NEWBORN SESSION GUIDE

Your baby is here!

YAY! How exciting! Congratulations!

Get in touch via email in the first few days to book your session date and time.

I try to capture my newborns in the first 7-14 days so they will still be sleepy. Also, they change so fast and that little newborn will not stay like this for long! I would hate to miss this precious time!

I can always capture newborns after this time but some times little ones wont let me wrap them in the same way. It can still be a beautiful session with amazing images but depending on your baby it might look a little different but will be just as beautiful!

I do my Newborn Sessions mid week Monday To Friday starting between 9.30am - 10-30am depending on the time of year to get the best natural light in my studio. Weekend newborn session can be arranged depending on my availability. If you require a weekend session try to give me as much notice as possible and I will do my best to find a spot.

PAYMENT

The remainder of your session fee is due 3 days before your session date. It can be paid online via your online portal that I set up for you when you first booked your session or you can bring cash on the day, just let me know. What ever is easiest for you.

I can also organise a payment plan for you.

What if my baby arrives early or late?

Don't stress! Just keep me in the loop.

I will always have time to fit you in whenever your baby decides to arrive.

PREPARATION FOR YOUR SESSION.

My aim is to have the session go as smoothly and quickly as possible so you can get back to spending beautiful quality time with your baby. I have a couple of suggestions on how to get your baby to be as settled as possible that can help.

SKIN CONCERNS

If you baby is peeling, bruised, has little pimples, scratches or is jaundice please don't stress! This is completely normal for newborns and I see it everyday.

I can fix it all in in post production. If you are worried that it might be too much send me a photo and I will have a look.

FEEDING

I suggest you give your baby their normal early morning feed which is usually around 3 hours before your session and you are more than welcome to let that baby go back to sleep. You do not need to keep your baby awake. When you arrive, we will undress the baby to the diaper and then allow you to feed. At this point the baby will wake up and then be hungry. It is very important to understand that I believe in baby led newborn sessions, which means that we never force or deny a feeding.

Mums are also welcome to pump at sessions if they need relief.

Please also bring extra milk if you are not breastfeeding as babies tend to feed more and out of schedule during the session and I ask all my clients to feed their baby if need be especially if baby becomes unsettled.

A THOUGHT FROM ME

I have had 3 babies of my own including a set of identical twins and I have lots of experience with feeding newborns. Each of my babies has fed differently and involved different challenges so I know all too well that feeding a newborn can be tricky. I welcome ALL ways of feeding your baby. I want you to feel comfortable to do what is best for you and your body and baby so please do what ever is natural for you.

What to bring to your newborn session

You don't really need to bring much to your session but I have made a list incase you are unsure:

Your baby (haha)
Nappy bag
Bottles and formula if bottle fed (I have a microwave and kettle for available for your use)
Dummy even if they haven't used one before
Ipad, entertainment and snacks for siblings.
Breast pump if you are expressing
Snacks for yourself if you like.

I provide all wraps, blankets, props, nappy covers and headbands during your session. But if there is something special or sentimental you would like to bring along to include in the session please do!

DUMMIES

If baby normally does not take a dummy, please bring one just in case. Newborn sessions are new to your baby and they often want self soothe by sucking more often than normal. Using a dummy during a session will not encourage bad habits - I promise!

WARDROBE

What to wear

I often get asked what I like my clients to wear during a newborn session and the most important thing to me is that you are comfortable. If you have had a c-section please wear something that does not hurt your tummy.

I do suggest natural, neutral tones, textures and patters, no slogans or bold colours and it can be as dressy or casual as you would like.

If you want to ask for my opinion on a colour scheme or wardrobe selections I am so happy to help.

Client wardrobe

I have an extensive client wardrobe for you and your family to use during your session. I have options for mum and dad, toddlers and children of all ages up to 10 years old. If your kids are older than 10 please ask me what I have available or I can guide you in what to dress them in if you like.

For dads I have a selection of linen shirts and tees in lots of sizes. I do not have pants or bottoms for dads so ask him to wear either black, denim or neutral coloured pants.

You won't need to bring a thing for your bubba because I have a selection of beautiful hand knitted items and head wear for them. Just bring them in something easy to take off like a zippy.

HOW THE SESSION WILL GO

Once you arrive we will undress your baby, change it's nappy and wrap it up. This is when we will take some time to feed and settle your baby. The first part of the session is usually dedicated to this and we take all the time your baby needs. Now that your baby is changed and fed, hopefully they will be nice and calm and ready for the session.

Please don’t stress if your baby does not fall asleep. I am more than happy to capture awake babies as long as they are calm and settled. In fact I love open eye shots and all the little expressions that go with it.

I would love to give you a mix of awake and asleep Images.

I take around 2 hours for my newborn sessions and most of this time is spent feeding and settling without my camera in hand. My sessions are led by your baby so we will stop when ever we have to. If they fall asleep during the feed at the start or look tired, I will try and put them onto the posing pillow and basket first. If they are a little fussy and want to be held we might do the family photos first. It is all up to your little one. They will be calling the shots!

SIBLINGS

If there are older siblings at the session I try to get those shots in the first part of the session in case they lose interest. I want the best from them too! But if your other children don't want to participate at this time we can always come back to the shots with them. If we manage to get all the shots with older siblings and dad earlier in the session they could even go off for a walk or to grab something to eat while we capture you and the baby.

I will never force your baby to be in any position that they are not comfortable in. Your baby’s safety is my number one priority during your session so I may ask that one of you sits close by as a spotter in case your little one rolls for some poses. Most of the poses I do will not require a spotter though.

I keep my studio warm to help your baby feel sleepy and comfortable as they will not be completely wrapped up. I like to keep little feet and hands out so I can capture all those beautiful details.

AFTER YOUR SESSION

Sneak Peeks

I will edit around 3 of your images with in 48 hours of your session and send them to you with a link to your online gallery. I will also post one on social media for you to see if you have consented. Please feel free to share your sneak peeks and dont forget to tag me! @georgiejenningsphotography!

I love seeing them on social media and this helps me to reach more people with my work.

GALLERY TURN AROUND

The turn around time for galleries is 6-8 weeks from your session. I can often get them to you sooner but during busy times it will be that time.

Gallery DeliverY

An email will be sent with a link to your gallery. Your images will be delivered via an online gallery that is password protected for you to view and make your selections form. Your images will appear with my logo watermarked over them to protect my work. Once you have made your image selections you will recieve your images without the water mark.

STUDIO LOCATION

My natural light studio is located in the heart of Bowral in the Southern Highlands.

The Studio address is:

1/31 Station Street, Bowral

The studio is down under the Bowral Rug Gallery.

The parking down infant of the studio is limited so try and get a park either on Station street, behind the Cinemas (directly across the road) or above KHub (about 100m walk to the studio)

To get to the studio you will need to walk down the steep driveway next to the Rug Gallery and I am the first studio on the left.

If you get lost or need further directions please don’t hesitate to give me a call on my mobile

PH 0402 744 713

What if we are running late?

If you are running late please don’t stress!

I know how hard and unpredictable it can be trying to get out of the house with a new baby and how a poo explosion or last minute feed can throw every thing off.

If you are going to be running late please just send me a text so I know when to expect you.

FAQ

I FORGOT TO SCHEDULE A NEWBORN

It is never too late to have your baby photographed. It is important to manage expectations of a session. Curly sleepy newborn photos are never guaranteed but usually achieved with babies under 2 weeks. A 6 week old baby may sleep during a session and have awake time, but may not be able to curl into womb positions or want to be wrapped. I do believe that generally babies can be successfully photographed at any age.

I don't know when my baby will be born. Can I still book a session with just my due date?

Yes of course! All I need to book you in is your due date. I only take a limited number of Newborn Sessions each month to ensure I can fit them all in during the first few weeks of life.

WHAT IF MY BABY DOESN’T SLEEP?

Many babies do not sleep through their session. Some are wide awake the entire time!! We can usually still achieve some amazing images, especially if they are wrapped!

WHat if my baby is unsettled and cries?

Babies are babies and they will cry! We do everything we can to soothe and comfort them and surround them with a comfortable environment. We have worked with many newborns, and as a Mother, I have many soothing techniques and tips.

MY BABY STILL HAS THEIR UMBILICAL CORD ON, IS IT OK TO TAKE PHOTOS?

Yes! Most babies that come still have their cord on, as it may take a full two weeks for it to fall off. Some babies even loose their cords during their session! When babies are wrapped, I wrap with their nappy on and cover the cord so that it does not catch on the fabric. When they are naked, we gently can cover the area to keep it protected.

Can we include our other children and us (the parents) in the session?

YESS!!!! I love photographing families! If you would like to include parents, siblings, please be sure to include this information on your client questionnaire so that we can plan ahead.

What if my toddler doesn't COOPERATE?

Children are children, and I do the best I can when working with them of any age. I have quite a few tricks up our sleeves and with your permission we can offer them treats or incentives for capturing sweet images.

IS THERE RETOUCHING? MY BABY HAS ACNE AND MY TODDLER HAS A SCRATCH ON THEIR NOSE!

YES! I retouch all of your images. Standard retouching is included, such as removal of acne, bruises, scratches and colour correction. For more advanced changes such as head swaps there may be an additional charge.

ItemHOW QUICKLY CAN I SEE THE IMAGES?

You will receive 3 sneak peaks within 48 hours of your session. Then your gallery will be ready for viewing in 6 - 8 weeks from your session date.