BABY SESSIONS
SESSION DETAILS
4 Month Session Instructions
Please review these instructions in its entirety and follow them for a smooth session.
SESSION TIMES:
The four month session is actually taken right around the 4 month mark but this session all depends on when the baby can prop themselves up on their arms comfortable and without getting tired immediately. Sometimes a baby can master this at 3 months and sometimes it may not even be until 5 months but most babies are at this stage at about 4 months old.
Please plan this session at a time that you know your baby is normally awake and happy. Babies tend to be happiest in the morning. Please bring extra bottles (or be prepared to nurse) just once if needed. Sometimes if a baby gets fussy, feeding them calms them down and soothes them. It is not normally a whole bottle but just a small "snack." Babies this age do stop to take several small breaks duing the session and most have a few ounces to eat as a small snack.
HOW LONG WILL THE SESSION TAKE?
This session is the shortest of all the baby sessions and it normally takes about 30 minutes before the baby gets tired and stops smiling and being happy.The bright lights of the studio wear them out so your baby will probably take a good nap after the session. At this age, we do take many mroe small 1-2 minute breaks where mom or dad holds the baby and we don't stimulate them at all during these breaks to not over-tire them. We run these baby sessions according to the baby's mood so if your baby is tired we will take a small break and it the baby continues to fuss, even after a snack, the session may end earlier than planned. We have found that babies let us know when they are done and we follow their cues and not try to squeeze them into one more outfit if they become fussy.
SESSION LOCATION:
I normally suggest that this session take place in the studio as the babies get very distracted when outside and they are very sensitive to the temperature.
CLOTHING:
BABY:
This is the first session where parents get to bring outfits and that is an exciting thing! Feel free to bring 2-4 outfits but we may not use them all as it all depends on the baby's mood. Most babies do not like getting changed and so this can sometimes aggravate them. I would guess that a normal 4 month session uses two or maybe three outfits if the baby is in a great mood. Please be sure to try on the baby outfits before the session as many, many times I have seen parents completely disappointed when an outfit is too big and the outfit is falling off or it is too small and the snaps keep busting or there are marks on the arm from the tight sleeves. Very large collars do not look good at this session as they hang off the baby and it just collects the drool.
MOM'S LIST TO WEAR:
Wear a solid shirt, no lace, jeans are great, small stud earrings, no necklace, keep jewelry to a minimum…wedding rings are okay…no watches. Please be mindful of low cut or V-neck tops. No sweatshirts or sweaters please. Bright colored nail polish really stands out…keep nails simple. No makeup with sparkles…including eye shadow…the sparkles catch the light of the flash and you will have silver sparkles all over!! No lipstick with a high gloss…the reflection of the lights from the studio will show on glossy lips. Bring your make up bag for touch ups.
DAD'S LIST TO WEAR:
Dad can wear a solid shirt, no stripes, jeans are great, no necklace, and keep jewelry to a minimum. Wedding rings are okay…no watches.
OTHER THINGS TO BRING:
Be sure to bring bottles, water, formula, baby wipes, a change of clothes for baby, extra diapers, burp rags, hair brush, pacifier, and anything else you think you may need. Please feel free to bring anything that you would like to incorporate in the portraits such as a special blanket, headbands, knit hats, bloomers, a stuffed animal, jewelry, toy, etc. I am happy to personalize your portraits :)
DO YOU HAVE THINGS WE CAN USE DURING THE SESSION?
I do! First of all, I have a large assortment of hats, headbands, a few ties, a newborn tutu, and a few other fun accessories. I also have baby basics you may need, including a changing pad. The studio also has a bathroom and a small kitchen area. We do not have a microwave at this time so if you need your bottles heated, please bring a bottle warmer. If the session is away from the studio and you want a specific prop, hat or headband to use, please let us know in advance so we can be sure to bring it.
For this session we also have a variety of chairs and crates that can be used as well. If the session is away from the studio and you would like to use a specific prop, please let Ursula know in advance so she can bring it.
BACKDROP CHOICES
If you have a specific backdrop, blanket or accessory you would like used, please let me know ahead of time so that can be in place before you arrive. It is very helpful to have a quick cell phone picture of the outfits you plan to bring so that I can have items pulled out specifically for your baby. Please let me know if one or both parents want to be in one of these pictures so I can have a large enough backdrop picked out for the session.
WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED?
Absolutely no cameras or recording devices of any kind are allowed in the studio. This includes cell phone cameras.
QUESTIONS?
I am happy to discuss with you any questions or additional clothing options so please feel free to call me or e-mail me with any questions.