What does a Newborn Session involve?

I have been shooting Newborns Session for three years now; but for those only just having their first baby, or for Aunts, Grandma's and fellow family members without young babies, the idea of a Newborn Session may seem unusual or unfamiliar. What is it, why is it a 'thing' and what is involved, and for whom? What is a Newborn Session?

An Eklektik Newborn Session is all about capturing your beautiful babe in their first few weeks of life- the tiny details like lashes, lips, fingers and toes; the yawns and funny faces that they pull in between moments. The best time for a Newborn Session is between 4-14 days old as this gives time for your milk to 'come in' if you are breastfeeding so that baby can fall into a nice deep sleep. Baby is still nice and curly from the hormones in your body, and will be more likely to enjoy being wrapped snug as a bug, pose in different ways and transition to different props. If you do not happen to be ready for photos during this time or forget to book, I always accept older babies. Why is Newborn Photography a 'thing'? I like to thank Anne Geddes for the work she made popular from the 'Down in the Garden' series in 1996, bringing a new life upon baby photography. She inspired photographers, particularly newborn photographers to rethink the way that baby photography was captured, and is being created today. My personal love for this type of photography is from my personal experience of extreme sleep deprivation during my first daughters arrival. It made the first few months such a blur, that I enjoy giving my clients an opportunity to reminisce fondly over the little details that soon grow and change into busy toddlers, talking teens and thriving young adults. The days are long, but the years so short!

What is involved in a Newborn Session, and who can be included? I offer two types of Newborn Sessions; a Newborn + Family Session, or a Newborn Session. The first session gives extra time in the studio to allow for images to be taken with Mum, Dad, Mum and Dad, Siblings, Family etc... all different combinations are possible, no matter the age of fellow family members. The second session is a slightly shorter session, just involving baby; for those who aren't up to jumping in front of the camera yet, or simply want to focus the attention on their new bundle, this is perfect. Each session is different, as every baby is different. While 'key shots' are striven for, each and every workflow will differ depending upon babies ability to resettle, upon their preferences and abilities... some babies may have reflux and this means that different poses will be used, in contrast to a baby who easily brings up wind and has no stomach difficulties. If baby has any movement limitations (hip displacitia, broken bones etc) then these will also be taken into account- I never force a baby into a position they do not like, and continually listen to and read their body and vocal cues to ensure safety is No#1. No 'perfect picture' is worth the risk of injury.

What options do I have to pay for a session, and when should I book?

Newborn photos should be for everyone, and that is why I love to be flexible! A session is secured by paying a $50 deposit, then with the option to pay it off, or pay it in full. I hope to offer AfterPay in the near future, but for now, simply message me with your interest to pay it off, and we can get you started straight away. Ideally, book in for a newborn session when you are midway through pregnancy- this allows you time to book for a maternity session if you would like to include this (there is a discount of $100 for booking both Maternity and Newborn) and it means you will secure the date and time most convenient for you. Some times of the year, particularly Nov-Jan can book out months in advance, as I also accommodate weddings, seasonal photo shoots, and family shoots, and my regular studio sessions. Booking ahead of times gives you the option to pay off your session over a longer period too. What happens after a Session? How do I choose my images? Within 2-3wks of your session, you will be sent a link to an online gallery, where you login and view all the images from the session. There, you select which images you would like as part of your package. Additional images may be chosen and added to your package. Any final touch ups are added to the images, and then placed onto USB, ready for you to collect. Finally... Upon booking a Newborn Session, I will send you a Prep Guide. This guide will give you hints and tips on best how to prepare for your session. I want you to be informed and relaxed, knowing what you are walking into, so you can enjoy your session from the moment you walk in, to the moment you leave.

Should you have any further questions about how an Eklektik Newborn Session works, please do not hesitate to ask. No question is ever too silly to ask! ~ Kiki