PREPARING FOR YOUR NEWBORN SESSION
Thank you for choosing me to capture this amazing time in your lives. Newborn photography is my passion and it is so humbling to know that you have found a connection with my work.
This guide will hopefully give you a complete understanding of how my newborn sessions work and allow you to come along, relax and truly enjoy the studio experience.
My sessions run on your little ones cues and while I do have a loose session plan in place, I’m a mum and a realist with a laid-back approach and will make changes on the fly if we need to.
With that in mind, somtimes sleepy newborn photos aren’t possible, and that’s totally ok.
If your little one prefers to be held the entire session, then that’s what I’ll capture and it will be just as special and beautiful, I promise.
Holly x
WHAT TO WEAR
One of my favourite things to capture is your connection as new parents and as a new family, with your brand new baby. Be ready to snuggle your little one and create some beautiful memories to treasure forever. And don’t hold back, hold and kiss your loved ones with all your heart.
DAD: Wear a plain shirt [it can be a coloured shirt; light colours are preferred but most importantly - NO LOGOS, PRINTS OR PATTERNS.
Pair it with a plain pair of shorts/pants and bare feet.
MUM: Wear something light/neutral in colour & feeding friendly. It can be a tee, blouse or dress, something fitted or something flowy - your choice. Lace, linen and cheesecloth add beautiful texture to images so consider wearing something along those lines and with plain bottoms and please, no shoes.
tip: make sure your nails are bare or freshly polished as they will make an appearance in your images. Also, please leave watches at home.
SIBLINGS: Siblings outfits should be coordinated with mum and dad, using similar or
complimentary colours and tones. Please be mindful that short skirts and dresses for little girls often mean flashing underwear so longer dresses/skirts, shorts or pants/tights are a more suitable option. If a short dress or skirt is your preferrence, little bike shorts underneath are essential and please, no shoes.
I have a handy Pinterest board here that you can check out for inspiration. If in doubt, please send through your choices, I love to help where I can.
Make sure your children are well fed and hydrated beforehand and take the time to chat to them about your session so they feel prepared.
**I love photographing older siblings with their new baby however, sometimes it can be overwhelming for little ones. I ask that you please be patient and trust in the process as we approach sibling photos. Sometimes we will need to get creative to make it happen, a little game and some silliness can work wonders, sometimes we need to take a break. I just ask that you please don’t force your child to participate if they’re really protesting the idea.
I have a few tricks up my sleeve and will do my very best to make them feel comfortable and document what I can.
**Often pee, poo and spew accidents happen and I’m always prepared for this, so please don’t feel bad.
Make sure you pack a spare change of clothing for everyone, just in case.
Please plan to feed your baby before you arrive for your session and be prepared to feed them again when you arrive. If possible, try keep them awake for 1-2 hours beforehand. If you’re travelling a long distance, please arrive in Margaret River or Witchcliffe at least 1 hour prior to your session, go for a coffee and wake your baby if you can.
While it is very important to do your best to keep your baby awake, please don’t allow your baby to become distressed. If they really want to sleep and are getting extremely upset, by all means let them. The last thing we want is a really unsettled baby and upset parents. Your baby’s comfort is most important.
The studio will be nice and toasty so please come dressed ready for a warm couple of hours. Feel free to bring along your laptop or book and snacks. I have tea and coffee available for you to help yourself, I just ask that you leave sticky drinks, snacks and any food containing nuts at home incase of contamination for others with allegies.
Newborn sessions are approximately 2 hours long, sometimes longer if your baby is a light sleeper or hungry. The only way to ensure a sleepy baby is the willingness to feed on demand. Newborn sessions often require you to ‘feed your baby to sleep’. If your baby uses a dummy, please bring it with you.
You will also need to bring spare nappies, wipes and a plain onesie [no patterns].
I have a small collection of newborn outfits you’re welcome to use and encourage you to get in touch prior to your session to plan your outfits, this takes all the stress away from the morning-of.
YOUR BABY AND WHAT TO BRING
A FEW ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
If older siblings will be attending your session, it may be best if you organise a friend or family member to bring them to the studio a little later in the session. If you don’t have this option, please bring snacks, water, books and small toys etc to keep them entertained. There is a tv that we can put on once we’ve got the shots that we need. I will have some fruit and water on hand and you’re welcome to walk around my property to pass the time if needed. Your child/children’s mood will direct the session and I will shoot family/sibling photos when they are feeling comfortable.
Please refrain from bringing along any props. My style is classic and simple with the number one focus being your amazing new baby. Sentimental blankets/small gifts are welcome however it’s not always guarenteed that they will be used.
Newborn sessions require me to constantly touch, hold, and cuddle your baby. I am up to date with my vaccinations to protect your family and will always reschedule if I’m feeling unwell.
It is my hope that you come along to your session feeling prepared and at ease. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredibly special time for your family and I look forward to getting to know you and your precious new baby.
Any questions at all, please feel free to call or text me on 0407995923 or drop me a line
hollymurphyphotography@outlook.com.au
**Newborn sessions are 10.30am sharp on your scheduled day unless discussed otherwise**
A LITTLE ON THE PROCESS
While I don’t want to bamboozle you with processes, I feel it’s important to explain how my sessions work so that you have some idea about what will happen at your session.
The studio will be toasty. I have a fan available if you need to cool down and of course you’re more than welcome to step outside for some fresh air as you need it.
Newborn babies are unable to regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so it’s important to keep the temperature consistent and warm for them to be comfortable the entire time, especially when they are naked. For the majority of your session, your little one will be nude. This is to emulate how they looked all tucked up in the womb, as newborn babies feel most secure curled in the positions in which they grew, often mimicking positions without any assistance from me. This is also why we schedule newborn sessions within the 2 weeks following birth, so that these positions still feel comfortable and familiar.
I have a large number of blankets and wraps that I use to assist in keeping them warm and secure.
I typically start a newborn session with stripping your baby down to a nappy and you feeding them. There is no pressure to do this quickly, if it takes some time, that is totally ok. I will get to know you and your family in this time, play with your other children so they feel comfortable in the space, prep my work area, make us all a cuppa and have a chat. I have a kettle and microwave available for those needing to heat bottles so feel free to make yourself completely at home with anything you need.
If your baby is sleepy from the get-go, we’ll get straight to work, starting with newborn portraits first and finishing with family/sibling photos at the end. If you have a busy toddler/older child, we may get their photos with baby done early, it all depends on how everyone feels on the day but typically, I save those photos till last as it only usually takes 15-20 minutes.
If you have any questions or concerns leading up to your session, please let me know.
[There’s no such thing as a silly question]
xo Holly
Newborn Session Checklist
nappies & wipes
bottles/formula/dummy *if applicable
change of clothes for all family members
feeding-friendly outfit for mum
remove chipped nail-polish
snacks & water-bottle
Book/iPad/etc
slides/thongs *no shoes
sling/car capsule *no pram access in studio
no caps or bulky smart watches
WHERE YOU CAN FIND US
** Please enter the first driveway parallel to the black fence and gabion wall, not the second driveway
