prep guide
Thank you so much for booking your newborn session…I am so excited to work with you!
I have developed this guide based on my 12+ years experience working with newborns. My hope for you is to feel prepared so that we can have a smooth newborn session.
I highly suggest reviewing this guide with your spouse so that everyone has an understanding of how the session will run. Many are very surprised at how much time & patience will be required, so it’s best that you are both prepared and know what to expect.
If you have any questions for me, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Please take a moment to complete the questionnaire within 48 hours of your session
studio location
4930 N HOLLAND SYLVANIA RD, SYLVANIA, OH 43560
My studio is located in the Pacesetter Square office building, located next to The V.I. restaurant. I suggest parking & entering through the back entrance of the building. When you come in, go straight ahead through the door that says “OFFICE ENTRANCE”. I will be down the hall on the left.
scheduling
Once your baby has arrived, I ask that you contact me to schedule your session as soon as you can. Please keep in mind that newborn sessions are scheduled Mon-Fri at 11am.
Newborn sessions are scheduled to take place when baby is between 5-21 days old.
6 days old is my favorite magic age, however, it is absolutely not necessary to come into the studio that early if you are not ready or able! We can create beautiful photos up to 3 weeks old.
tips for a successful newborn session:
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A well fed baby is the #1 key to having a great session!
In order to achieve all of those adorable poses, we will want your baby to be very sleepy and in a dreamy “milk coma” state.
It is important to keep in mind that this isn’t like a typical day at home when your baby is either being held or sleeping in a swing/bassinet/etc. Therefore, it is very likely that your baby will need to eat more frequently than usual. All of that posing & moving about burns a lot of extra calories - it can really work up an appetite!
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Another key element to having a successful newborn session is a VERY WARM room!
Your baby doesn’t know how to regulate their own temperate yet and are many times only wearing a wrap, a thin outfit or nothing at all. The studio will be heated to help your baby stay comfortable & sleepy throughout the session. If it becomes too much for you (your hormones are all over the place right now, I get it!), feel free to step out to cool off & get some fresh air at any time!
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Keep in mind that newborn sessions require time & patience and cannot be rushed.
If your baby isn’t being very cooperative, just remember that I have over a decade of experience and know lots of tricks! Try to stay calm & relaxed - I am in no hurry and will gladly take whatever time is needed!
what to bring
A full pack of wipes
Extra diapers
Burp cloth
Pacifier/soothie
Extra formula or breast milk (unless you are exclusively breastfeeding)
before the session
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dressing baby
Please do not dress baby in a onesie/outfit that has to be pulled over their head. This is a sure fire way to wake up your little one! Instead, please dress them in button down/zipper sleeper.
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feeding
If possible, try waiting until just before you leave to feed your baby so that they arrive full & sleepy. If needed, you can feed baby again once you arrive. If you are breastfeeding, bringing pumped milk is a great time saver if you have some — that said, please do not worry about going out of your way to pump milk just for the session. You can absolutely nurse for as long as needed!
what to expect
When you arrive, I suggest parking & entering through the back of the building. While I am so appreciative of you being on time, please do not come to the door more than 5 minutes before your session time.
Once inside, you can make yourself comfortable on the couch and feel free to help yourself to the provided snacks, water & coffee bar.
Due to the time required for soothing, feedings & posing, you can expect to be at the studio for about 1 hour. That said, more time may be required if baby is feeling fussy/gassy/cluster feeding/etc. I am very patient and it is not a problem if your little one needs some extra time!
Keep in mind that your newborn session is not a time for family (grandparents, aunts, friends, etc) to come along. I understand everyone is very excited about the new baby, however, my seating area only has enough space for 2 people.
Since the studio will be heated quite toasty, we will start the session with all parent and/or sibling poses. After family poses are done, baby is the star of the show! We will go over all of the colors, props & accessories that I pulled and you will have the opportunity to make any changes (if desired).
Included with Swaddled Newborn Sessions are wrapped poses (no naked poses) of your baby only (no family/sibling poses) in one prop and one fabric backdrop color of your choice. I have a large selection of fabric backdrop colors to choose from (everything from whites/neutrals to a rainbow of colors!), along with coordinating wraps, hats, headbands, etc.
You are more than welcome to take behind-the-scenes photos & videos during your session! I love it when you post them & tag @sweetbloomphotography on Instagram & Facebook. If you happen to get any good shots of me working with your baby, please send them to me!
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payment
Payment of your remaining balance is due the day of your session. I accept cash only (no checks, Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, etc).
If you forget to bring your remaining balance, please be sure to make arrangements to bring it to the studio ASAP. Keep in mind that late payments will result in a delay of receiving your online gallery.
after the session
After your session is over, the real work starts for me! I will begin retouching your images to perfection, including basic touch ups on the skin (scratches, blemishes, etc). I leave stork bites & birthmarks as they are, however, if you would like things of this nature removed, just let me know.
You can expect to receive your online gallery no later than 3 weeks after the day of your session. Unless 3 weeks has already passed, I kindly ask that you please do not contact me about the status of your photos. I promise I am working as quickly as possible to get your gallery to you - I really appreciate your patience! If you need your images quickly, there is a $150 rush fee that ensures you receive your images within 3 days.
When posting your images on Facebook & Instagram, it would mean the world to me if you tag or credit Sweet Bloom Photography! Being a small business, that simple gesture makes a huge difference for me and is so, so appreciated. Thank you in advance for doing so!
Make sure you download your images to at least 2 locations (do not take screenshots as they are low quality) and then backup to an online service such as Google Photos, Amazon Photos, etc
custom photo products
I offer much more than your standard prints + canvas that you can get from pretty much anywhere. I work with some amazing vendors that create beautiful & unique products that are only available to purchase through a professional photographer. Handmade wood photo blocks, hanging canvas prints, custom wood ornaments, hand crafted photo jewelry, and more!
You can purchase photo products like these directly from your online gallery.
milestone minis
DID YOU KNOW MILESTONE MINI SESSIONS ARE AVAILABLE AS A PERK TO NEWBORN CLIENTS ONLY?
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These sessions are the perfect opportunity to document each milestone as your baby grows! Typically done at 3 months/tummy time, 6-9 months/sitting up, and of course at 1 year
20 minute mini session of baby only in 1 outfit
Choice of studio or outdoors
Minimum of 10 beautifully retouched images to download
Outfits + props provided
$100 non-refundable retainer due at booking
let’s get social!
I love sharing behind-the-scenes, what I’m currently working on, announcements and more!
I would love it if you give me a follow!
