mom and dad kissing during studio newborn session in black and white

PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION

There’s a lot that goes into before you even step into your newborn session. I’m here to give you all the details on what to expect at your newborn session. After booking, we’ll have a consultation call to go over details and how you’d like to style your session. This includes what colors you’d like, if there’s a certain nursery theme you’re using, and what the style of your home is.

During our consultation call, I’ll also give you tips on how to prepare any toddler siblings, what parents should wear, and where to park. It’s important to also prepare your newborn baby by giving them a full feed before arriving and making sure to dress them in a zippered pajama. I’ll give you all the details in your client session prep guide beforehand!

INSIDE THE STUDIO

When you arrive to my studio, I’ll have all of our sets ready to go! You’ll have the opportunity to change into something from the client closet including toddler sibling outfits or postpartum momma dresses. If it’s time for baby to feed, we’ll make sure to top baby off so they are nice and sleepy.

Inside the studio I have a bathroom, light snacks, coffee, and refreshments for you and your family. Full newborn sessions are typically 3-4 hours long, so you might get a little craving in between there! Families are also welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy while they relax and watch the cuteness unfold!

Learn more about the photographer here.

See the feature in Voyage Magazine here.

WORKING WITH THE PHOTOGRAPHER

One of the first things I like to tell families when they arrive at the studio is that I have two toddlers of my own and have worked with over 100 newborns! I’ve also taken several newborn safety classes including infant CPR. I want you to feel comfortable with me handling your precious newborn baby and know that I take the utmost care in handling them.

From carefully swaddling your newborn, keeping the room warm for baby’s comfort, and ensuring posing is safe and comfortable, I ensure your baby is the top priority. Your baby is my boss and we proceed with baby’s lead. I also always wear a face mask during all newborn session as an extra precaution. Sometimes babies will cry, but I can assure you that I have so much patience in soothing them and making sure they are comfortable.

STARTING WITH FAMILY PHOTOS

If your family includes little ones, you know first-hand the short attention span we have to work with. (I know- with toddlers of my own!) We always start with any sibling poses first. Don’t worry, your child is not the only one who will not sit still and smile for a photo! I try to be extra patient with toddlers, try to get some giggles, and be the most interesting person in the room so that I can snap some quick photos with the new baby!

I want to assure you that we ALWAYS end up sweaty and all over the place when we include toddler siblings! It’s all worth it when you see the precious portraits we get. After the family portion, I advise families to have one parent take out the siblings to a park, or out for errands. They usually will not settle for the rest of the session and it’ll be a lot less stressful when they can be occupied outside of the studio until we finish with baby.

FEEDING AND CHANGING BABY

You can expect at your newborn session that we’ll be about 3-4 hours total. Newborn photography is a whole other ballgame and we take our sweet time with safety, posing, and making sure to stop when baby needs to feed or be changed. I want to assure parents that it is completely normal if their newborn pees or poops on my fabric backdrops! It’s part of the job and doesn’t bother me at all.

POSING BABY

With safety always a top priority, you can expect that I will handle your newborn with care and guide baby into each pose and prop during their session. After family photos, we proceed with doing all the poses of just baby. This may include naked table poses, in outfits, in props, and swaddled. With all of my training in newborn safety, I always make sure that their airway is clear, their arms and legs are not bent uncomfortably, or that their head is always safely supported.

While you are waiting throughout your session, you are free to enjoy any of the client snacks, watch TV, or take a much needed nap! You will also have the opportunity at this time to view studio samples like albums, wall art, and more. Feel free to touch and feel all the samples to get a better idea of what you might want to order.

WRAP UP AND WAIT FOR YOUR GALLERY

Once all posing is done, you’re welcome to give your baby one last feed before hitting the road. Leave the cleanup to me and feel free to take a road snack! I thank all my families for choosing me to capture such a special moment in their family’s life. You will then receive a proofing gallery for review about a week after your session. Here you will see your images for the first time and place your order. I take any editing notes you’d like completed then get to work on retouching after receiving your order. Final images are delivered about 2-3 weeks after your order is placed.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR NEWBORN SESSION

Laura Alicia Photography is a Houston area newborn, maternity, milestone and cake smash photographer. She offers timeless and classic studio sessions in a relaxed and stress-free environment. Digital files along with heirloom wall art are offered with every session booked. Perfect to forever preserve your most precious family memories in your home for years to come. Ordering is easy and fully customizable with a variety of finishes, frames, and styles. Be sure to reach out 1-2 months in advance to ensure availability. Read more about Laura in her feature in Voyage Magazine here.

Laura serves the Houston, Humble, Baytown, Kingwood, Pasadena, Pearland, Woodlands, Heights, Katy, Conroe, Tomball and surrounding areas.