What to expect for your little bean's first photoshoot

I love meeting tiny new people and taking their very first portraits. Many of my clients have never experienced anything like this before. I want this to be a relaxing and easy experience for you. I understand that getting out of the house and feeling “photo ready” can be daunting in the early weeks with a brand new baby. 

While your little one is having their photos taken, all you need to do is sit back and rest. I have plenty of patience and confidence handling and soothing babies, and I don’t have sleep deprivation to deal with! In fact, I even have a massage chair for you to enjoy and relax while I am at work.

Welcome to the Studio

My Ormeau (Gold Coast North) studio will be warm on your arrival. I suggest you come dressed in light and comfortable clothes. Bring the clothes you want to wear for your photos on a hanger. I do have a few maternity gowns which look beautiful in photos. It has lace sleeves and don’t worry, they are not revealing, since the portraits are waist up and baby will cover you, I do recommend bringing a strapless nude bra though. For dad I suggest wearing a plain colour shirt with minimal writing and logos, as this can draw attention away from baby in the photo. We can discuss outfit options closer to the time to make sure it compliments the set up, and creates a flow for your gallery. If in doubt, a plain white t-shirt for dad and a nice pastel colour top for mum, off shoulder looks lovely too.

I have a couch for parents to enjoy watching their baby’s very first photography session. Some magazines for dad and a colouring in kids station for siblings. I do ask that your partner please keep the kids confined to this space or once their photos are taken, maybe take them for a drive as it is a long time for kids to entertain themselves and not interrupt their new little sibling’s photoshoot.

Bottled water will be provided.  Your session can last up to 3 hours, depending on how settled or hungry your baby is. I encourage my clients not to plan anything else for the rest of the day of the shoot.

Preparation

Plan to feed your baby when you first arrive at my studio. If you feed your little one before you leave your home, you will start the sleep cycle in the car seat on the way to the studio. That is definitely not what we want to happen. Instead, we want the sleep cycle to begin after you have arrived for your session. That way, your baby will be more likely to sleep during the posing and prop/set changes.

Make sure you bring extra bottles. Babies almost always eat more during a photo session. Keeping the tummy full keeps the baby satisfied and soothed, so sleep comes more easily. I do have another spare room for privacy if you are not comfortable breastfeeding in the studio.

Everything is provided for your session - I usually choose to be creative and create something unique for you when it comes to the setup of the studio and props, however I enjoy taking care of this in your presence so it is a team effort and you are part of the decision making. You are welcome to bring along a special blanket, toy, hat ect. to incorporate into your baby’s photos. If you would like something specific, it helps to let me know before your session, so I can prepare complimentary props.

Everything I use in the session is freshly washed and beautifully soft and suitable to be next to your baby’s delicate skin. Please bring a couple spare nappies as accidents will happen. Do not feel bad at all if baby soils the wraps, I have plenty others and no damage is permanent. 

The Process

Most of the time in your session will be spent soothing and posing your baby, with breaks for feeding if they’re hungry. You may be surprised how little time is actually spent with a camera in my hands. Once your baby is in position, a range of photos can be taken of each set up with minimal disturbance. A change of background or adding a little prop or headband can be done quickly and easily. This provides you with a lovely range of coordinated images to choose from.

Between feeding times, it is very helpful to have a pacifier available. Even if you do not plan to use a pacifier with your little one, it is recommended to bring one for use during the photo session. We do whatever is necessary to keep your baby soothed and sleepy during the session, so we can get those special poses.

Your baby will be posed in comfortable positions that display their gorgeous features.
I work with whatever they are happy doing - some love being on their tummy, while others don’t. I will never place a tiny one in a position where they are uncomfortable or distressed. The safety and comfort of your baby is my number one priority. 

After your session

Once your baby’s first photoshoot is complete, I will edit a selection of photos for your gallery. Most babies are happy to pose for about 3-4 individual setups, and then snuggle with mum and dad for a family shot. I will let you know via email when your photos are ready, usually 3-4 weeks after the shoot,  I will provide your final images in high resolution on a personalised USB.

I do offer beautiful personalised USB & photo boxes, with white matte framed photos, albums, ect. which can be ordered after the session. I have some of these items on display in the studio for you to have a look at in person.

I hope this provides a little insight into everything that goes on behind the scenes.