CREATING TIMELESS MEMORIES
A PREP GUIDE
YOUR NEWBORN SESSION WITH MARIA ROSA PHOTOGRAPHY
FEELING COMFORTABLE & CONFIDENT for YOUR SESSION
Mom: We want you to feel relaxed and radiant during your newborn session. Opt for comfortable pieces that flatter your figure, like a flowy maxi dress, a cozy knit sweater with jeans, or a skirt with a soft, relaxed fit. Textures and layers add a touch of visual interest for everyone.
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Shoes are optional: Most photos focus on baby and close-up family shots where shoes won't be visible. Feel free to wear slippers or socks for comfort during the session.
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Color Coordination: Solid colors typically photograph best. We recommend minimal or no patterns to keep the focus on your precious newborn. When in doubt, choose simpler styles.
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A Timeless Palette: Neutral and muted colors photograph beautifully. These shades ensure clean, flattering light on everyone's skin and prevent bright colors or patterns from competing with the star of the show – your baby! Think beiges, grays, browns, tans, and soft pastels to create a timeless and elegant look in your photos
WHAT SHOULD THE BABY WEAR
I recommend a plain, well-fitted, neutral colored onesie or very simple outfit. Easy.
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If you have something very neutral with a bit of texture, that's good too to start.
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I don't recommend many outfit changes for your newborn - or none at all.
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We may possibly use a couple of wraps, layers, hats, bows, and blankets that I bring, and we always use items that you have at home!
HOW TO READY YOUR HOME
Truly, only basic tidying is necessary.
Don’t be stressed and worried about having a spotless space! We are photographing you, not your home, after all.
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Try to make sure there’s minimal clutter, and if need be, I may help move things around in a certain spot I want to photograph near.
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Neutral, plain bedding is
generally recommended as a simple photogenic linen for the beds. This helps with light & color cast.
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When I arrive, I'll look around the house for the best lighting & gather ideas from your home. We may photograph in a couple different rooms or little spots. I may open or close curtains or move a small object in the home during our time.
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When I arrive, feel free to let me know about any special blankets, items, and heirlooms you may want in photographs.
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WHEN SHOULD YOU NAP OR FEED BABY
Overall, feed and sleep baby however works well for you guys that day. It's not necessary to control it for the session.
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We will flow with whatever mood or state of sleepiness or wakefulness the baby may be in that morning.
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If awake at the start, that's great. We'll capture open eyes and connections with the family and keep baby in parents arms.
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We will document your life at home, and take breaks throughout for feedings, diaper changes, and soothing.
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GET IN TOUCH
If you have any questions or thoughts that come up, feel free to send me an email at mariapisanophotography@gmail.com or we can schedule a phone call as well.
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I will touch base with you again during the week prior to your session to check in.
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WHAT DO I DO WITH MY HANDS
I love for your hands to be on your significant other, in an embrace, on one of your kids, giving a hug, stroking someones hair, holding your baby's hands or feet.
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If you ever feel that awkward "I-don't-know-what-to-do-with-my-hands" feeling, try resting them on the family member closest to you, or look for someone near by to snuggle.
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I'll help guide you throughout the session, too.
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Enjoy your family, look at them, connect with them, smile with them, snuggle, play, and hug them. Take a deep breath, and relax, and embrace whatever's happening with the other small kiddos at the time.
There are a few times where you are directed to look at the camera, but it tends to be much more about creating personalized art that you'll feel.
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SIBLINGS
If you have a toddler at home, I’d suggest having snacks ready that are quick to eat and won’t make a mess of their teeth, face, or clothes.
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If you do have other children, I will focus on them during our time, too. I'll encourage the little ones to show me their rooms and favorite toys, and capture a couple solo photographs.
We focus on incorporating the whole family, however that looks like, during parts of our session.
Going with the flow, and working with the needs of all the children and family members is a huge part of how we bring light and love into your session and achieve natural family images.
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FUR SIBLINGS?
Great by me!I'd love to get them in photographs with you, even if the photos are a little more lifestyle in nature and less "posed portrait" - I'm in!
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SCHEUDLING
When baby arrives, send me an email within a couple of days.
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During that conversation, we'll likely reserve a weekday, around 11:00 am, scheduled in the first week or two back home. Count on a 1.5-3 hour session.
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Feel free to get in touch any time if any changes or questions come up.
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You can email me again through my website contact page or
mariarosaphoto@gmail.com, and we can also schedule a phone call.
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AFTER THE SESSION
I'll work to upload your images into my systems and curate a wonderful gallery with around 35 professionally enhanced images.
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Your images will be available in an online gallery six weeks after our session.
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You'll receive an email with your gallery web link, along with directions to download high resolution images, and a few suggestions on how to save + print.
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Final payment
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If that is still pending, this is due on the session day preferably in cash. Bank transfer or check works okay, too. Or other payment option if needed.
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Album
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I offer a beautifully put together keepsake, high quality album. Some details are here. I'd love to make one for you.
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This newborn season is so fleeting. Whether life feels chaotic or blissful or a mixture of the two, this session can bring a focus on being present with the marvel of new life in your home. Whenever you pause to look at your family photographs, I hope you can feel the joy, wonder, love, and humanity in your family.
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I'm so happy to work with you soon!
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Maria