Blessed Bee Photography 
NEWBORN SESSIONS
I have precious few decent photos of my own daughters when they were teeny and curled. That newborn phase slips away so quickly and is often gone before you know it — over in a matter of days. My goal with newborns is to capture the tiny face of your newest family member in a way that it will never be again: brand new. I love everything about newborns….their wrinkly forehead and flaky skin, the hair on their back and shoulders, their teeny tiny fingers and toes, the sweet sounds they make and those first smiles. I love to capture all of these precious moments for you in portraits you will treasure forever. Newborn sessions are held in my home studio and are typically done 5-14 days after the birth. With that being said I have successfully photographed older newborns all the way to 6 weeks, so if your baby is over two weeks old and you are wanting newborn photos, don’t be discouraged! We can absolutely still work together.
The Baby Bumble – $325 
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- Up to 90 minute session
- Wrapped poses only
- Just baby – no parent or sibling shots
- 10 fully edited digital images with print release
- ala carte print options
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The Bees Knees – $425
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- 3 hour session
- Multiple set ups to include naked, wrapped, and outfitted shots
- Use of my extensive collection of designer outfits, wraps, hats/headbands, and props
- Includes parents and siblings
- 15 fully edited digital images with print release
- ala carte print options
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Queen Bee Maternity Session Add On – $200
($250 booked as stand alone session)
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- 60 minute session
- Up to 2 outfit changes
- Includes partner and family
- 15 fully edited digital images with print release
- ala carte print options
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Payment –
A session deposit of $50 must be paid in full prior to our session. Remaining balance will be paid when photos are gallery ready. I accept Cash, Check, and Chase Quick Pay/Zelle.
What to Expect and How to Prepare:
I love photographing newborns. I feel very blessed to be able to capture such a special time in your lives. That being said it is also challenging. There’s a bit of prep and planning that needs to go into these sessions to make them more successful. I have put together some tips in helping ensure we have a mutually rewarding and enjoyable session. I strongly encourage you to read and follow these tips to the best of your ability. And because I like to make every newborn session a unique experience tailored to you and your family, I also ask that you complete the survey at the bottom of this page about a month prior to your delivery. In doing so, I can better prepare for your session and give you the quality portraits you are expecting.
LET’S PENCIL YOU IN!
It’s never too early to schedule your newborn session and I recommend that you schedule PRIOR to your baby’s birth to ensure a spot on the calendar. I only take a limited number of newborns per month so it is best to contact me during your second trimester and I’ll pencil you in. Then, shoot me an email soon after you deliver so I can arrange a time for the session. If you are given an induction/c-section date, the actual session date can be booked in advance. If not, I will expect a call from you when the baby arrives.
BIRTH DAY!
Age does matter when taking newborn photos and I usually prefer to schedule 5-14 days after delivery. At this age, they are more likely to curl up in “womb-like” poses, stay asleep longer, and don’t mind being undressed. I’ll be moving them around and scrunching them into those sweet sleepy newborn images, so we want to make sure they’re sleepy enough to allow me to handle them. Plus, babies just tend to do a lot better with the session within their first 14 days. After that, it’s sometimes hard to get baby into that deep sleep that came so easily in their first few days and things like baby acne and colic have set in. That being said, I have done a few newborn sessions after the 14 day mark with much success so it is still not too late.
WHERE?
The session will take place in my home studio. If the weather is warm enough and you’re comfortable with the idea, we can also take the session outdoors. (Baby being all pose-y and cute in a big, open field or at the base of an old tree? SWOON!) I have a few local favorite spots but love hearing about and traveling to new locations as well.
CRANK THE HEAT!
I keep my studio cranked up to a toasty 80 degrees. Newborns are used to being all bundled up, warm and cozy. Pushing up the thermostat is guaranteed to make the session flow more smoothly and help them sleep better. I encourage you to dress in light clothing and even though we still may be sweating, baby will be nice and toasty…and that’s really all that matters!
LOOSEN UP!
I strongly encourage giving baby a bath prior to coming in for the session. This helps to keep baby awake for a bit so there is a better chance for sleep during the shoot and removes some of the hormonal oily residue on baby’s hair which tends to appear shiny in the photos if not washed. If the session will be at my home studio, it’s best to bring your newborn in a zip-up or snap-up onesie. Avoid anything that goes over their head as it stirs them awake and disrupts their sleep when we’re undressing them. Avoid little socks and restricting items that leave imprints on the skin (your baby will be naked or in a diaper in a few of the shots but posed so that all the “important bits” are not on display.)
HUNGRY?
A well fed baby is a happy baby! I ask that you try and feed baby right before heading over. A full belly plus a car ride usually ensures a happy, sleepy (“milk drunk”) baby. I am also more than happy to take as many breaks as needed to help him/her re-fuel. It’s tough work being a model! If you are breast feeding it can help to have a bottle pumped and ready. A pacifier can be a lifesaver as well – I understand that use of a pacifier is a very personal one and although you may not choose to normally use one at home, it does help get through the session more quickly.
PATIENCE IS KEY!
Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 1-3 hours so plan the time accordingly. It all depends on baby’s mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately…this isn’t something we can predict! I ask that everyone remain calm, should he/she not want to sleep, since your baby will pick up on any frustration in the room. And if sleep doesn’t happen, that’s okay! Wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful too. First and foremost, always keep in mind with newborns — they rule the session! We stop when they are fussy, need feeding or just some extra loving from mom!
RELAX!
I am pretty comfortable holding and posing newborns and you can rest assured that your baby is in safe hands and that safety is my first concern. Moms (and dads) tend to stress out because this is a new experience…and they aren’t used to the waiting game that is newborn photography. They see their baby being fussy or having a difficult time getting settled and panic. I take the baby’s lead; getting them to sleep before posing takes time and they may need to be fed or cuddled a few times first. In fact, we’d say that a good 50% of your session will involve feeding and cuddling to get baby comfortable. If that doesn’t work, I’ll take a break or I’ll work with what baby is giving us. Sometimes the best photos happen when baby isn’t doing exactly what we want. Just remember: Babies can sense stress and anxiety (especially from their mommy’s!) It’s super important that EVERYONE remain calm and relaxed during this session. Keeping the environment as mellow as possible is pretty much the only way I’m going to get the shots we’re looking for.
PROPS!
I have a collection (yes it’s become an obsession) of backdrops, crates, baskets, wraps, custom made outfits, knit hats and headbands that I’ll have here at my studio for use during your session. That said, I also encourage you to personalize your session by incorporating any family heirlooms, toys, hats, your grandmothers quilt, sporting equipment, etc. that you would like me to use. Please keep in mind, however, that I start planning your session well in advance so I only ask that we discuss what you would like to bring prior to your session and that you realize that I may not get the chance to use ALL of the items.
THE NOSE KNOWS!
As a mother, your smell is so recognizable to your baby that it may be necessary for mom to step out of the room for a portion of the session. This is not meant to hurt your feelings, only to allow me to help get the baby thinking sweet, sleepy thoughts…instead of “where’s my milk?!”
