Welcome, Baby!
A guide for everything you need to know ahead of your newborn session.
Read through the guide and still have questions? Email me! vanessa@vanessastoller.com
HOW CAN WE EXPECT THE SESSION TO FLOW?
1. I usually start by asking for a quick tour of the house (however much or little you'd like to show me). I'll be on the lookout for spaces with great natural light.
2. The session usually ends up being two halves. One half being just baby by his/herself, the other half incorporating family members. Sometimes I do baby first, family second, and sometimes it's the other way around - it depends a lot on if baby is awake or asleep when I get there.
3. Once I feel like I have everything I need (sessions have been averaging 2 hours), I'll grab all of my things and be on my way!
HOW SHOULD WE GET OUR BABY READY FOR THE SESSION?
A freshly fed, freshly changed, sleepy baby is the goal for when I arrive. That being said, I know how hard that can be to time it right down to the minute. I view sessions as baby-led, which means I am completely open to stopping for nursing/bottle, diaper changes, rocking chair/pacifier time, you name it. I am very flexible.
WHAT IF MY BABY WON'T SLEEP?
I'll admit, some babies are harder to get to settle than others. I'm never in much of a hurry, though, and I am really great at waiting it out. I've got some tried and true methods that work nearly every time. And really, photos I've taken of babies when they are wide awake usually end up being my favorites!
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Neutrals usually end up jiving the best with my editing style, but I don't mind a pop of color here and there - especially if it really reflects your personal style. I created some Pinterest boards for inspiration if you're feeling stuck, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need to bounce some ideas!
WHAT PART OF THE HOUSE WILL YOU USE?
It's such a hard question to answer! I look for the best natural window light, and that varies so much from house to house. Lately I've been using living rooms & main bedrooms, but any well-lit space will do (including places like hallways or stairs!). If baby has a finished nursery, I'll definitely work quite a bit in there.
SHOULD I CLEAN THE HOUSE?
Oh man, no, cleaning isn't necessary. You just brought home a baby. Decluttering spaces like night stands, end tables, and the changing table in the nursery is helpful, but really, don't stress, I've seen it all. We can move things around on the spot if needed.
IS IT TRUE WE SHOULD WARM UP OUR HOME?
Well, yes. If you can take it, bumping the thermostat up a few degrees really does make a difference in how quickly babies settle in and stay asleep. Not exactly necessary, but helpful.
I HAVE A SPECIAL OUTFIT OR ITEM I'D LOVE TO INCORPORATE
That's great, I'm excited to see it!
WE ARE A LITTLE NERVOUS ABOUT POSING.
Don't worry! I'm really good at guiding you into poses that look natural. This can include where to put your hands, how to sit, how to stand, when to smile, when to look or not look at the camera...you pretty much won't have to think about it!