Preparing for Your Baby Milestone Session
I am so honored that you have chosen me to capture memories for you. It is such an honor, and I can't wait to have fun with you.
In this guide, I'm sharing with you what to expect before, during, and after your session. I've also thrown in a few tips to help you prepare.
Please reach out at any time if you have questions.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION
Want to chat?
I would love to answer any specific questions you have about the experience, so if you have any questions after reading through this prep guide, please don’t hesitate to email or call me. If you would like to book a pre-session consultation with me to see the studio and the options available to you, just let me know.
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Choose the outfits.
I have tips for this on the next page...
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On the day of your session:
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Check fingernails - and toenails if they will be visible. They need to be clean. Sounds obvious, but sometimes they're overlooked and it shows in the photos.
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Check face for food, boogs, marker, etc.
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MOISTURIZE. Face. Arms. Hands. Elbows. Legs. Feet. Everything.
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Make sure they are fed before the session or at least have non-messy snacks on hand.
WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR?
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Classic never fails. If you never want the images on your wall to be outdated, go for classic or formal attire.
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Boho is a precious look as well.
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Heirloom dresses & rompers or knitted/ribbed rompers always look great.
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Make sure the clothes fit and your baby is comfortable in them.
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Girls with dresses need bloomers or shorts underneath.
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Make sure the outfit color doesn't clash with your home decor. If everything in your house is neutral, a print with a red dress won't look so good.
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Solids, textures, or minimal prints are best. Busy prints, giant logos, and cartoons can be distracting.
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Neutral colors stand the test of time.
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No shoes necessary. Baby feet are precious, and bare feet make for softer images.
I would avoid these colors:
Yellow: Opt for ivory, cream or mustard.
Red: Opt for burgundy or mauve.
Hot pink: Opt for rose, mauve, or soft pink.
Orange: Opt for peach or rust.
Purple: Opt for mauve or burgundy.
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These are colors that photograph well:
DURING YOUR SESSION
We'll start by getting acquainted. Baby might need a little time to adjust to the new surroundings and play with some toys.
Once we begin the session, we might play some fun baby music, sing some songs, and make some ridiculous sounds and faces to get some reactions from our little subject. You are welcome to join in trying to get some smiles, but make sure you are right behind me and grabbing attention toward the camera. If your baby isn't sitting up well, it would be best for you to be nearby on the sidelines.
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If this is a 1 year milestone and you are having a cake smash during your portrait session, we will do the cake smash at the end.
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Length of Your Session
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The length of the session will really depend on your baby. I have you booked for an hour to accommodate for any feedings, diaper changes, or breathers your baby needs. However, we could be done in 20 minutes. We are on baby’s schedule.
AFTER YOUR SESSION
Proof Gallery
Within 2 weeks, you will receive a link to an online proofing gallery. There you will find a gallery of the best images from your session, lightly edited, from which to choose your favorites. Once you have chosen your favorites, I will do the final fine art edits to prepare your artwork.
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Retouching
My editing style includes making everyone's skin look lovely. I will remove any scratches, blemishes, and bruises. However, I will only remove scars, birthmarks, and things of the like if I am asked. So please let me know if you have a request.
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Gallery Delivery
The final editing is where the magic happens, and honestly where the majority of my time is spent. Your gallery will be delivered to you through a link I will send you in an email. There you will be able to view your images and choose your products among beautiful archival wall art, fine art prints, a signature heirloom album, and/or a digital collection. You of course can order your prints elsewhere, but stay away from convenience store photo labs like Walgreens. They have very poor quality and are not usually accurate or consistent in their color.
If you have any questions as we get closer to your session date, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am so excited to spend time with your precious little!