Newborn Photography Indianapolis

What to expect

What is the best age to photograph my newborn?

I prefer to photograph newborns when they are 5-14 days old. At this age they are still considered newborns. They have adjusted to eating, and are not as easily startled. Yet they are young enough to stay super sleepy and bendy. However if your baby decided to come extra early, just contact me and we can work together. We can either postpone your session, or schedule something in the nicu with advice from the nursing staff.

Where do you photograph newborns?

The newborn session will take place in the convenience of your own home. I have a portable studio that I bring with me. When I arrive to your home. After I have met everyone participating, I will ask you to show me around. So we can find the best spot for me to set up. Next it will take me about 30 minutes to set up the space for your newborns session. And depending on your preferences we can discuss incorporating some lifestyle photographs in with your posed baby images. The session usually lasts around 2-4 hours. On rare occasions we will finish up early but please be expected for it to run up to 4 hours.  Your baby is in charge and will make the rules! And I will follow their ques and move at their pace. So it's best not to make plans directly after your newborns session.

What if I am self conscience about my home?

Seriously? You just had a baby! This should be the least of your concerns. I don’t mind if you have dishes in your sink, or laundry piled up. Honestly I will have a pile of pooped on laundry when I leave your home! So seriously, no worries. I am a mom. I get it! And honestly, if your home is perfect, I may question whether or not you are really human.. Just saying!

What do my baby and I need to wear to our session?

Parents should dress in neutral muted solid colors, no prints. I suggest picking out at least two outfits as one may get pooped on. For siblings dress them in natural muted solid colors as well.  For example khakis with a white or cream colored shirt. Please no clothing with words, logos, or graphics. If you are not sure, simply send me a text of what you are considering. I would be happy discuss wardrobe and accessory options with you. For your newborn, all you need is your baby! No clothes are needed. I have many options for them to wear during their session. It will consist of mostly wraps, bonnets, headbands, and cute outfits. Everything I bring will have been washed in hypo-allergenic laundry detergent. So there is no need for you to provide anything unless there is something you really want photographed. But I ask that you please take a look at my portfolio. So you know what to expect with the simplicity of the session. I do not use many objects/props in my photos besides a simple basket, florals, etc., as I believe the baby needs to be the focus of the photo and not a prop. I also want these photographs to be styled in a way that won’t become outdated, and will last for generations to come. Of course this session will be completely custom and tailored to your selected color preferences and style, within moderation. But we will go over all of this in your pre-session consultation.

Tips for Baby Fingernails

Please file the baby’s nails to ensure that they don’t scratch their little faces. The best files are the cheap emery boards you can get almost anywhere. Because baby’s nails are so thin and fragile, do not cut them with clippers. A nail file is all you need.

What days of the week do you photograph newborns?

I photograph all newborn sessions on Monday-Friday and we start anywhere from 9:30am - 10:30am. I do not photograph newborns on Saturdays as that day is reserved for my family. I understand that many of my clients have older siblings which are in school. While I know you do not want your child missing school, however you want them in the photographs, I just ask that you consider a half day for them for the session. I will do what I can to work around exams, etc.  I just can not accommodate everyone on Sundays. And I cannot shoot later in the afternoon because I have a family to tend to also. Thank you for understanding and your cooperation.

How do we pick the day for my session?

Since newborn sessions are typically booked weeks or months in advanced, what i do is when you book your session, your due date will be the tentative scheduled date for your session. I then ask that you call or email me in the first 2 days of life so we can pick the best day for your session. I prefer to photograph newborns between 5-14 days old. But please know that there are certain times of the year that I have an influx of newborns. Therefore booking in advance helps to keep me from overbooking the month. I can only do so many newborns each month. And I want to make sure I can get them scheduled on the best day possible shortly after they are born.

Tips for Jaundice

Another thing to consider is If your baby has jaundice or is still yellow from jaundice. It may be best to wait until the baby is almost 2 weeks old, or even a little older. This gives them a chance to work it is out of their system. Jaundice can be challenging to edit out of skin due to the yellow and red blotches it causes.

How long will my session last?

Shoots typically take 2-4 hours. I prefer that we take our time. And progress with the session based on the babies cues. Allowing plenty of time for feedings, and diaper changes. Quality over quantity is a great way to look at it with newborn sessions. Some babies like to sleep, but some do not. So please keep this in mind when it comes to expectations. I just go with the flow. A lot of it depends on how the baby is feeling that day. The sibling portion only lasts about 15-30 minutes. We will work out a time either earlier or later in the session for this. I know if they are in school that this maybe a factor. But I would like to get a sibling photograph and a family photograph, plus a few extra with just mom and her partner. The rest of the photographs I will focus on the baby.