stacy pederson photography

I want your session to be fun and relaxed.  It is best to shoot newborn sessions in the first two weeks of life, but preferable in the 7-14 day window.  They are most sleepy and easier to pose during this time frame.  Babies often start with baby acne after two weeks of life. But no fear, if you are contacting me for newborn photos after this window we can still get some amazing images.  Newborns tend to be the sleepiest in the mornings, so I suggest that sessions start between 9am -11 am if my availability allows. My style is more drawn to rich earth tones or natural colors in nature.

Studio Sessions

Studio sessions give you accessibility to all blankets, wraps, headbands, bonnets, hats, props and backgrounds.  I use studio lights during newborn sessions, so no need to worry about raining and gloomy days. Studio sessions will include newborn posed on the posing table with blankets or fabrics, posed in a prop such as a basket, bed or crate, and wool flokati backdrop.   Family and sibling images can also be included with my sessions.  I keep my studio really warm to help aid a sleepy baby.  Be sure to bring layers of clothing just incase you are warm during the session..

Newborn tips:

• Dress baby in loose clothing and no onsie, sleeper is best.  Make sure diaper is on loose so there are no red marks on their body.
• Awake time before the session can help with a sleepy baby during the session.  A bath or laying in a diaper after a change can help keep them away.  
• Make sure they have a very full tummy before the session.  Full tummy=sleepy baby=easier to pose.  Please feed newborn well before leaving the house.  I may also ask you to feed your newborn before we start.  Breastfeeding mamas, I suggest eating a pretty bland diet 24 hours prior to session to keep babies tummy less gassy.  See breastfeeding food guide below. 
• Studio session, make sure to bring plenty of diapers, wipes, bottles, and a nuk.  Sometimes messes happen during naked family poses, so having an extra change of clothes for yourself might be helpful. 
• Toddler siblings- at times toddlers can not be the most cooperative during sessions.  A lot has changed in their lives over the past few weeks.  I am a firm believer that food dyes cause extra behaviors.  Please abstain from food dyes for 24 hours prior to session.  Read labels. My own child stopped tantrums once food dyes were eliminated from their diet.  Anytime we let him have a pop tart, bam tantrum city.  Call me crazy.  
• If session is taking place in your home please make sure it is nice and warm in your home.  We want baby to be warm and toasty, especially when they are naked.  A warm baby is a sleepy baby.  I do bring space heater and heating pad along also. Be sure to dress yourself in short sleeves so you aren’t sweating.

Breastfeeding Food Guide

Here is a helpful guide of foods to avoid 48 hours before your session that may affect your baby.  Acid foods: citrus fruits, all berries, tomatoes and tomato products, pizza, and Mexican food.  Gassy vegetables: asparagus, onions, cucumbers/pickles, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.  Dairy might be another culprit.  

What to wear

For newborn sessions I usually suggest parents wear something neutral and simple such as a solid colored t-shirt or tank top.  I often suggest white, cream, grey or black, depending on the look they want.  Most of the time your newborn is photographed in their birthday suit, romper or diaper with a wrap.  Also I know there are so many fun receiving blankets these days, please feel free to have one available to shoot with.