YOUR NEWBORN SESSION WITH SIMPLY ANIA, YOUR OKINAWA NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
All my newborn shoots take place in my fully set up and equipped studio in Gima, Yomitan-son, just 3mins drive from Murasaki Mura and Alivila Hotel.
Working in my own studio allows me to prepare the room for the session as well as know and control the light. I also have access to spare backdrops and any other props needed. Adjusting to the studio session space there is a parent waiting room with a comfortable seating allowing mommies and daddies to rest while the baby is being photographed.
A lot of clients ask if they are to wait to book their session with me till after the baby is born to make sure they know when to book for. My answer is no, you do not need to wait that late. It is actually quite risky to wait as my schedule fills up really quickly. The best time to start planning your newborn session is around 4 months into the pregnancy, you are by then out of the first trimester and in most cases, morning sickness subsides allowing you to enjoy your pregnancy. I know that babies come when they are ready and due date is not often the actual date the little one makes his or her appearance, but securing your date is done based on the due date. I only take on two newborn bookings a week to allow me flexibility to fit the sessions in the best window as well as to accommodate maternity and watch me grow sessions as well. We would brainstorm the newborn session focusing on your color preferences or specific set ups requests. One of the bonuses of booking your session around that time, allows you to break down the cost of the session by possibly setting up payment plan or setting up baby shower gift certificates that family and friends can purchase to go towards the total cost of your session package.
I normally book newborn sessions for 8:30am during weekdays. We will follow baby’s schedule as they often need breaks to nurse or feed. Sessions are very casual and relaxed. Depending on how sleepy or hungry your baby is, sessions can last approximately 4 hours. It may seem that there is a lot of down time but that is because I will try to calm the baby down and get him/her into a deep sleep so that we can work without continuous waking up. Please keep in mind that the room will be kept pretty warm as the temperature will be at around 80F to keep your baby warm and comfortable while undressed. This is the perfect time for mommy and daddy to sit back and relax.
The first 2 weeks of baby’s life are the best for newborn photography. Ideally, I prefer days 9-17 as it is easier to poses the baby all sleepy and curled up. I find that waiting till the second week allows the little one to figure out the feeding and therefore staying full a little longer. I photograph babies bare skin, as most newborns are so tiny that the smallest clothes are still too big to look good in the pictures. It is common for babies to pee or poop or spit up. I get so many new parents feel embarrassed but please know that I won’t be upset or offended, I actually expect for it to happen during every session.
You do not have to worry about purchasing anything special for the session as I provide a wide variety of props, backdrops and accessories for the session, however, feel free to bring any special hats, headbands, bracelets or anything that is important to you and your family that you would like included in the photos. Those items make the session so very personal and special. I love being able to incorporate personal touches into the shoots.
Depending on where you live, we will decide on either feeding the baby at home before leaving to come to the session or feeding your little one here prior to taking any photos. We will discuss the best option to fit your situation during the pre-session communication.
Out of all of the sessions I provide, newborn sessions require most planning and set up time. Once your baby is born, I will send over a full preparation quite to help you get ready for the session as well as to suggest how to plan the morning of the session to give us best chance for the little one to be sleepy and ready for the photoshoot. Because some of the tips cover couple of days leading towards the session, I am not able to accept new bookings for newborn sessions with less than 72hrs notice to the requested date. My sessions are only considered booked when completed session agreement form and session fee is received and confirmed by me.
