Hey! Need something to wear to your newborn, baby, maternity, family, or couples photo shoot? A few years ago I started a client closet because I get asked "what should I wear?" 99% of the time. I've also heard that it's not ideal to go shopping for a photo shoot, as it can get overwhelming. I get it, and that is exactly why I started shopping for you. I have the best dresses, gowns, body suits, etc. AND, I do have more than what is pictured, as well as new items always coming in.

Want your session in the studio or outdoors? Either way, you can wear anything from the client closet to your session in the studio or outdoors. With the lifestyle area that I have in the studio, as well as backdrops, you're all set! And for outdoors, everything goes well there too!

What about the rest of the family? Well, I have a little client closet too! My little client closet runs from newborn to 5T for boys and newborn to 14 for girls. For the bigger boys and men I suggest coordinating with whatever you select, and I can help with that as needed.

Don't wait to book your session! I book up fast and time always goes faster than we want it too. Capture those moments and have them to cherish forever!

Hugs and love!

Michelle

Hey-ya!! Having been a small part of the rescue world for many years, I've met some pretty amazing people. So, when I found out that this mama was pregnant I thought about how lucky that new human will be. This mama, along her side kick husband, have given so much to the rescue world. While helping with so many fosters, they continue to do so even though they have a new little one. When I was contacted to capture maternity and newborn, I pretty much did a happy dance. I love working with good people!!

Into the woods we went for their maternity session. Mind you, this is one of my favorite forests and will always be in my top 3 although I've moved a few hours away. With the gorgeous naked pine tress, a quick walk away to an oak forest, and then an open field are just part of the charm. This pregnant couple ventured there with me because of its beauty. It was so nice and their love shows in every photo.

Once Teddy was born, they came to the studio for their session. Not only did they bring their human baby, they also brought their fur babies too! Teddy was a dream baby. He slept well and was a natural through all of the sets. Tiny toes, fingers, and nose. I love it all! I can't wait to see this little one grow up.

Book your session as soon as you can because I book up fast. Reminder, as I've written about this before, that while although you don't know exactly when you will give birth you can get on the books to ensure a spot once you do.

Hugs and love,

Michelle

Hooray!! You booked your newborn session so now what?

Well, soon enough you’ll be holding that baby in your arms and you won’t have as much time as you would like. Thinking about colors, props, style, etc, might get a little overwhelming. It might be a good idea to plan out what you’re wanting now, or at least narrow down some thing. With that said, you could just throw the neutral flag out there and play it safe. Cream all around! Haha, just kidding unless that sounds amazing to you! For some people, a better option is to ask your photographer to choose the colors and props for you. That is mostly what is requested, and while I love it be sure you do too! If you’re worried that you might not like the selections, you could ask to get a sneak peek in order to say yay or nay. If you’re my client, I invite you to visit the studio and make selections for your session if you’d like. Or we could even do a virtual visit and I can walk you through everything via a video chat. You tell me! :)

Now that I have you super excited about your session, think about your house, the nursery, the way in which you live your life. The following, plus more, can help you know what you want or don’t want at your newborn session. Think decorating!

•          What colors do you have on your walls and as accents?
•          What colors or theme is the nursery?
•          What color(s) is your living room?
•          What colors don’t you like?
•          What colors do you like?
•          What wall art can you envision on your walls? Wrapped canvas or a framed print. Or both?
•          Where are you going to hang your wall art? Nursery, living room, office, etc.
•          How many albums do you need? Don’t forget about the grandparents!
•          How many folios do you want? You can display them on the wall, in a glass case, or on their own.
•          Is your house modern, contemporary, traditional, eclectic, BOHO, ect? This will help in selecting props, and colors/patterns for that matter.
•          Do you have any inspiration of newborn photos? Send that inspiration to your photographer to help when narrowing down what to use at your session.

Thinking about everything above, what colors are you wanting for your newborn session? White, cream, brown, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, green, etc. Floral, stars, butterflies, or solids? Food for thought: If you’re hanging a canvas in the nursery and the nursery is blue, do you want the backdrop your baby is on to be blue - because it will likely be the wrong blue? Or white? Or Cream? I suggest working around the main color of the room and using a color that works well with it, such as an accent color. Blue walls and a cream canvas is a beautiful match to me! Or cream walls and blue canvas! Either way, I hope you get what I’m trying to convey.

What about the props? I typically have 1 or 2 props at each newborn session, sometimes more. Check the list out and see what your photographer has. I have way too many but it’s because I love them all!

•          Wooden bed (dark and light)
•          Metal bucket (with different overlays)
•          Wire baskets
•          Woven baskets
•          Drawers
•          Bins
•          Crates
•          Macramé swing
•          And I'm sure I'm forgetting some but hopefully you get it.

I hope the above information above helps you get ready for your newborn session. If you have a question, please shoot me an email – michelle@michellekrohnphotography.com.

Remember to enjoy life, the dishes and cleaning can wait. The littles are only little once so hug them often!

Hugs and love, Michelle

What to expect during a newborn session and some bonus information.

Having a baby?

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that someone is having a baby? For me, I think of how little those babies are and how that little-ness doesn't last very long. The changes are quick, almost done in the blink of an eye, and because of this I suggest having their newborn session within the first 3 weeks. The other milestone sessions within their first year of life outside of the womb are at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year old. Don't wait to book your session, they grow so fast.

When should you book/schedule your session?

The second you think you want to hire a newborn photographer, you should book it. I have limited sessions because I hold out for the mamas that have booked ahead with me. Now, that doesn't mean I won't try to accommodate your newborn, but I'm just letting you know to get on the books as fast as possible. Even if you're thinking, "I'm only in my second trimester?" Book it! Bonus if you book a maternity and newborn with me because you'll get a print/product credit. Same goes for booking a maternity and milestone. It not only pays to book ahead, but it really helps ease your mind because you'll be a for sure for the date needed. Once baby is born, contact me ASAP and we'll get you scheduled.

What should you and baby wear to the newborn session?

If you're planning on being in the photos, discuss wardrobe options with your photographer. The colors of your newborn session can be selected by yourself or me - just be sure to say what colors you don't want. I can also be sure to have your baby in a color coordinating wrap for family and sibling shots should you want those. If you're not in the photos, know that I try to keep the studio warm. If it's too chilly, babies get cold. I have heaters and a heating pad to keep baby comfy. I also provide all of the wraps and props for baby so there is no need to bring your own. Everything I have is as clean as can be so no need to worry. Plus, I specifically buy these items for the purpose of newborn photography so you don't have to. Have a certain color in mind? I'll check my stash to see if I have it but if I don't I might be able to add it to my collection.

How long will the session last?

This part is tricky. Some sessions can be super fast because baby is totally fine with all of the wrapping and unwrapping, while other babies are not wanting to be handled very much. The best thing I can say is plan from 1-3 hours.  

What should I bring?

Bring a bottle if you bottle feed, bring a few extra diapers and plenty of wipes (babies have been known to pee and poop all over so be prepared, it's normal), and you might want to bring a pacifier if your baby uses one. The studio has plenty of coffee, water, and snacks for you and your family to enjoy.

What goes into a newborn photography session?

For me, it always starts with how I can do a pose safely. If it isn't safe, I won't even attempt it. But with that said, here's a list of things you might want to check for when hiring a newborn photographer. Once you become part of the MKP newborn family, I send a questionnaire that helps coordinate your session.

• CPR / BLS / ECC training and certification - This is very important and necessary. I'm certified by The American Heart Association. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/about-cpr-and-ecc
• Safe posing - Lots of photographers will do "froggy" or "hammock", etc.,  poses without actually knowing how to do them safely. These techniques take skill and patience. Holding their little head properly so that they don't fall over and get hurt is critical. Be sure you know who is holding your precious baby's life in their hands. With that said, I welcome you to interview me at any time. 
• Props - It seems crazy but there is a huge market for newborn photography props. I cannot begin to tell you how many newborn photography props I've purchased in the last year. Why? I needed a refresh so I went all out and have several new baby beds, cradles, backdrop blankets, fancy and basic baby wraps, outfits, baskets, bonnets, hats, headbands, etc. I've filled my new studio pretty quick. The moral of the story here is that every photographer has props but some might have a lot like me or some might have a little. It's always good to ask for options or send your photographer a picture of what you're wanting. Coordinating with colors/props with the nursery is always fun! Some of my props and wraps are from https://hellolittleprops.com/ and https://www.shootingstarsprops.com.au/?currency=USD. Others are from random vendors, antique stores such as https://www.luneberry.com/, http://www.therustypick.com/ or http://buffalonickelantiques.com/, or even fabric stores such as https://www.joann.com/. The list could go on forever!

Now that you have a little more insight, let me know what you think. 

Hugs and love, Michelle