Lots of new parents want to get a session done for their newborns but remain anxious how their experience going to be, how will they be able to participate during the session, will their baby be safe while being handled by an unknown person aka the photogrpaher.
Prior to the newborn session when communicating with either dad or mom or both I try to summarize the entire experience in a very simplistic way without overwhelming them with ideas or a big lecture what to do or what not to do. I like to give them a heads up of things how they are done during the newborn session and what to expect.
I stress the point that my studio is comfortable and designed not just for the session but keeping in mind the new parents especially mom who can sit or lay down comfortably if needed. There is a private room to breast feed the baby!
Session starts with mom or dad holding the baby. I like to start the session with the dress baby is already in when arrive at the studio to cause minimal and avoid drastic changes in the baby`s sensory environment. This way baby not only feel that he/she is with the parents with familiar touch and smell, baby is also comfortable and cocooned in adequate temperature. This first quarter of the session also helps the parents get comfortable with the studio surroundings and the photographer.
After a few pictures with mom, dad and parents together, I start the singles /closeups shots of baby. I will start with a wrap if the baby is only a few week old. This keeps the baby warm and secure, minimizes movement of baby and continues the smooth flow of the session without startling the baby. If the baby looks and gets comfortable in the wrap I will use a second or third wrap and get as many shots as possible either posed on a prop or bean bag.
Parents get to hold the baby and get a few shots in between while the baby is still comfortably swaddle wrapped.
The last quarter of the session is used to try out the outfits. By then the baby is used to with the newer environment, handling by the photographer, parents are also at ease with the new experience.
Baby is usually awake by now and may cry but experienced photographer is usually able to charmingly make the baby stop crying. A soother or pacifier works great if the parents have brought one with them. Most of the time a feed or a diaper change or a tight hug by the parents is enough to make the baby feel comfortable and stop the fuss.
Use that opportunity to get few of the remainder of shots while the baby is quiet and being help by parents. Singles of baby will be accompanied by photos of baby and mom, baby and dad and family group pictures.
By then parents and baby are very tired and ready to go home. While they get ready to go home and pack the baby within protective clothing dependent on weather, I like to go over with them an approximate time frame to expect before they can see the picture gallery and choose their picks.
Also, this is a perfect opportunity to ask them about their session experience and if everything met their expectations. If they mention anything in particular they would like to get photographed I will try my level best to get it done as long as the baby is calm and not stressed.
As a photographer it is important to offer this kind of post work communications and willing to go an extra mile that can leave a memorable impression of a good service provided to them and their precious and make the client come back again and again over the years.
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