Newborn Session - FAQ

Richmond Professional Newborn Photographer, Rachel Lambert, caters to the smallest of clients. Newborns are truly Rachel’s favorite subjects to photograph and her passion for capturing the newness of life shows in the way that she comforts, soothes, and carefully poses them. After their sessions, many of her clients leave our studio convinced that she is “a baby whisperer.”  Newborns stay new for such a short time. Rachel is dedicated to capturing the tiniest of details while your little one is still fresh and new. As Richmond, VA’s distinct choice in Newborn Photography, she is highly sought after for her organically, natural style and uncanny ability to capture the beauty of every newborn baby.

Newborn Portrait Session – FAQ

WHEN SHOULD I CALL TO SCHEDULE MY NEWBORN SESSION?
Before your baby is born! It is so important to plan ahead. Capturing your newborn within the first two weeks of life, while they are still sleepy and super flexible, can make all the difference in your newborn portraits. Rachel’s schedule fills up about four-six weeks in advance so please schedule your newborn session before your baby is born. Since we never really know when your little one will arrive we will put you on our calendar, using your due date to secure the session for you. When your baby is born we will schedule you session date & time.

Has your little one already arrived? Don’t panic! We always do our best to squeeze newborns into our schedule and older babies take beautiful portraits too.

IS ONE WEEK TOO EARLY FOR MY SESSION?
Absolutely not! Newborn babies photograph best between 4-12 days old. At this point they are still very sleepy and love to curl up as if they were still in the womb. We take up to three hours for a newborn session, leaving plenty of time for feedings, diaper changes and breaks for mommy and baby. Come as soon as you are ready. We can’t wait to meet your new little one.

MY BABY IS OVER 2 WEEKS… CAN I STILL SCHEDULE A NEWBORN SESSION?
OF COURSE! Babies are the most flexible and sleepy during the first 14 days, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do a session at 3, 4 or even 6 weeks of age. Please keep in mind that baby is more likely to be awake during your session and may not be able to do some of the more curly poses. Rachel has had great success with babies up to 6 weeks of age and is happy to schedule late aged sessions.

WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR?
Newborns photograph best without any clothes at all. Rachel also loves to photograph newborns swaddled in blankets with lots of texture and snuggled up tight in buckets and baskets, so if you have a special blanket or two bring them.  We have an extensive supply of newborn hats, outfits and headbands that coordinate beautifully with our blankets and props that will be used to stylize your images. You are welcome to bring any special items that you will to have baby photographed with. Madyx encourages her clients to bring special, personal items, which make the session and images especially meaningful. Just remember that at this age, many clothing items are still really big and may be best saved for baby’s first milestone session.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR MY NEWBORN SESSION?
We recommend that you bring baby to your session in a button up outfit and plan to feed baby as soon as you arrive. Sleepy babies photograph perfectly, so Rachel will ask you to undress and swaddle baby before the feeding so as to not disturb them by undressing them after the feeding. We take several breaks for feeding baby during the session to ensure that baby is happy and has a full tummy. We ask that you not be too concerned with scheduled feedings during the session and that you feed baby on demand or when they get a bit fussy to ensure their comfort and a smooth session.

CAN I CIRCUMCISE MY BABY BOY BEFORE THE SESSION?
NO – Please wait until after your session, if waiting is not an option, your session will be scheduled at least 6 days after the procedure. We will be tightly swaddling your boy naked in scarves and delicate fabrics. The fabrics are soft, however a fresh circumcision is very fragile and often uncomfortable for a newborn. When we wrap and unwrap, along with change his position or pose, the circumcision can become irritated even further which leads to a VERY unhappy baby who is not able to be photographed. We do not want to make your baby hurt or uncomfortable. Please note, we feel very strongly about this and we WILL send you home if your baby arrives at the studio and has been circumcised within 5 days of your session.

CAN I BE PHOTOGRAPHED WITH MY BABY?
Most certainly! We wouldn’t have it any other way! We firmly believe in capturing the emotion of those special first days with your new little one and believe that there is no greater image than a new mommy or daddy cuddling with and admiring their newborn child. Skin on skin images are a unique way to capture the purity of these relationships, but we also ask parents to dress in neutral toned outfits to offer another option for their images. Mothers are welcome to use a gown or outfit from our boutique studio wardrobe. Need help coordinating outfits? Just email the studio!

A 2-3 hour session can be tedious for younger children. We recommend bringing favorite toys, books, or movies to use while we shoot. A small toy box and snacks are available as well. Mayne parents have found that it is great to have another parent/adult available to walk sibling around the quaint little town.

WHAT ABOUT MY OTHER CHILDREN? CAN THEY BE IN THE PHOTOS? CAN WE BRING FIDO TOO?
The studio encourages every family member to be a parent of the Newborn Session. Children should also be dressed in coordinating neutral toned outfits. Young boys are often asked to photographer shirtless with their new baby sister or brother. Girls are welcome to utilize the boutique studio wardrobe, just like mom. Group and individual images will be taken to ensure everyone has their photo taken with baby! The studio is happy to welcome Fido, as long as he/she is well-behaved and potty trained.

WHEN CAN WE SEE OUR PHOTOS?
Your Gallery Reveal & Sales Appointment will be scheduled for 2-3 days after your session. During this appointment, you will get to view all of your beautiful photos and choose your favorites. Rachel will also help guide you through choosing the heirloom art pieces that best suit your life style. Don’t forget to take snap shots of your walls? We can even show you how your images will look on display!

Driving to Mint Portrait Studio from out of town? THANK YOU! Please inform the studio and your Gallery Reveal and Sales Appointment can be schedule for the same day as your session. Lunch arrangements can be made in local eatry, allowing you to relax while your images are processed for your viewing!

WHAT IF I FORGET DIAPERS, WIPES, A PACIFIER, ETC?
Not to worry, Mint Portrait Studio is fully stocked with all of the goodies you could possibly need for a baby! Diaper and wipes are readily available, fresh blankets and new pacifiers. Is your baby gassy or fussy? Don’t fret, we have gas drops and gripe water at your disposal. Mom – did you forget something? We also have all of the new mom necessities on hand. Your comfort and relaxation are our number one priority.

Mint Portrait Studio, Richmond, VA’s Elite Newborn Photographer, is proud to provide boutique photography services to Richmond, Virginia area including, Chesterfield, Glen Allen, Goochland, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Powhatan and Short Pump.

Click here to book your personal Session Consultation today!

Richmond Professional Newborn Photographer | Mint Portrait Studio | Mechanicsville, VA