How to prepare for a petite newborn session

When you book a petite newborn session, parents and siblings will sit this one out, and I will photograph just your new baby. This quick guide will help you prepare for a petite newborn session.

First and foremost…these are suggestions and guideposts. If all does not go as planned, Do Not Worry or stress! The most important thing is to get yourself and baby to the studio…I will take it from there.

Here is the address for the studio: 2319 State St Ste A, Salem, OR 97301

Who is the petite newborn session for?

The petite newborn session is perfect for parents who want to capture those sweet new baby details but aren’t quite ready to get in front of the camera postpartum and want to wait to schedule a session for 3-6 months with the whole family.

It’s also great for families who can’t commit to a full 2-3 hour newborn session. Petite newborn sessions will take about 1 hour. This means I will be photographing baby awake or asleep, however they arrive at the studio.

With the pressure off for a sleepy baby, the petite newborn session is perfect for an older newborn. Maybe you didn’t book a newborn photographer while you were pregnant and you can’t get in until baby is 4 to 6 weeks old. This session will be perfect for them!

For reference, all of the photos in this post are of baby Clara when she was 4 weeks old. I took all of this in just over 1 hour.

Before You Leave the House

Please give baby a good long full feed before you head out for the studio. They can fall asleep on the car ride, and I can transition into photographing right away. Please plan to have them dressed in an outfit that you would like a few photos of them in, as I will transition them straight from the car seat to the bean bag to start the photo session. I also have lots of teeny tiny newborn outfits that we can use during your baby’s session.

Try to give baby a lot of awake time before the session. Try giving them a bath, let them kick with only a diaper, tickle their toes, a little tummy time, etc. This awake time can tire them out for a relaxed session. This awake time can be super helpful, but again, if it doesn’t happen – don’t stress about it.

If you live in Portland or are more than an hour away, don’t worry about keeping baby awake for the car ride. The important part is to try and give some good awake time before leaving the house.

What to Expect at the Studio

The studio will be very HOT! I’ll have it set to at least 80 degrees.

I know, I know, it’s hot!

But this makes a difference in helping baby comfortable while unclothed. Adults will be sweating it out; baby will be happy.

This session will be quick and easy. One of the easiest ways to ensure a content baby is the willingness to nurse/bottlefeed off and on. 

It can be helpful to have a bottle available because we can soothe your baby on the beanbag rather quickly this way. A newborn session is a bit of a free-for-all in terms of feeding, but it won’t wreck any regular feeding plans.

Please bring a Soothie pacifier; it’s the bendable, green/blue one, and won’t leave marks (or something similar). I also have unopened pacifiers in the studio for baby’s use. Even if you are not using a pacifier outside the session, consider allowing one during the session if needed. Sometimes a pacifier can really make all the difference in posing a baby and making them comfy.

During and after your session

Make yourself at home. I’m very good with newborns, so you will get a nice little break to relax. Please feel free to spread out, make some tea or coffee, read, catch up on social media, bring snacks, or anything else to help pass the time. 

Basil & Board, Ritter’s, Ventis, Wild Pear, In-N-Out, and Bo & Vine are all great lunch spots after your session. For a caffeine injection before or after your session, I recommend Offbeat, Isaac’s, and Archive.

I hope that you feel comfortable and at home at the studio. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives, and look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!

My goal is to have your proofed gallery ready for you to look over and order from about 7-10 business days after your session. I will email you when the photos are ready for viewing and ordering to schedule your 24-hour online ordering appointment.