easy feeding). I can also ensure that we will capture some beautiful memories of your little one awake or asleep! I know this seems like a lot of information, however it is full of valuable information! Thanks in advance for taking the time to prep and I will see you soon!
The Day of Your Session Prep:
1. Please bathe your newborn about an hour or two before your session. A nice warm 5-10 minute bath should wake them up and get them all nice and squeaky clean for their modeling debut! Don't worry if they have flaky skin, just lotion them up after their bath. Try and keep your baby awake for an hour before the session. Typically the bath does the work for you! Please dress baby in just a onesie/button or zip-up pjs or, if the weather permits, just in their diaper and covered in a nice warm blanket. This will keep us from agitating baby too much if they arrive asleep by not having to undress them.
2. Try to time baby’s feeding RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE for your session. Feeding your baby before you leave can allow a relaxed feeding in your own home (especially if you are still mastering breastfeeding together). Once you have finished your feeding, please put baby in their car seat in as little clothing as possible (diaper only, snap-together shirt or zip-up onesie) and cover in a blanket (weather permitting). This allows your baby to enjoy the ride over to the studio and arrive in a deep sleep. If little to no clothing is being worn, I can start the session as soon as you arrive if they are happy and asleep. If you are breastfeeding, please consider expressing/pumping a bottle of milk or two and bringing it with you so that we can quickly get baby full and happy in between set-ups. However, if you choose not to bottle feed that is completely OKAY. I just ask that you be prepared to feed on demand during your session until baby has gotten his/her fill. If you are feeding formula or bottle-feeding breast milk please bring at least 8oz of extra food. I know that sounds like a lot, but modeling is super hard work and babies tend to work up an appetite looking so adorable! The idea behind this VERY IMPORTANT step is to exhaust our little model, fill baby’s belly, and allow them to drift off into a deep, deep sleep that we only dream of!
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BREASTFED BABIES:
If breastfeeding, please try to avoid eating the following foods 24 hours prior to the session as it may upset baby’s tummy:
3. Please bring a pacifier, even if you are not using it yet. *Please do not bring a pacifier attached to a lovie/stuffed animal as this can interfere with posing. The pacifier will help soothe your baby into positions if needed. Some clients have expressed concern that using a soother might interfere with breastfeeding. Using a soother during a 2-hour session for a few moments here and there should not cause issues. However, if you are not comfortable using it that is also completely okay! There is no pressure and we can skip this step.
4. Please bring plenty of diapers, wipes, and blankets to wrap your baby in. While in between poses I will loosely place a diaper on your baby to protect you (if an additional feeding is needed) and have you wrap them in a nice warm blanket.
5. Please bring PLENTY of liquid for yourself to drink. The room gets warm (about 75-80 degrees) so it is important that you stay hydrated, especially if you are breastfeeding. Gatorade and Vitamin Water is a great drink to consume while breastfeeding. I do have snacks and drinks on hand as well.
6. Please refrain from wearing any perfumes, colognes, or lotions that are scented. Even if this is something that you’d normally wear, it can be bothersome to babies and irritate their delicate senses. We will be working in a very small space so things like fragrances can become more enhanced.
Parent/Family and Sibling Portion:
If you wish to have parent photos taken please wear neutral shirts (cream, white, gray, black, navy) with no pattern. While most shots include only the waist up, you may want to consider dressing in a complete outfit if you have a sibling that will be placed on your lap. Your session will be styled by me using the information from your newborn questionnaire. There is no need to bring props or outfits to the session. Those items are all provided by me for styling and safety reasons.
Sibling photos will be done first. Girls can wear a white/cream or plain colored dress (please choose something you will want to see on your walls). Boys can wear a collared or plain t-shirt with jeans. Again, the colors for the siblings should be non-patterned and neutral. Sibling shots will be completed at the beginning of your session. Siblings must leave after their portion of the session is complete. The studio is not ideal for children for any extended period due to the heat. It is preferable that you make arrangements with a parent/grandparent/etc to leave with the sibling(s) after their shots. If this presents a challenge, please talk with me about dividing your session into two parts - one date will be selected for the newborn only and a second date will be selected for the family/sibling portion.
Important Notes for Your Session:
Please reserve 2-3 hours for the session. You can hang out, watch the session, relax, take a nap, or read a book, while I do adorable things with your little one!
I will be the primary one handling baby during the session. I’ve been trained to properly handle and safely pose your baby. I’ve found that the more Mom touches baby, baby smells Mommy and wants to eat. However, be prepared to assist me during a few poses if needed. I will walk you through how to help when the need arises. Other than that, I want your experience to be fun and relaxing! You’re welcome to sit and watch, or even take a nap on my couch. I would recommend packing a good book and snacks for your comfort!
Your session will take place at my home studio:
1006 Eddystone Ct. Reading, PA 19605.
There is plenty of street parking in front of my home. You can enter through my studio door which is around the left side of the garage. You will see my business sign by the door. You can proceed down the stairs to enter my studio space. I ask that you kindly be willing to remove your shoes upon entering the studio. Since I photograph a lot of babies who crawl all around my floors, I request that shoes be removed for sanitary purposes.
Please RESPOND via email stating you have read the Prep Guide and confirming your attendance.
Lateness/Sickness/Etc.
If there is a problem the day of the session (running late/sickness/etc.) please call or text me as soon as you can (610-780-1100) as I am preparing the studio for your baby. Getting a little person, yourself, and your family out the door for the first few times can be a task. While beginning on time is important, so is your stress level. If you are stressed, baby may be stressed. Take your time, allow for more time than you think you’ll need, and try to stay relaxed. The last thing I want is for you to feel frazzled on a day when you should be enjoying time with your baby.
I take illness very seriously and do not permit anyone who is sick or has been sick to enter the studio until they are fever/vomit free for 48 hours without medication. This applies to anyone being photographed and their guests. If you show up to the studio visibly ill, your session will be terminated and you will be charged a rebooking fee. I hate to be so strict but since newborns have a fragile immune system, I need to protect them as much as I can from exposure. I have no problem rescheduling a session for illness if I know in advance. So to avoid a fee and the aggravation of driving to the studio when someone is sick, please be in touch with me if that should occur and we will find another time for you to come in for your session.
Turnaround time for your session gallery is approximately 3-4 weeks until you receive your final images. This may vary depending on the time of year and my schedule but I can explain this more during your session!
XOXO,
April
Find me on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to “like” and “follow” me.
www.facebook.com/aprilcphotos
www.instagram.com/aprilcphotos
Join my VIP group on Facebook for the latest specials and to stay up to date on any offers!
www.facebook.com/groups/921994961277770
Disclaimer: The Prep Guide is a key component to a successful newborn session. Please be sure to read the entire prep guide below. I cannot guarantee specific poses or that your baby WILL sleep because all babies are different. However, I can assure you that if you follow this prep, the chance of a sleepy, happy baby will be much greater! (please note - pumping a bottle is NOT required, only requested for easy feeding). I can also ensure that we will capture some beautiful memories of your little one awake or asleep! I know this seems like a lot of information, however it is full of valuable information! Thanks in advance for taking the time to prep and I will see you soon!
The Day of Your Session Prep:
1. Please bathe your newborn about an hour or two before your session. A nice warm 5-10 minute bath should wake them up and get them all nice and squeaky clean for their modeling debut! Don't worry if they have flaky skin, just lotion them up after their bath. Try and keep your baby awake for an hour before the session. Typically the bath does the work for you! Please dress baby in just a onesie/button or zip-up pjs or, if the weather permits, just in their diaper and covered in a nice warm blanket. This will keep us from agitating baby too much if they arrive asleep by not having to undress them.
2. Try to time baby’s feeding RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE for your session. Feeding your baby before you leave can allow a relaxed feeding in your own home (especially if you are still mastering breastfeeding together). Once you have finished your feeding, please put baby in their car seat in as little clothing as possible (diaper only, snap-together shirt or zip-up onesie) and cover in a blanket (weather permitting). This allows your baby to enjoy the ride over to the studio and arrive in a deep sleep. If little to no clothing is being worn, I can start the session as soon as you arrive if they are happy and asleep. If you are breastfeeding, please consider expressing/pumping a bottle of milk or two and bringing it with you so that we can quickly get baby full and happy in between set-ups. However, if you choose not to bottle feed that is completely OKAY. I just ask that you be prepared to feed on demand during your session until baby has gotten his/her fill. If you are feeding formula or bottle-feeding breast milk please bring at least 8oz of extra food. I know that sounds like a lot, but modeling is super hard work and babies tend to work up an appetite looking so adorable! The idea behind this VERY IMPORTANT step is to exhaust our little model, fill baby’s belly, and allow them to drift off into a deep, deep sleep that we only dream of!
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR BREASTFED BABIES:
If breastfeeding, please try to avoid eating the following foods 24 hours prior to the session as it may upset baby’s tummy:
- spicy or gassy food (such as broccoli, beans etc)
- heavy dairy
- caffeine
- chocolate.
- **PLEASE AVOID DRINKING COFFEE ON THE MORNING OF YOUR SESSION IF YOU ARE BREASTFEEDING**
3. Please bring a pacifier, even if you are not using it yet. *Please do not bring a pacifier attached to a lovie/stuffed animal as this can interfere with posing. The pacifier will help soothe your baby into positions if needed. Some clients have expressed concern that using a soother might interfere with breastfeeding. Using a soother during a 2-hour session for a few moments here and there should not cause issues. However, if you are not comfortable using it that is also completely okay! There is no pressure and we can skip this step.
4. Please bring plenty of diapers, wipes, and blankets to wrap your baby in. While in between poses I will loosely place a diaper on your baby to protect you (if an additional feeding is needed) and have you wrap them in a nice warm blanket.
5. Please bring PLENTY of liquid for yourself to drink. The room gets warm (about 75-80 degrees) so it is important that you stay hydrated, especially if you are breastfeeding. Gatorade and Vitamin Water is a great drink to consume while breastfeeding. I do have snacks and drinks on hand as well.
6. Please refrain from wearing any perfumes, colognes, or lotions that are scented. Even if this is something that you’d normally wear, it can be bothersome to babies and irritate their delicate senses. We will be working in a very small space so things like fragrances can become more enhanced.
Parent/Family and Sibling Portion:
If you wish to have parent photos taken please wear neutral shirts (cream, white, gray, black, navy) with no pattern. While most shots include only the waist up, you may want to consider dressing in a complete outfit if you have a sibling that will be placed on your lap. Your session will be styled by me using the information from your newborn questionnaire. There is no need to bring props or outfits to the session. Those items are all provided by me for styling and safety reasons.
Sibling photos will be done first. Girls can wear a white/cream or plain colored dress (please choose something you will want to see on your walls). Boys can wear a collared or plain t-shirt with jeans. Again, the colors for the siblings should be non-patterned and neutral. Sibling shots will be completed at the beginning of your session. Siblings must leave after their portion of the session is complete. The studio is not ideal for children for any extended period due to the heat. It is preferable that you make arrangements with a parent/grandparent/etc to leave with the sibling(s) after their shots. If this presents a challenge, please talk with me about dividing your session into two parts - one date will be selected for the newborn only and a second date will be selected for the family/sibling portion.
Important Notes for Your Session:
Please reserve 2-3 hours for the session. You can hang out, watch the session, relax, take a nap, or read a book, while I do adorable things with your little one!
I will be the primary one handling baby during the session. I’ve been trained to properly handle and safely pose your baby. I’ve found that the more Mom touches baby, baby smells Mommy and wants to eat. However, be prepared to assist me during a few poses if needed. I will walk you through how to help when the need arises. Other than that, I want your experience to be fun and relaxing! You’re welcome to sit and watch, or even take a nap on my couch. I would recommend packing a good book and snacks for your comfort!
Your session will take place at my home studio:
1006 Eddystone Ct. Reading, PA 19605.
There is plenty of street parking in front of my home. You can enter through my studio door which is around the left side of the garage. You will see my business sign by the door. You can proceed down the stairs to enter my studio space. I ask that you kindly be willing to remove your shoes upon entering the studio. Since I photograph a lot of babies who crawl all around my floors, I request that shoes be removed for sanitary purposes.
Please RESPOND via email stating you have read the Prep Guide and confirming your attendance.
Lateness/Sickness/Etc.
If there is a problem the day of the session (running late/sickness/etc.) please call or text me as soon as you can (610-780-1100) as I am preparing the studio for your baby. Getting a little person, yourself, and your family out the door for the first few times can be a task. While beginning on time is important, so is your stress level. If you are stressed, baby may be stressed. Take your time, allow for more time than you think you’ll need, and try to stay relaxed. The last thing I want is for you to feel frazzled on a day when you should be enjoying time with your baby.
I take illness very seriously and do not permit anyone who is sick or has been sick to enter the studio until they are fever/vomit free for 48 hours without medication. This applies to anyone being photographed and their guests. If you show up to the studio visibly ill, your session will be terminated and you will be charged a rebooking fee. I hate to be so strict but since newborns have a fragile immune system, I need to protect them as much as I can from exposure. I have no problem rescheduling a session for illness if I know in advance. So to avoid a fee and the aggravation of driving to the studio when someone is sick, please be in touch with me if that should occur and we will find another time for you to come in for your session.
Turnaround time for your session gallery is approximately 3-4 weeks until you receive your final images. This may vary depending on the time of year and my schedule but I can explain this more during your session!
XOXO,
April
Find me on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to “like” and “follow” me.
www.facebook.com/aprilcphotos
www.instagram.com/aprilcphotos
Join my VIP group on Facebook for the latest specials and to stay up to date on any offers!
www.facebook.com/groups/921994961277770