5 Ways to Prep for Your Newborn Session | Newborn

As a mama, you can do all the things to prep for your newborn session, and still be thrown a curve ball. We recently had our newborn pictures taken for Baby Boy #3, and even I had a few bumps in the road. I even wore baby boy while I did my hair and makeup so I could be ready beforehand. Yes, you read that right! My favorite wrap saved the day! I thought I had a plan for swapping out our bedding, but nope it didn’t go as I had hoped.

But guess what it’s okay! I tried to stay calm and not stress about it. I knew it wasn’t something I could change, so I made do. I changed my vision, and it all worked out!

Mama, the more you stress, the more stressed your baby and family are too!

Here are 5 tips to prep for your newborn session:

1. PICK YOUR OUTFITS OUT BEFOREHAND

Plan ahead. Go shopping and pick out your outfits beforehand. Make sure you try them on and lay them out to see how it all looks together. YOU are the most important one that day. Make sure you feel comfortable in whatever you choose to wear!

2. ASK FOR HELP

It is okay to ask for help. Have a friend or family member come over to hold your new little one or help with the big kids so you have time to get ready without feeling rushed. Take some pressure off yourself.

3. MAKE SURE YOU PULL OUT THE IRON FOR BEDDING AND OUTFITS

Iron all the things. Does your bedding need to have a wrinkle or two ironed out? This is really if you decide to put something new on. You see I was going to put a new duvet cover on and opened it up the day of. It had an orange string through the trim, and I realized if I was going to use it, it would need to be ironed. All that to say, you do NOT need to purchase new bedding for your newborn session we will be using it in our bedroom once I get a new one.

4. FEED YOUR BABY 30 MINUTES BEFORE

Make sure your baby is well fed. It is a good idea to feed your little one about 30 minutes before your session then allow mama to put her clothes on and finish any last minute touch ups.

5. TAKE A DEEP BREATH, AND RELAX

Lastly, take a deep breath and relax. Yes, easier said than done. Your energy feeds to your baby and family. If you are relaxed, everyone else will be too.

I also shared 3 must haves for your newborn session. If you missed it, you can find the blog here.

If are interested in booking a newborn session, I am currently booking through early Fall, and I would love to chat with you! You can reach out to me here for booking information.

Can I get family pictures at my newborn session? | Dallas, TX Newborn Photography

Many times when I get inquiries mama asks if they can get family pictures at the newborn session too.

The answer is, YES! I am not there just to take pictures of your sweet newborn (though I may spend extra time doing this especially if they are sleepy and content!) I want to capture your full family, pets included at your session! This is about your growing family.

While I always make sure to get all the details of your sweet new babe, I grab a variety of pictures to make sure you can look back and remember these first few days or weeks with your baby.

Mama and BaBY

Mama, we capture you and your little one! These are some of my favorites. I want to capture you in your element. Snuggling your baby in the nursery or rocker. Admiring your new little one as you hold him or her. The things you do on the every day, and place you will spend so much time in the first months and year of their life. And not to worry, if you have older children, we capture you with all your littles!

Daddy and Baby

Daddy and his sweet baby girl or boy! It is always fun to watch how dad’s adjust to these tiny newborns. I love capturing the details of their little heads in dad’s hands or cuddled up on daddy’s chest. Many times dad’s are the ones that can calm the baby down. I also want capture daddy with all his kiddos!

MOM, DAD AND BABY

Yes, you may have more than one child, but these pictures of you and your baby are priceless. I want your little one to look back and see themselves with just mom and dad.

Family

Family pictures can be fun, candid and of course we try to get one posed looking at the camera. If you have older children, they determine how these family pictures go. Whether it be on the floor, standing, on a bed or around the crib. We will snap them wherever it works best!

SIBLINGS

No matter the age gap, siblings need a picture or two together! Sometimes we lay on the floor or big sibling holds the baby, other times we have to pull out all the tricks. Getting big brother or sister peeking in the crib looking for a ball, gummy or goldfish. You name it and I will work my magic!

Baby + All the details

Yes, I capture your baby in their crib, on a rug or piece of furniture. I want to make sure you get all the itty bitty details of your baby. I personally love their eyes open. We get to see them change over the first year, but sleeping is good too. I know so many mama’s want those sweet sleepy newborn pictures! I capture their little details from face and mouth to those precious little feet!

Nursery details

Lastly, we can’t forget all the details of your nursery! You dreamed of this space and planned out all the details. Some even include bits and pieces from your very one childhood. I love capturing all the details of the nursery during a break or at the end of our session.

Interested in more information about newborn sessions? I would love to send you more details, fill out my form here! I can’t wait to chat with you!

Mama, do you take time for yourself? | Dallas, TX Newborn Photography

As a mom of two, I am quickly learning what I need to recharge and be my best self for my family. Until November 2021, I worked outside the home in the corporate world, I feel like this allowed me to separate work and home, plus decompress on my drive to and from work.

We welcomed our second baby boy in January 2020, quickly followed by the pandemic hitting and a stay at home order in place beginning mid-March 2020. This left little room for “me” time. Between returning to my corporate job after maternity leave in April 2020, working from home, building my photography business plus being a wife and mama to my family, all my free time went to photography or spending time with the boys.

Thanks to Sabrina Gebhardt Photography’s Mastermind I took in the Fall of 2020, I am learning to create white space and listen to my body when it needs to rest. I try to set aside time each week to take care of myself whatever I need that week. Whether it be rest, a spa trip, a walk, etc. I am learning to say “yes” to something I need to recharge.

1) Set up time to get a manicure or pedicure: some weeks I just need to get pampered. I have my white space set aside and as the time approaches I allow myself to do what is best for me that week. Every few weeks, I like to take care of myself with a manicure and/or pedicure.

2) Rest: listen to your body! I have had weeks where my body was just telling me I need to rest. Lay down and have some quiet time with no distractions. This can be huge to help me recharge, and get my mind back on the right track.

3) Exercise: get your body moving! I try to workout in the mornings. This is when I am at my best and know I have uninterrupted time, but some days I just need a little bit of fresh air. Mama, it is okay to get out and take a little walk even if you have kiddos with you. Fresh air and sunshine is SO good for the soul.

4) Read: take time to read a book you have been putting off. Just the quiet in the midst of the crazy is good for us mama’s. Sit outside or in a favorite corner and take even just 15 minutes to read a chapter for yourself.

5) Grab lunch with a friend: some weeks our “me” time may mean catching up with a friend. But you know what, it is your choice! We all have those little things that get us going, fuel our soul and for some it is brunch, lunch or dinner with that girlfriend!

So today mama, find a little time to recharge. Take care of yourself. It will help you be a better wife and mama in the days to come!