Congratulations! I am so so so excited to be photographing your little one in the coming days. Thank you so very much for choosing me to be a part of these precious memories that will adorn your home for years to come.
This prep guide is meant to help for the success of your newborn session. Newborn sessions are a balancing act that require a lot of preparation. Following this prep guide will aid in the success of your newborn session, as well as the quality of images that we will be able to preserve.
Please follow this guide as closely as you can. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out, we are here to support you.
1. Location and Parking.
We are located at 219 1/2 N Main Street in Kokomo, IN 46901. We are on the same side of the street as Main Street Cafe and right next to Dechert Law Firm. We are the little door with the two spiral potted trees on either side. The door leads to our stairwell which will take you upstairs to our studio.
Two hour parking is available on the street Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. Outside of those days and hours, there are no time restrictions for parking. There is also a parking garage located just around the corner if you can’t find a space.
We do not have a restroom at this time unfortunately, but we do have a changing room and a changing station for baby.
2. Hungry Baby.
Please feed your little one 2-3 hours prior to their newborn session so that they arrive to the studio hungry. Plan on feeding them as soon as you arrive.
Please also bring along an extra bottle of formula or pumped milk so that we can feed baby as needed throughout the session. If you are breastfeeding and would prefer that no bottles be used, please plan to feed on demand throughout your session, even if baby has just eaten. The studio is “new” to baby with new sounds and smells, and often additional feeding and comforting are needed.
Please also bring a soothie pacifier, the circular bendable pink/blue/orange ones that do not leave marks. They typically provide these at the hospital. We also have unopened ones here if you don’t have any on hand. And if you prefer that we do not use a pacifier, please let us know.
3. Sleepy Baby.
Please “play” with baby the 2 hours prior to your session to ensure that baby is sleepy upon arrival. I cannot stress enough how important it is to make sure that baby stays awake prior to their session.
Many parents will come in saying “He/She has been asleep all morning, but sleeps so good this time of day!” Only for baby to wake up because they will be unclothed and unswaddled for their session.
To keep baby awake, try giving them a bath, letting them kick with only a diaper on for a bit, setting them on a baby gym mat and showing them crinkly toys or baby books, and tickling their toes and hands. If baby starts getting fussy, move them to a new location, walk around for a bit, and try the above again, avoiding pacifiers if possible. This will ensure those sleepy dreamy newborn portraits.
Note: If you live more than 10 minutes away from the studio, please have someone sit in the backseat with baby to keep them awake during the drive.
4. Baby Care.
Peely skin is a newborn trademark, especially around their hands, face, and feet. It’s not a worry to us at all, but if you’d prefer, peely skin can be mostly solved with a bath and lotion. We recommend using Aquaphor as it does not leave an oily sheen on Baby’s features.
If your baby has a lot of hair(hello pregnancy heartburn) please bring along a baby brush and let us know how you’d like Baby’s hair styled throughout their session.
Also, Baby will likely be naked at some point during their session with us. Poop happens. All the time. It’s not a big deal to us and we come stocked with diapers and wipes but we recommend bringing along a baby blanket that you don’t mind getting accidentally soiled, just in case.
4. It’s Hot in Here.
We keep the studio at a balmy 82 degrees for Baby’s comfort throughout the session. For this reason, we come dressed for a warm few hours and we suggest that you do as well.
Newborn sessions with parents/siblings are 2-4 hours in length depending on how baby feels. Baby only sessions are typically an hour in length.
If you are having parent/sibling portraits done with baby, we recommend dressing comfortably for the heat and changing into your portrait clothing later.
5. Neutral Outfits.
Parents you are also a big part of the show. Photographing the connection between you and your baby is one of my all time favorite things. Just like in the hospital, skin to skin contact creates the most beautiful images.
Dads: if you prefer not to be shirtless, I ask that you bring along a neutral tight fitting v neck shirt with a snug pair of jeans. Most Dads bring along a white or beige logo free t-shirt.
Moms: bring along a loose fitting tank top. Keep the color neutral and simple in design. If you prefer more coverage, bring along a neutral blouse. Be sure that you have no nail polish as your hands will make their way into the images. Also, rest assured, that I aim to use flattering angles and light to bring out the natural beauty in your family.
Lastly, we have a professional hair and makeup artist that visits the studio. While we are working with your little one in the newborn room, you can sit back with a cup of coffee and have your hair and makeup completed. If you’d like to add on hair and makeup services, please let us know as soon as possible and we will make arrangements for you.
6. Sibling Outfits.
Including older brother/sister in your newborn portraits with baby is the perfect way to document this fleeting time in your lives.
Sisters: I will provide a wrap that will act as the perfect top or please bring along a plain neutral fitted tank top. I ask that girls hair be kept natural or in braids and free of bows and headbands. Also just as mom, no nail polish please.
Brothers: A snug pair of jeans and shirtless are preferred, please take a few moments to talk to your guy about this so that he is prepared for the session. If he prefers not to be shirtless, just like dad a tight fitted white t-shirt with no logos or designs is fine. Natural or lightly gelled hair is great.
7. Additional Info.
If siblings will be joining you for the session, I have some toys and books on hand as well as snacks to keep them busy. If your little one has food allergies, please bring along some safe snack choices. If you plan to bring an iPad or eLearning device, please download games, movies, and books prior to arrival as the studio does not have wifi.
And for ease, here is a helpful packing list:
Spare diapers and wipes
Extra bottle of formula or breastmilk
Soothie Pacifier
Aquaphor
Baby Brush
Baby blanket(that you don’t mind getting dirty)
Spare burp cloth
Comfy clothes
Mom’s Outfit
Dad’s Outfit
Sibling’s Outfit
Sibling’s toys or devices
It is my hope that you come to the studio feeling comfortable and at home. I am truly honored to be documenting this incredible time in your lives and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!
Phone: 765-461-3173
Address: 219 1/2 N Main Street Kokomo, IN 46901
Email: jessicabnewton@gmail.com
