Thank you for entrusting Purple Hippo Photography to photograph and handle your baby. Not only have I had two children myself but I handle several babies each month and am very careful and patient with them. At Purple Hippo Photography we take baby safety and care very seriously.You can trust that we will provide all measures to keep your babies in a clean safe environment. I never force a baby to do anything they seem resistant to. New time parents please rest assured that your baby is in good hands. Having the parents relax during the session is key as babies feed off their parents’ energy. If you are anxious then they have a hard time settling down as well.
Please Note: Newborn sessions are a lot more of feeding, snuggling and soothing than they are photographing, so just expect lots of down time.
When should I schedule my newborn session?
Newborn shoots are typically scheduled 5-10 days after birth. The reason why is because at this age they’re more likely to curl up in “woumb-like” poses, stays asleep longer, and usually have their feeding schedule set to at least every two hours. After the birth of your baby please do call or email me so we can schedule your session right away. For breast-fed babies I like to schedule sessions between day 4 and 10 (after your milk comes in). Formula fed babies can be photographed even earlier. Do check with your doctor or midwife when you are able to do this.
How long do Newborn sessions typically last?
Newborn sessions are typically 3 hours long. Sometimes we finish earlier and sometimes run over. It all depends how your baby is feeling that day. I recommend not scheduling any other appointments immediately after your session.
How should I prepare for my newborn session?
I recommend that you bring baby to the session well rested and plan to feed baby as soon as you arrive. Sleepy babies photograph perfectly, so I 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. I 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.
What should my baby wear?
Newborns photograph best without any clothes at all. I 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. I have newborn hats, bows and headbands that coordinate beautifully with our blankets and props. You are welcome to bring any hats or props that you would like to have the baby photographed in. I also encourage you to bring special, personal items which make the session and images especially meaningful.
What should I bring to the newborn session?
- Pacifier – as they help to get babies to sleep and soothe them. If you have one (even if your child won’t really take it) please bring it to the session as it may help me. I always pull the pacifier out before taking photos. I recommend Gumdrop pacifiers and I have some that I like to use just for the session if you forget to bring some. They come sterilized and individually sealed. If you do not plan on using pacifiers please be assured that babies don’t get attached to them after our session and they really do help calm a fussy baby.
- Clothing for the rest of you-
- Moms – something along the lines of a tank top, tube, camisole. Black or in a white/nude/beige color. Pants or skirt to match. Jeans are fine too. Avoid prints or patterns. If you’re not sure what will work better bring all of it. I also have some beautiful fabric to wrap around you for a more organic look. Let me know if that is something you would like to try.
- Dads – a white, grey or black plain t-shirt or bare skin to skin with baby looks really beautiful. Please feel free to let me know what you prefer and are comfortable with.
- Siblings – Bring a white, grey or black t-shirt as well for their individual photos with baby.
- Extra Milk or formula: Newborns are extra hungry so please bring extra formula or expressed milk and be prepared to nurse more than normal.If you have other kids it’s best to have Dad take them out and come back later as they get bored and restless. If Dad needs a break he too can leave and come back for the family after a couple of hours. It tends to feel pretty warm in the room.
- Snacks: You may want to bring additional food for yourself and your other children as sometimes sessions go on through the lunch hour.
TIP: Prepare even before the babies born. Keep all outfits ready before you leave for you birth. That way once you are back home and tired you don’t have to concern yourself with it.
What is my baby poops or pees once’s I take the dipper off?
Poop happens….lol ( it really does) Also do bring a spare shirt for both of you as babies do pee/poop and accidents happen. Also I’ll have spare blankets in case of accidents, and there are always are a few so please don’t stress on that happening.
What if my baby has a clogged tear duct?
If your baby has a clogged tear duct, which means there is a crusty discharge around one eye, here’s what I recommend doing. Take a few drops of expressed breast milk and put that on the eyelid to help clean the eye. Breast milk is safe to go in the eyes and is anti-bacterial so also helps with infections. Once the milk has softened the discharge you can wipe it away gently. If your baby has this issue please try and bring some expressed milk for this purpose.
What if my baby has bad diaper rash?
Newborn babies tend to get pretty red and sore on their bottoms since they are not used to wearing diapers. Something that helps soothe that is putting a little olive oil on their bottom before putting the diaper on. This helps with cleaning of the meconium as well. Letting them air out their bottoms will also help.
What if my baby has bumpy or pealing skin?
I suggest using Eucerin for babies on baby’s skin in the morning after a bath to keep everything soft and smooth. As babies grow the acne and peeling skin will occur. You do not need to worry, as Janet is a photoshop expert that can literally remove anything.
To Circumcise or not to circumcise? That is the question?
If you haven’t Please circumcise the baby after the photoshoot if possible. I 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. Circumcised baby boys take 5-7 days to heal. Please wait until it is healed before booking your session.
When I 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. I do not want to make your baby hurt or uncomfortable. Please note, I 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.
Please Note: Babies cry- it’s their way of communicating. If your baby fusses it could mean a number of things. I have experience that helps me know if they are hungry, uncomfortable or just not happy to be moved whilst sleeping. I like to work as a team with the parents to keep baby happy and safe .
Retouching?
I want to show your baby in the best possible natural light and will only retouch upon request. Extensive retouching may require an additional fee. For umbilical cords, we can pose in a way that will disguise it.
What colors should I use?
Janet welcomes your input and we would love the colors of the session to go with your personal style and home decor. Purple Hippo Photography want these images to look amazing in your home and that varies from client to client. Janet has a more simple classic style, however; as a graphic designer she also keeps up with current trends in regards to styling and post processing. Images can be adjusted in tone for more or less color, depending upon your preferences. When you come in for a session I ask that you choose the blankets, props and clothing to ensure that the style is to your liking. You are welcome to ask for any particular post processed style and we value your input in session planning. You can also just sit back and let Janet handle everything as well.
In your home Session
For lifestyle type sessions on your own home please follow most of the above steps with regards to feeding and preparing your baby. I ask that you keep the main room we will be working at a balmy 80-85 degrees warm. Turn space heaters on and keep the room door closed at least two hours prior to me getting there.