"Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead!"  {I Peter 1:6}

Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. {John 15:3}

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. {Ephesians 2:10}

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah 26:3

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone,O Lord, make me dwell in safety. {Psalm 4:8}

"Central Texas Photographer" "Belton TX Photographer" "Temple TX Photographer" "Salado TX Photographer" "Killeen TX Photographer" "Waco TX Photographer" Photography "ADS Photography" Portrait Newborn Maternity "Watch Me Grow" Couple Engagement Baby Toddler Family Senior

-Any special poses you desire should be discussed with me (Amber) before your session, so we can both prepare. I really enjoy using special props and creative ideas to personalize images for my clients. Ideas can start with mom/dad's job, hobby, or interests.

-Manicure/pedicure or a light polish makes for a more finished look in a close up of your hands around your belly. Bold nail polish distracts from the belly. Light colors look softer and more feminine against the skin.

-Apply lotion to your body (with a focus on belly, elbows, knees, hands & feet), and do this before you get dressed to come to your shoot.

-Avoid Salt. If you are concerned about swelling, try to watch your salt intake the day of and the day before your session.


What to wear...
-Solid colored clothing enhances the attention of the belly. Avoid large/busy patterns as they tend to distract. Some patterns, such as stripes, might be okay (you can ask Amber about a particular pattern if you are unsure).

-Wear clothing that clings or fits close to the body. Stretchy materials help to show the body shape. Options include long skirts or stretchy pants/tights paired with supportive tube-tops, tank-tops or spaghetti-strap tops, depending on how much skin you wish to show. T-shirt length sleeves should be avoided if possible, however long sleeves are okay. Some mommies bring a bra/boyshort panty set to wear for a few images.

-Options for looser fits: Empire-waist blouses and dresses, button-up shirts worn open to show the belly or worn with a high waisted belt, long skirts that can be worn under the belly bump and tie dresses can all really show off your belly shape.

-Definitely Bring Jeans. Even if all you have is a pair of maternity jeans, definitely bring them. We can roll down the elastic part and only show the blue jean material.

-Bathing Suits are absolutely adorable for a maternity photo! If your session is during the swimming months and you have a cute swim suit you'd like to remember, bring it with you, girl! You could even add a floppy hat & a cute pair of sun-shades. Photos may be taken in such a way where "certain areas" do not show on the image.

-Belts are awesome. Skinny belts worn at the top of the belly bump can do wonders for the roundness of the belly shape.

-Shoes are optional. Most studio maternity sessions feature bare feet. High Heels or a cute pair of flats may be incorporated into a couple cute shots.

-Jewelry is tricky. Jewelry can add-to or take away from an image. Typically only one item should be showcased in an image. Ideas include: a single bracelet on a belly close-up or a pretty necklace paired with a solid colored tank top. If you're unsure of a piece, just ask Amber.


Things you might want to bring...
-Brush for your hair, lipstick/gloss/powder for touch-ups.
-Ultrasound Photo. If you're interested in incorporating the ultrasound image into your session, definitely bring the print with you.
-Baby Shoes. Some mommies want an image of the baby shoes resting on their belly.
-Special Toy or Heirloom to photograph next to the belly.
-Ribbon/Bow. If you want your belly dressed like a gift, bring the ribbon & the "special delivery" or "gift from God" note if desired. Amber can tie a pretty bow for you.
-Blocks that spell the baby's name.
-Gum. If you want an "About to Pop" image, bring some good bubble gum.
-Body Paint. Some families incorporate a special way of painting the belly for/during the shoot.

WHAT TO EXPECT

You should expect a very calm and quiet atmosphere. Your sweetie might fuss when he/she needs feeding or special soothing time from mom/dad, but newborn sessions are all about pleasing your newborn. I have lots of warm comfy blankets and swaddling fabrics. A gentle touch and slow movements help in the peaceful posing of your baby. Most of the posing will occur on a large bean bag designed specifically for newborn photography. I will do my best to capture special images of your precious little one.

WHEN TO SCHEDULE

Birthdays are typically a pleasant surprise. As a photographer, I completely understand that, and I am more than willing to work around your labor/delivery schedule. When you purchase your Newborn Session, tell me your due date, so we will have a general idea of when your delivery is possible. Once you have your little one in your arms, email/call me and we will schedule the session more concretely. Newborn Sessions are best held within the first 10 days of birth. During those first 2 weeks, your baby will sleep most of the day and be more willing to be posed for his/her first professional photos.

HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION LAST

Newborn sessions last 2-3 hours, depending on the cooperation level of your little one. Please plan accordingly. Some babies sleep so deeply that posing and changing props are a breeze and things happen more quickly. Other sweeties are light sleepers and need lots of soothing and extra love to cooperate by falling asleep. Your little one is new to the world and to ensure peace, we will allow him/her to run the show.

WILL THERE BE A MESS

Because newborn sessions are held almost entirely in the nude, the diaper will be off the majority of the time you are in my studio. Accidents happen and there is no need to apologize or worry about if a mess will happen. It’s natural and it’s expected. Just make sure you bring extra wet wipes and diapers. All the blankets/props get washed/sanitized after each session.

WHAT WILL MY ROLE BE, AS THE PARENT

If you desire images of you with your baby, I usually photograph those poses first. During the ‘baby only’ portion of the session, I might ask you to assist in certain poses where an extra set of hands is desired. Other than that, you will mostly sit back and relax while I do the posing.
When your baby needs soothing or feeding, I will leave you with the baby until he/she is sleepy and ready to continue the session.

WHAT ABOUT HIS/HER SIBLINGS

I love taking family portraits and I can photograph siblings with the new baby before the ‘baby only’ portion of the session begins. I do, however, ask that once the family photos are complete, you provide alternate care, away from the studio, for any children under 10 years of age and/or any children who would rather not sit quietly during the remainder of the photo shoot. Newborn sessions require a very quiet and calm atmosphere. We have to keep the baby as relaxed and sleepy as possible. There will be lots of whispering.

PREPARING FOR THE SESSION

Plan to feed your baby when you first arrive at my studio. If you feed your little one before you leave your home, you will start the sleep cycle in the car seat on the way to the studio. That is definitely not what we want to happen. Instead, we want the sleep cycle to begin after you have arrived for your session. That way, your baby will be more likely to sleep during the posing and prop/set changes.
Make sure you bring extra bottles. Babies almost always eat more during a photo session. Keeping the tummy full keeps the baby satisfied and soothed, so sleep comes more easily.

Between feeding times, it is very helpful to have a pacifier available. Even if you do not plan to use a pacifier with your little one, it is recommended to bring one for use during the photo session. We do whatever is necessary to keep your sweetie soothed and sleepy during the session, so we can get those special poses.

Pack 2 blankets for use during the session that you wouldn’t mind having a little mess on. I use a space heater when necessary to keep the baby warm, but blankets help so very much.

Definitely bring any special props you wish to include in the session: hats, bows, headbands, jewelry, crown, blanket, toy, or item from parent’s job or hobby. If you want a special prop used or need help with ideas, let me know before your session so I can plan accordingly. I enjoy planning theme setups for a few special poses.
 

I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION

If you have a question that wasn’t answered here, just send me an email or give me a call. I want you to feel prepared and comfortable bringing your new little one to see me. I look forward to seeing him/her through my lens!