NEWBORN EXPERIENCE GUIDE
janet henry photography
hi there!
I'M JANET
I'm a lifestyle portrait photographer
based in Nashville, Tennessee
specializing in families and newborns.
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I'm a wife and mama of three and
I'm so excited to serve you
and your family!
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Let's get started!
hey friend,
Congratulations on your new baby and booking your Newborn Session! I'm honored that you chose me to serve your family and I'm so excited to help you capture this sweet season with your brand new little one.
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This Newborn Experience Guide is full of information about the newborn photography experience, including guidance on what to wear and how to prep your family/space and what to expect, so you will be completely prepared to capture some beautiful memories during your session.
janet
what to expect
Newborn sessions are full of such incredibly sweet moments, lots of baby snuggles, sleepy little smiles and time for breaks as needed. These sessions are relaxed and flexible so we can keep everyone happy and enjoying our time together. Here is more about what you can expect before, during, and after our time together so you will feel fully prepared...
CONFIRM YOUR DATE
When you book, we pencil in your session date for the first available date within the first two weeks of your due date. When baby arrives, you will contact me so we can either confirm that date or make date adjustments as needed.
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PREPPING FOR YOUR SESSION
You will receive a final info email a few days before your session with covering all the details, including location details, specific directions, and last minute reminders so you will have all your questions answered and be fully prepared for your session. You will also receive a reminder two days before your session to pay your remaining balance.
BEFORE
We will spend about 1.5-2 hours together for your session to provide time for taking pictures while still having flexibility to feed and change baby as needed.
For in-home sessions, we will begin our time together with a tour of your home to assess the lighting so we can choose the rooms with the most light for photos.
If baby is sleepy when I arrive, I will start with baby's individual photos first before moving on to family photos. We will follow baby's lead during your session to make sure baby stays happy and comfortable. If baby needs a break to be soothed or fed, we can take a break any time. Don't stress about anything! We will have fun and take our time to get the perfect shots.
DURING
SNEAK PEEK
Everyone is excited to take a peek at your images, including me! A couple days after your session, you will receive a sneak peek via text/email. I will also share sneak peeks on social media with your permission.
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GALLERY DELIVERY
You can expect to receive your images within 2 weeks of your session. High resolution edited digital images are delivered in an online gallery. You will receive access to your gallery via email with all the information you need for accessing, downloading, saving and shopping your session gallery. The gallery has an easy to use print store built right in to order high-end prints and wall art shipped right to your front door! The print shop even has birth announcements!
AFTER
HELPFUL TIPS FOR MULTIPLE KIDS
If you have other small children that will be involved in your newborn session, most clients find it helpful to have extra hands like a grandparent, babysitter, or friend to help out with the other kiddos while mom and dad are busy with portraits. It is also a good idea to have small mess-free treats to earn throughout our time together to encourage cooperation from littles during photos.
I will provide a variety of wraps and newborn gowns for you to choose from. Baby will spend most of the session wrapped, so don't worry about choosing an outfit for baby unless you have something special you would like photographed. Dress baby in just a diaper for the start of your session and I will wrap baby in the wrap you choose when I arrive.
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Happy babies are usually full babies, so try to feed baby right before we start your session to make baby nice and relaxed for when I arrive. We will have time throughout the session to take a break and feed again for comfort as needed.
PREPPING baby
what to wear
Choose something comfortable that you feel good in! Solid neutral colors, like shades of white, tan, navy, and blush pink go best with baby. Bright colors and bold patterns tend to distract from your sweet baby's face.
Loose fitting, flowing tops and dresses are flattering for new mamas. Solid colored collared shirts and pants are great for new dads. Most new parents choose to have bare feet or sock feet for their session (both in-home and studio) for the cozy-at-home look.
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For families with older siblings, think about coordinating neutral colors. Choose a theme color to bring everyone together with different styles and textures without being too matchy-matchy. Keep it nice/stylish but comfy!
Window light is a key ingredient for my photography, so if you choose to do your newborn session in your home I will be shooting in whatever room has the most/best natural light (nursery, bedroom, or living room). Try to clear extra clutter in this room, if possible. Pay special attention to surfaces that collect extra items for everyday life that you might not want in your photos (magazines, tissues, charging cords, etc.)
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I will bring a few blankets and prop pillows to use on the floor or master bed for when photographing baby solo. If you have any special blankets or wraps you would like to incorporate in your photos, have them ready when I arrive so we can make a plan for what you'd like to use at the beginning of your session.
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Sleepy babies are key to easy posing, so allowing your home to warm up to the mid/high 70s will keep baby comfortable and sleepy during our time together.
PREPPING your home
I can't wait to meet your little one! Let me know if you have any questions as you prepare for your newborn session. I'm always happy to help!