Preparation Guide - Newborn

How to get organised for your newborn session:


Read through the session planner & fill in your questionnaire. This helps me understand what you would like most out of the session and our time together. Please confirm the location and details like client wardrobe choice. I will bring with me all the newborn outfits and wraps for you to look through on the day. Your newborn session is pencilled in the system for 2 weeks post your due date. As we know babies arrival is so unpredictable, they may come early or late so to take all the stress off once they are here that's when we officially lock in a session date. Please let me know as soon as you can, bonus if you let me know when labour starts then again when baby is here, communication is key. I predominantly offer newborn sessions on Mon/Tue/Wed mornings from 10am - 12pm this is my longer kindy day however I can do Thursday/Fridays too if needed.



Let me know when baby has arrived


As soon as you can let me know when bubs is here. I will send you my availability to choose from so we can lock in the session date. Please know that sessions take place on week day mornings at 10am-12pm. This might mean if you want your partner/children to be involved in the session they might need to take time off from work/preschool/school.


It will be worth it.

Session day


Preparation is key, make sure you know exactly what everyone is wearing prior to the session. You want to avoid having decision fatigue or feeling overwhelmed or stressed on the day. Make sure everyone's clothes are clean and put aside. If you are wearing an item from the client wardrobe I will bring with me. Allow yourself time to get ready for hair and make up etc so you don't feel rushed, I want you to really enjoy the session. Once I'm there it's time to let go of any stresses and just be in the moment.


What happens next?


2 weeks after our session you will receive your preview images to choose from. This is when you are welcome to upgrade if you wish to. 2 weeks later you will receive your final image gallery ready to download, save and share.

How to prepare your baby for the shoot

Good to know

Have your baby dressed in a loose zip onesie (no singlet/socks etc) so that we can undress/dress them at the start of the session without disturbing them too much. Allow baby to have some awake time before the session starts. Typically a newborn has a 45minute wake window before they need to sleep again. A bath or a nappy change might help to wake them. I recommend offering baby a feed just prior to the session you can always offer a top up feed at the start of the session once baby is dressed and wrapped.

Finger nails


Have your nails photo ready. Your hands will feature a lot in the photos with your baby so if you can try to avoid chipped nail polish that would be fab.

Hair/Make up


This is an opportunity to do your hair and make up if you have the time/skills. I recommend as a minimum having some mascara AND some lip balm on to avoid having dry lips in the images.

Good to know:


In-home session:

Please do not go overboard and clean your whole house. I simply ask you have the areas tidy that you are wanting to use. Rooms with the best natural lighting, near a window are perfect. Spaces like bedroom, lounge or nursery. Prior to your session I might have asked for a photo, video tour or a quick in person look around. This helps me walk into your session with ease knowing the space I will be working in. If on the day I need to move furniture about I will do my best to put everything back in its original home.

What have ready for your session:

1.


Milk


Babies have very small stomachs so tend to feed little and often in those early days and weeks. I recommend starting our session with a top up feed if they are awake to help encourage them to sleep. Please know there is absolutely no judgement on how you feed your baby. I wholeheartedly believe fed is best. If you are using formula make sure to bring extra just incase. At the studio I have a kettle if you need to warm the bottle just bring a vessel to sit it in. If you are breastfeeding and would like this documented I would love to photograph this for you.

2.


Dummy


It is extremely helpful to have a dummy available for the session. You might not be planning to use one but for a one off day it might just help us keep baby settled and content for the session saving your already sore nipples. Please let me know at the start of the session if you have one and if you're happy to use if needed.


If this is a hard no for you that's also ok.

3.


Nappy bag


Spare nappies, burp clothes, wipes and an outfit for after our session. Babies drink and poop constantly so if your baby has a spew or poo explosion during the session we can change them and continue. It happens.


4.


Snacks and water


The session is up to 2 hours so please make sure you have some snacks and a water bottle should you need it. If you are at home please feel free to make a cuppa or have snacks at any time. If you are coming to the studio with an older child you are welcome to bring dry snacks for them that won't stain anything.

Newborn session in the studio - this is for you:

The Studio

Address :

8 Hope drive witherlea Blenheim


This is in a residential property (my parents house) so please respectfully keep this address private. The studio is located up stairs inside the house. Send me a message when you arrive 0273585265 and I will come meet you at the front door and bring you in.


Please park slightly down the street not directly on the corner just for the courtesy of cars driving past.

Facilities

The studio is a beautiful space with light walls and neutral decor perfect for natural light photography. There is toilet down stairs and kitchen should you need hot water. In the studio is an area for you to get changed, a change mat for your newborn & a few toys if you have a toddler too. Feel free to bring drink and snacks (dry food for toddlers that doesn't stain).

Session style

The studio had great natural lighting and is perfect for those dreamy newborn photos. There is also a play ground just down the road if you are bringing a toddler or older kid/s along once they have finished with the photos one parent can take them off for a play while we continue with photos of mum and baby.

If you have any worries or questions please feel free to message me.

My inbox is always open.


hello@augustluxe.com

On the day of the session if you need to get in touch with me my cell phone number is 0273585265.



Reason for postponing your session:


  • If anyone in your household that's attending the session is sick
  • If I am sick or I am needed to care for my son if he's unwell and I can't find cover
  • If you need to go to hospital/doctors
  • If the weather is extremely overcast and dark


(I would prefer to postpone to have better natural lighting, you are investing in these images and I want to give you the best result possible)


If you have an extremely awful night and want the option to postpone please let me know asap and I can let you know if I have availability to change or not.