Preping Baby for a Photo shoot

Days before:

Discuss Babies Schedule

Try and pick a time when baby is typically awake and calm. A photographer should be willing to be flexible and understand the needs of your little one- speaking from experience I don’t really want to show up in the middle of your baby’s fussiest time if that time could have been predicted. If baby has no predictable schedule pick a time when you as the parents will feel well rested and as relaxed as possible. The photo shoot should be a really fun experience, if you are not a morning person book an afternoon.

Discuss wardrobe with your photographer

Some people like baby bums and some like tutus. For really young and tiny babies the buff look will really capture they're features. But if you are not comfortable with that make sure that clothes fit as well as possible so that baby doesn’t get lost in all the fabric. Many photographers (me included) have a "tickle trunk" of baby props, hats and accessories. If your baby has any… umm… let call them head shape issues… hats can really be helpful to soften that appearance and focus the attention on her adorable little face.

Determine the optimal number of people to be present.
Often, while an extra set of hands can be great, too many cooks in the kitchen could be frazzling. Younger children and pets may need arrangements for baby-sitting or a plan for being amused if included in the shoot.
  
24 hours before:

Confirm everything with your photographer

Date, time, location. It’s great to make sure that everyone is on the same page and to make sure everyone is healthy and ready to go!
Try to maintain any schedule your baby may have. Sleep disturbances could spill over to the next day so try and keep things as normal as you can.

Minutes before:

Create a Happy and Calm Environment

• Come prepared. Remember the clothes for the shoot and an addition outfit for after, a few extra diapers, feeding items, comforting items (binky? Teddy?) and toys. 

• Feed your little munchkin! Well rested and well fed babies are typically calmer, happier, little creatures. 
• Apply some lotion to babies skin. Most babies in Calgary have dry skin so apply either some oil (olive oil can work well) or some lotion that you have previously used.
• Take a moment for yourself so that you feel good as well; whether that means eating breakfast, doing your hair and make-up or just being ready 5 minutes early so you can breathe.

Don’t sweat it! 

A professional newborn photographer knows how to handle and pose babies. A professional with experience should have a patient, calm and happy presence either in their studio or in your home.

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