Looking for an Edmonton newborn photographer? Oksana captures stunning, timeless moments of your newborn. Book your session today for unforgettable memories!
As a newborn photographer and a mother of two boys, I understand I’m granted a privilege when asked to share in the excitement of welcoming a new addition into your family. Nothing matches the precious nature of this time in a parent’s life. Specializing in newborn and family photography, I provide a caring, professional, and creative approach to preserving the sweet memories of your families life.
I suggest scheduling your newborn session as soon as possible to ensure a spot in my calendar. I only book 6 newborn sessions per month.
I strongly recommend newborn studio sessions to be scheduled within the first 14 days of life. I’ll be moving them around and scrunching them into those sweet sleepy newborn poses, so we want to make sure they are sleepy enough to allow us to handle them. Somewhere around day 12, they discover the joy of stretching! Once that happens… they are not going to let us pose them into cute little poses without a fight. After day 14 it gets much harder to get baby into a deep sleep that used to come so easily to them. Some babies develop colic, acne, and peeling skin as well.
Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 3-4 hours, it all depends on the mood of the baby (I let the baby take the lead), so please prepare for that. I ask that you remain calm and try to relax as the baby will pick up on any frustration in the room. I will warm up the studio just for the baby, newborns are used to being all bundled up and cozy. Cranking the thermostat is guaranteed to make the session flow more smoothly and help them sleep better. We may be sweating, but the baby will be nice and cozy… and that’s what really matters.
I have many props and outfits to choose from, let me know ahead of time which colors you would like me to work with or if you’re open to letting my creativity run wild. Your baby is in good hands, I promise you that! Just come in and let me do the rest. Some parents catch up on their current book, take a snooze on the couch, or even enjoy the backyard for some fresh air during the session. Go ahead and Relax, I got it! Scroll down to watch a behind-the-scenes video.
-Whether used or not, a soother is the most helpful thing you can bring. I would suggest using one just for the session if at all possible. It really makes a big difference! If you forget one, I’ve got you covered!
– Diaper bag with diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, bibs, and burp cloths.
-A bottle of milk, just in case. Often I feed the baby posed, just to calm them. That way we don’t have to start the pose all over again if the baby is fussing.
– Breast Pump if pumping and feeding, or you need relief.
Cream, Ivory, or white is recommended for all family members. Older siblings can wear tops with jeans or dresses for girls. A white/cream short-sleeved shirt is suggested for Dad and a white/cream top/blouse or dress for Mom. The studio will be kept at 85 degrees to keep your little one warm while in their birthday suit, so I recommend that parents dress in layers so that you can remove some if you get too warm.
Due to the nature of the session, we ask that your spouse/partner take the older siblings home or out for something fun to do while we finish up with the individual newborn shots. It can be difficult for children to hang out in the warm studio for that length of time.
– Try and take it easy the night before and the morning of your session. Babies can feel overstimulated and overtired just like the rest of us.
– If you are nursing please try and stay away from foods you know will make your baby gassy the night before and the day of the session (Your baby eats everything you eat). Avoid anything spicy. (i.e. pizza, hot sauce, etc.)
– Interact with and keep baby awake for 1-2 hours before your session to ensure he/she is good and sleepy for the session. This is very important, without this, we spend too much time getting them to sleep and not as much time photographing them. If you need to give the baby a bath, do so the night before. It can really dry out their skin too close to the session.
– Please make sure your little one has a full belly for the session. Please feed your baby just before you leave for the studio. If the baby is formula fed please bring extra formula and bottles.
– Dress baby in loose-fitting clothes to avoid any lines on skin – a simple sleeper is best. Please avoid onesies or anything we have to pull off over the baby’s head. Please loosen the baby’s diaper as well.
Please wait to circumcise your baby boys till after the session. We don’t want any chance of infection and I won’t be able to have baby nude and comfortable for his big debut.
Let me say it again…. Relaxxx!
I’m pretty comfortable holding and posing newborns. Your baby is in safe hands, I promise. Moms tend to stress out because this is a new experience… and they aren’t used to the waiting game that is “Newborn photography” I’d say that a good 50% of your session will involve feeding, diaper changes, and cuddling to get baby comfortable. If that doesn’t work, we’ll take a break or we’ll work with what baby is giving us. Sometimes the best photos happen when the baby doesn’t do what we want. Don’t panic. Just remember: Babies can sense stress and anxiety (especially from their mommy!) keeping the environment as mellow as possible is pretty much the only way we’re going to get anywhere.
Your baby is going to be in the buff for the majority of this shoot. Please don’t panic if your baby decides to use our blankets as his/her own personal potty. This is natural and we expect it. I wash all my blankets, and props and change table sheets between every session with non-scented baby detergent. (This is why I only schedule one newborn session per day)
You will be given a link to your password-protected gallery to choose 15 photos you love best for me to edit. That way, you never miss out on a smile or yawn, a glance or a wink that I might have not chosen for you. You will be given a link to download your digital files with all printing rights once completed.
