WHEN DOES THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?
The ideal time for newborn photos is within the first 12 days of life, unless your baby arrives early or needs to spend time in the hospital. We typically schedule newborn sessions when babies are between 3-12 days old. During their first week, babies are generally more cooperative for photo sessions, as they are easier to position into those adorable, squishy poses while they are still tiny and very sleepy.
OUR STUDIO
Our studio is the ideal setting for newborn photography, featuring abundant natural light and a warm, cozy environment to ensure newborns feel comfortable. We provide cold water, coffee, and tea for parents to enjoy. To help your baby be sleepy for the session, we recommend arriving prepared to nurse or feed your newborn. Feeding and burping your baby right before the session helps achieve that "milk drunkenness" state, making them sleep soundly.
We have a private, cozy room adjacent to the studio, perfect for feeding and changing your little one. This room also has toys and books for siblings, and our Wi-Fi can help entertain older siblings if you bring an iPad or tablet. A nearby washroom adds to the convenience.
While it might seem challenging to keep your baby awake when you're sleep-deprived, trying to ensure your baby is tired usually works best for their portrait session. If you'd like sibling and family shots, we typically do those at the beginning of the session. Afterward, if dad or a grandparent can take the siblings home or to the park, it allows us to focus on capturing beautiful newborn images.
WHAT to WEAR
Light-colored, natural, and neutral tones look stunning in newborn photos. Moms might consider wearing a white or cream blouse, top, or dress—even maternity wear can look beautiful in these images. If you're unsure about an outfit, feel free to share a photo with us via text, and we'll gladly offer advice and suggestions. For family photos, coordinated colors always look best.
WHAT to BRING
We understand that being a new parent can be overwhelming, so we aim to keep things simple for you! Just bring your newborn, a few diapers, some breast milk or formula in a bottle, and a pacifier—we'll handle the rest. If you have a special toy, blanket, or bonnet you'd like to include, feel free to bring it along, and we'll incorporate it into a few photos.
IN-HOME SESSIONS
We understand that visiting the studio for your newborn's first portraits might not always be convenient. That's why we offer in-home sessions! We'll bring a variety of props, hats, and wraps to your home to create beautiful, natural, lifestyle portraits of you and your newborn. We do ask that you try to raise the temperature of the room(s) we'll be using to help keep your baby sleepy. If you'd prefer to book an in-home newborn session, just let us know. *Please note that an additional fee may apply for in-home sessions depending on your location.
PROPS and WRAPS
We have a wide selection of adorable props, wraps, and outfits for newborns, and we're always on the lookout for new ones as seasons and trends change. We source these handmade items from crafters and artisans worldwide, as well as from local vendors, to ensure they are beautiful, soft, and gentle on your baby's delicate skin. Our studio has embraced a comfy cottage vibe - think cozy and calm - it's filled with classic neutrals and soft pastels. If you have a favorite prop or color in mind for your newborn's photos, please let us know.
PATIENCE really is a virtue - and a necessity!
A typical newborn session can last anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on your baby's mood and willingness to sleep. Unfortunately, this isn't something we can predict! It's important to stay calm if your baby is fussy, and remember that wide-eyed newborn photos are beautiful, too. We always allocate ample time for newborn sessions, so as long as you arrive on time, we should have plenty of time to capture some amazing images.
SAFETY FIRST
With over 14 years of experience photographing newborns, we have gained extensive knowledge in the proper and safe handling of infants, understanding newborn temperament, and mastering soothing and comforting techniques. Often referred to as "baby whisperers," we provide new parents with tips and tricks to help them navigate the early days and weeks with their sometimes fussy newborns.
Your baby's safety is always our top priority. We ensure your baby is well-supported and safely soothed if they become fussy. Bringing along a pacifier and extra breast milk or formula in a bottle can often help soothe newborns during their photo session.
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GIFT CERTIFICATES
We offer gift certificates for newborn sessions, making them the perfect gift for new parents. Consider this thoughtful option for a baby shower or as a baby gift. It's also a great "group" gift from work colleagues. We can mail a beautifully hand-crafted gift card directly to your home, or you can pick it up at our studio. If you add a Lemon Love Newborn Portrait Session to your baby registry, we can coordinate with one of your gift givers to arrange delivery of the gift certificate.
If you have any questions at all regarding newborn sessions
please do not hesitate to
call or text
905-902-9555
or email us
photos@lemonlove.ca