Newborn FAQs

Professional Newborn Photography in Buffalo, NY

WHEN DO NEWBORN SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?
Newborn sessions are scheduled between 4-14 days. This is done for many reasons. Newborns this young are more likely to “curl up” and remain sleepy for the duration of the session. They are much more tolerant of being posed and moved around than a 3 or 4 week old. Almost all of the “sleepy newborn” shots you see here on the website were done with newborns 14 days old or younger. If your baby is older than 2 weeks, don’t worry, we can still capture beautiful photos-it may just take more effort on both ends and we will need to skip some of the poses you see.

HOW DO I BOOK A SESSION WHEN I’M NOT SURE WHEN BABY WILL BE BORN?
That’s easy… let me know your due date and we will make tentative plans around that time. Once baby is born, let me know as soon as possible (ideally within the first couple of days and absolutely before baby is 7 days) and we will select an actual date. If you do not contact me within that first week, I cannot guarantee availability before the 2 week mark, so please contact me sooner. I always try to leave availability for my newborns, but I do have other session scheduled in advance.

HOW LONG DOES A SESSION LAST?
Newborn sessions often run long due to the nature and frequent nurturing of the infant, expect 2.5-3 hours. The baby runs the whole show when it concerns time. I do not rush the session, I let baby take as many breaks as needed. Baby’s comfort and safety is my number one priority.

CAN I BRING SOMETHING SPECIAL LIKE AN HEIRLOOM OR PROP TO INCLUDE IN THE SESSION?
Yes! I encourage my clients to bring a little something to incorporate in the session to make it more “them”. Whether you’re a huge sports buff, military member, or a special knit from a loved one, I will do my best to include this in the photos.

CAN I REQUEST CERTAIN POSES OR SHOTS I’VE SEEN ON OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY SITES?
Yes, you can. I will make every attempt to get you what you want in terms of poses; however there are certain poses, that in my own opinion, are unsafe and pose harm to the baby. These poses, I will not do. Again, baby safety and comfort is my number one priority.

WHERE DOES THE SESSION TAKE PLACE?
I work from my home studio space, however, I do sessions on location for an additional fee. I recommend this option for premies and any infants with health concerns.

CAN SIBLINGS AND PARENTS BE IN A FEW SHOTS?
Of course 🙂 I do recommend that siblings and anyone who is not mom or dad and is wanting to be in photos with baby, come at the beginning of the session. The session does last a few hours and little ones tend to get cranky having to wait around (my little one would too!). This way I am able to get the sibling/family shots and if they need to leave, there’s a great park located 2 minutes from my studio that a family member can take them to while I finish up with baby.

 

WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
Simple is best.  I photograph newborns wearing nothing at all or with minimal clothing.  If you have special outfits you would like your newborn to wear, I am happy to accommodate, but keep in mind that numerous clothing changes can be disruptive to newborns.  I recommend that the rest of the family wear clothing that coordinates without matching exactly.  Children should wear clothes that they like and in which they are comfortable, although it is generally best to avoid busy patterns and logos.  I’m happy to work with you to select clothing for your session, and will also accommodate clothing changes if you’d like a variety of looks.

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD BRING?

A “soothie” pacifier-the greenish kind they have in hospitals. These are GOLD in keeping babies asleep! Once you book, I will send you a full detailed information kit with everything you’ll need for your session date.

Hope to see you and your precious babies soon!!

Amy Doak

4295 Harris Hill Rd
Buffalo, NY 14221