Houston Senior Newborn Family Photographer :: Michaelle Janet Photography

Portrait Photography

Newborns

Maternity

Maternity sessions are usually short and sweet at the studio. I have found that most moms need no more than 30 minutes for a mini-session, as they want to keep a simple memory of their growing child within them. If you would like a more extensive session, we can certainly mix studio and on-location for the shoot, or just explore a natural environment for the full session.

How to prepare for a successful maternity photography session:

Schedule your photo session on a day that you will be relaxed and well rested. Try not to schedule too many appointments on that day before or after the shoot.

At least two hours before our shoot, please try to remove anything with elastic, such as a tight shirt, pants, underwear or a bra to prevent strap marks from appearing on your skin.

Eat a light snack before the shoot.

Make-up should be light and natural looking. A light foundation, blush etc. to even out skin tones is perfect. Too much eyeliner or eye shadow can look very dark on film. If you want us to recommend a professional do your make-up, please allow us to make a recommendation.

A special keepsake jewelry piece is a nice accessory to the photographs, though too much jewelry can be distracting. If you have any questions, just have it handy to show.

Hair should be fixed so you are comfortable with it. Some mothers prefer to go to a stylist before the shoot; others prefer to fix their hair on their own.

Feel free to bring anything that you feel good in or want to be included in the photograph, including flowers or special clothing, such as scarves, shawls, or baby items. We do bring our own maternity fabric props for your session.

If you are being photographed with your partner, please have him/her bring or wear dark pants and a solid dark shirt, long or short sleeved is fine. Mothers should have a dark maternity skirt, yoga pants and tank top. Snug fitting jeans also work.

Maternity sessions last around 30 minutes to an hour.

Do not worry about discoloration in the belly area. I edit and smooth skin in the proofing process.

Newborns

Newborn sessions are usually anytime after 10 a.m. at the studio. Newborn sessions require heaters, soothing white noise and a bevy of blankets, hats, wraps and other props. You can certainly have your special keepsakes on hand. Depending on your newborns sleeping habits and personality, sessions can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. It is scheduled to leave plenty of time for feedings, breaks and sleeping.

How to prepare for a successful newborn photography session:

Newborns are best photographed during the first 10 days (ideally those first 5-6 days) for that classic ‘scrunched-up’ look. The early newborn days are fleeting and are a beautiful stage to document. After the first 7 days most newborns begin to peel, and while this is okay, excessive retouching will only be included in the Forever Files. Newborn sessions can be scheduled through week two or three in order to accommodate special circumstances.

Schedule your photo session on a day that you will be relaxed and well rested. (I know this is HARD as a new mother!) Try not to schedule too many appointments on that day before or after the shoot. It is preferable to leave siblings of the newborn at home, as the session can be long and somewhat tedious for brothers and sisters. Should you want a few shots of them with the newborn you can have your partner or family member bring them by 15 minutes before we wrap up. I usually try to get a couple of frames of the entire family before I leave, but this is mainly a session for the newborn.

When you arrive at the studio, you will notice the temperature will be around 80 degrees. If we are balmy and slighty warm, the baby is pretty comfortable. This reduces accidents and helps keep them sleepy while they are nude. Also before I arrive, loosen their diaper to reduce elastic marks on the baby.