Thank you for selecting CMPD for your newborn session.   I appreciate the amazing opportunity to photograph your little one, and to document this incredible time in your lives.   It is my hope that you come to my studio area feeling comfortable and will feel at home.  

 

This page will give you more information about what to expect during the session, as well as request some information that will help me prepare for your session.  Please make sure you read all of the information.  

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Studio Address

The studio address is 4539 S Amherst Highway, Madison Heights 24572.  The building is directly across from the Speedway store on Route 29 and to the right of Step By Step Early Learning Center.  There is no signage from Rt 29 currently, but there is signage on my door and my white Nissan Rogue should be parked out front of the studio entrance.  My number is 434-942-8132 if you need to call me.  Most likely the door will be locked when you arrive, just knock and I’ll be right there.   

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Baby Safety

Safety of your child is top priority.  While I will be handling the baby and posing during the session, I may have you (mom and/or dad) assisting (holding hands, fingers, head, chin, feet, etc during posing).  At no time will your baby be left unattended.  

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What to Expect

If you chose the full newborn session, you may be in the studio for 2-3+ hours so eat a hearty meal before arriving, and feel free to bring snacks if desired.    For the comfort of your baby, the temperature of the area may be very warm - possibly 75-80 

degrees in case your baby is unclothed (full session only).  You should plan to dress in layers!    

 

Sibling and family photos are done toward the beginning of the session and kept relatively short, especially when siblings are younger.  

 

Please note:  When siblings under 8 years old are being photographed I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you allow me to SWADDLE your newborn vs wearing a cute outfit.  Kids move fast and often -- we will not be able to keep the older child/children still for very long so we need to minimize other areas of movement where we can.  I realize they have some really cute newborn outfits but, from my experience, clothing with collars will turn upward and cover the newborn's face, shirts or dresses will pucker at the chest covering the newborn's face, often knitted bottoms do not cover the diaper, and the list goes on).  With the baby swaddled, it not only helps them feel warm and safe,  but allows for less movement of the newborn during posing.  

 

Once the siblings and family portion is complete, one of the parents, a grandmother, aunt, etc may wish to take the older sibling(s) home or out for fun.  This can serve as a positive reward and also minimize being confined to a small space and being hush hush.  This also allows me, as the photographer, total focus on your newborn.  

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I may play soft music during the newborn portion, or use a“white noise” app to help mimic what your baby has been accustomed to hearing. This helps soothe your baby into a good sleep as well.  

 

Your baby may be unclothed and undiapered for some poses (full session only).  Your baby will sense your feelings, so please don’t worry or panic if your baby pees, poops, or even throws up! I am a mother of 3 (all grown now) and you learn quickly to just go with the flow.  Do bring plenty of diapers and wipes however!

 

IMPORTANT:  Babies do very well in the studio for posing when they are in a very deep sleep.  To encourage this, I highly recommend stimulating the baby at least 1-2 hours before your scheduled arrival, a warm bath always does the trick.  Let them kick with just their diaper on, tickle their toes.   Washing your baby’s hair during bath time will remove excess oil from their scalp and will create better photographs.  Our goal is to have sleepy newborn pictures! I cannot promise particular poses and will not force an infant in a position where they are not comfortable or safe.   

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Feeding

Please feed your baby about an hour before your session.  If you have a long drive, I may have you feed them a little when you arrive.  

 

Dress baby in loose clothing

A button up or zip up outfit is the best.  Avoid anything that must be removed over the head (including onesies).  This will prevent us from disturbing the baby too much if they are sleeping when you arrive.  Avoid any elastic that will mark up their skin.  You can add additional warm blankets during the colder months for the commute.  

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Pacifier

Please bring a nuk/pacifier (preferably the soothie pacifier the hospital provided, as they may not leave marks).  Even if you haven’t used one yet or baby doesn’t seem to take to it, just for the time that I’m posing baby it can really help. 

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I have a number of headbands, wraps, crates, and more, so no need to bring anything from home unless there is something special or important to your family that you’d like included.  Please let me know 24 hours before if at all possible (sending me a picture would be awesome) so I can include it in the flow of your session.

 

After the session:

After your session is complete, I will collect your balance owed.  I accept checks or cash ONLY at the session.  Cash is appreciated and will expedite delivery/release of your final digital files.   I will choose the best photos from the session and these will be provided in the gallery.  Typically turnaround is around 2 weeks.  Depending on the season (Fall and Christmas are extremely busy), it may take 3 weeks or longer to complete the edits.  The edited images will be uploaded to a password protected online gallery, and an email will be sent (using the email provided with the retainer fee).  I will also send a message if initial contact was made via Facebook or text so you can check your email for the gallery link, and follow the instructions for downloading.  The gallery will provide an option to order prints should you desire.

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Goals:

My goal is to keep the baby warm, comfortable, asleep, and happy. Your goal is to relax and have fun!  Again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture these unforgettable memories.  I am truly honored and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!

 

What to wear:  

If you have chosen a package to be photographed with your baby, I have listed a few clothing recommendations:  

• Wear solid colors or small prints.  Keep the attention on the baby and keep your photos timeless by avoiding distracting prints. 

• No logos please!  Our eyes are immediately drawn to words in photographs. Keep the attention on your faces and the baby by avoiding clothing with company/brand names and with words like “big sister” for family photos (save the “big sister” shirt for a sibling photo where we can do a quick change).

• Avoid plaids and/or strips.  

• Wear clothes that you are comfortable in, but don’t wrinkle easily.  You will be snuggling your baby so a favorite maternity top, or favorite dress works well.  Your comfort will show through your photos and often the simplest pieces photograph best.  

• Wear white/cream, black, neutrals or pastels.

  • ​White is timeless and complements the newness and innocence of the baby.

  • Neutrals work well to keep the attention on the baby and away from your clothing.

  • Pastels also have that “new baby” look and are great if you want to coordinate your outfits with the nursery.

  • Black is best for moms who are worried about hiding their post-maternity belly.  Avoid clothes that have too much extra material around the tummy.  I do shoot at angles that avoid showcasing that part of your body when possible.

• Avoid clothes that you’ll have to keep adjusting.  If it doesn’t lay properly, your bra strap keeps showing, or the shirt is too short to stay tucked in, reconsider those options.

• Please be sure fingernails are manicured (clean, trimmed and no chipped nail polish) as hands will make their way into your photos.    

• Don’t worry about shoes, most poses do not include shoes.  However, you should ensure toe nails are trimmed and polished (if desired). If my bed is setup in the studio, there’s a chance I’ll have everyone sitting on it for a few images.  We usually have everyone go barefoot for those.

• The studio will be very warm for your baby - between 75-80 degrees.  You may want to bring a change of clothing if you tend to get warm easily.   

• Pack a change of clothes, especially if you want to hold your nude baby in photos. There’s a 100% chance you’ll need it!  Otherwise, we keep a diaper on the baby under a swaddle (Most clients choose the swaddle). 

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Again, as a reminder, your balance will be collected at the end of the session via check or cash only.  

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