Roswell Newborn Photographer | Newborn Studio Prep Guide

Roswell, newborn photographer, Grace, owner at Grace Emily Photographer, invites you to read through her “Ultimate Studio Newborn Session Prep Guide”! This guide will answer all your questions, from when to schedule your newborn portrait session, what items to bring on session day, how to prepare your baby & even older siblings!

My Baby has Arrived, Now What?

As a seasoned Roswell newborn photographer, we know that all families & newborn babies’ timelines vary. Each & every family will be ready at different times & THAT’S OK! We suggest as soon as your new sweet little love has arrived, send us an email informing us of their arrival. Our office manager (Megan) will respond to your email with a “newborn intake questionnaire” for you to complete. This questionnaire is where we will gather important details (baby’s name, baby’s date of birth, if mom would like makeup services scheduled, + so much more) so we can sort out a session date on our studio calendar. We’ll respond withing 48 hours with several options for your family to choose from!

Many photographers try to urge parents to schedule their newborn sessions during the first two weeks after the baby is born. However, from my personal experience, I have found that this pressure causes unneeded stress for mamas by urging sessions to be scheduled sooner than they would prefer. We tell our parents that we are ready when they are!

What To Bring On Session Day:

1. Diaper bag with baby essentials.
2. Any special keepsakes you want documented. Such as silver baby rattles, heirloom outfits, monogrammed outfits, special blankets, etc. We love incorporating keepsakes items to make your session special to your family such as classic Feltman Brothers outfit.
3. Outfit options for dads. We don’t want your outfits wrinkled on the ride to the studio. We have two public restrooms at our studio for outfit changing. You can view our “Men’s Wardrobe Guide Here”.
4. Older Siblings: A crumb-free & stain-free snack, water, and a few small toys or books for in-between break times. Bringing an extra set of hands (mom, mother-in-law, favorite aunt, etc.) to help with older siblings is KEY!

Preparing Your Baby for Day of Session:

We have learned that it’s best practice to feed your baby 30 minutes before the session starts. This allows your baby to be nice & sleepy leading up to the session start time. It is very common for babies to want at least one feeding during the session, if not two. So, be prepared to feed a time or two during your session. 

Preparing Your Older Siblings for Day of Session:

1. Don’t let them come hungry! You’ll want to make sure your older children have a full belly so they won’t be cranky, or the last thing they’ll want to do is take pictures.
2. Be sure to bring all the itmes from #4 above.
3. Talk them through what’s going to happen the day before & the morning of your family’s session, “We are taking family pictures with your new baby. The photographer’s name is Grace & she is so excited to meet you!”
4. As crazy as this may sound…. show them a picture of Grace from her website. This may help children to feel as if they are familiar with her & make the warm-up process easier.

Session Day is Here, Here’s What to Expect:

As a seasoned Roswell newborn photographer, we know newborn portrait sessions take time and patience. Families can expect their total session time to be around two hours. This allows plenty of time for diaper changing, feedings, soothing + so much more and so no one feels stressed or rushed!

Once your family arrives, we will start by changing your baby’s diaper (if needed). Next, we’ll swaddle them or put them in their outfit & start soothing them back to sleep. We have plenty of newborn outfits and baby swaddle options in the client wardrobe to choose from!

First, we’ll start with your entire family’s portraits and work from there. We’ll be sure to complete all portraits with older siblings and dad next so they aren’t sitting around waiting. Afterward, we can focus on mom + baby & at the very end, baby. By the last segment of your session, your little one will be so sleepy from being held that this is the perfect time for their individual portraits!

In addition to our client wardrobe for mom + siblings, we provide all newborn swaddles, blankets, dainty bows & the use of our Moses basket. We also provide the use of ALL Beaufort Bonnet Bow Swaddles!

Your Session is Complete, Now What?

After your studio newborn session, I will deliver your gallery three weeks from our session date. Once you receive your digital images, you can order luxe print products & albums directly through your gallery, or I’m happy to help with the ordering process. Products ordered through your gallery will be delivered right to your front door!

I know how easy it is to get caught up in the day-to-day life with an infant and forget to print your photos, which is why I highly recommend printing images and starting the process of a custom album within the first few weeks of receiving images. I will happily guide you through the experience!

PS: Be sure to view our experience & tour our studio by clicking HERE.

Roswell newborn photographer, Grace Emily Photography specializes in natural light family & newborn photography. Her clients enjoy her private studio in Roswell, Georgia & private 60-acre farm in Dahlonega, Ga. She serves families in Roswell, Alpharetta, John’s Creek, Milton, and Atlanta, Georgia areas.