Post-Newborn Photography Session Tips
You close the door behind me and watch through the window as I get into my car and wave goodbye. We just finished a 90 minute newborn photo session, and you’re now free to pull the laundry basket out of the closet and change into a shirt that you don’t have to worry about getting baby fluids on.
But now what? You remember seeing in the contract and in the proposal that the photos would take about two weeks to edit, and I told you as I left that I’d send over a sneak peek. But what can *you* do while you wait for me to do what I do?
I have some tips for how to use your post-newborn photography session time.
Deep Breath - the hard part is over.
Photo sessions at home are pretty easy, and can be relaxing and fun. But as someone who has had two newborn sessions at home, I can also say they are stressful. Babies are unpredictable, and parents can feel a certain amount of pressure for photos to go well. I get it. It’s an investment, you want amazing photos, and you feel like you need to hold your breath while it’s happening, even though you’re prepared and ready. Or maybe that was just me. If you weren’t stressed at all during our session, I consider that a major victory and you can skip this tip. Otherwise, you’re human, and you may now take a deep breath and relax. And go find the paperwork you stashed in the kitchen so it wouldn’t be on the counter.
Check your email a day after our session.
I promise a sneak peek within 24 hours of our session. Sometimes that’s 2 hours after our session, sometimes it’s 22 hours after our session. It honestly just depends on what’s happening after I leave you, and whether or not my kids are home. But definitely within 24 hours, I’m sending you an email, thanking you for our time together and including one or two of my favorite images from our session. I try to find an image or two that I think you’ll really love, and give them a quick edit so you can see them and know that I got *at least* a couple of great photos and give you some peace of mind while you wait for the rest.
Prop your feet up while I edit your newborn photos.
You’ll probably forget about the photos for at least a few days. You have a baby to care for!
Check your email about five days after our session.
I’ll send an email about how to use the gallery, with a little video rundown of what to expect and what’s available in the print store. Think about how you’ll want to use the photos. Book? Wall art? Gallery? Each of the collections I offer include an amount of print credit that you can use to print your photos. Use all or some of the print credit; use it to help you make a really big purchase or use it to cover a smaller one. Let your wheels turn and ask me if you have any questions.
Your slideshow is arriving!
I’ll email the link to you and also send you a text, because I know it’s hard to keep an eye on your inbox while you’re struggling to get enough sleep.
Watch the slideshow together and choose your collection.
This is the fun part! I love when you watch the slideshow together as a family and then text me with happy-crying, heart-filled emojis.
The collections are listed under the slideshow so you can watch over and over and then choose right away. Each collection has a set number of digital images and corresponding print credit, so you can choose what feels the best for your family and how you plan to use your photos.
Choose your favorite photos.
Then download them (or download all of the photos if you chose the biggest collection). Don’t forget to download, and save them in multiple places so you always have them.
Ask for help if you need it!
At any point. I’m here for it!
Pick which photos to print, and use the print credit.
This is where that early research comes in handy. If you already know you want to make a wall gallery, and you know what sizes you need, you can pretty quickly order those sizes through the print store and know that the quality control is in my hands.
Wait for me to deliver the prints and products you ordered.
I’ll text you to make sure you’re in town before I deliver, so they won’t sit on the porch, but you don’t have to answer the door when I come, if you’d rather not see me. (I’m also always down for baby snuggles if you need a break when I arrive.)
Hang wall art, find a special spot on the bookshelf for the photo album, send smaller prints to family and friends.
I moved into my house 18 months ago and have been staring at the same three newborn photos of my son, propped up against the wall in frames. Trust me when I say don’t wait to hang! I can help you with this when I deliver your order, if you let me know ahead of time that you need help. (I just need to make sure I bank in enough time before preschool pick up).
Enjoy your photos every day!
I’ll keep in touch throughout the first year, check in and see how you’re doing, and send a card for the baby’s first birthday. Will you want to do family photos next year around the baby’s birthday? I’ll text you to ask.
Now you know what to expect post-newborn photography session! Want to know more about the who behind the what? Here I am.
Want to read more about newborn photography sessions?
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