Clients are often surprised to learn that the absolute BEST time for a newborn session is within those first 2 weeks home and to call while you are still in the hospital if at all possible. Carla knows that it’s not something most parents are even thinking about with a newborn baby around, and she understands that new Moms are not quite thrilled with the idea of a photographer coming into their home right after coming home from the hospital. But, rest assured that IS the best time to photograph a newborn. Newborns at that age sleep…a lot. They curl up nicely, and are flexible so that they can be shifted into positions that make stunning artwork from your portraits.
Because newborns tend to need frequent feedings that leads to the need for diaper changes, these sessions will typically take at least 2 hours.
Before the session, please do not put any tight clothing (like socks or hand mittens) on your baby as they can leave marks. If you can, only put the diaper on loosely if you are wanting some of the “natural” baby portraits.
After the Newborn session, many clients ask when the best time for the next session is. I actually have multiple answers. But generally, if you want the traditional schedule it is 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, but doing a newborn session throws that schedule out the window (but if you want that schedule, Carla has a special Baby Plan add on just for you).
What Carla typically sees these days is a newborn session, then 4 months, 8 months, and 12 months. Or the alternative, which is newborn, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months (which is why the baby plan has 18 months to use the sessions). Whichever you use, here are some suggestions for the other sessions in a baby plan.
4-6 months of age will once again be in your home. This is a great session for taking a portrait of your child interacting with siblings and parents. Your child will be holding their head up well, and sometimes by 6 months they may even be starting to sit up. For girls, this is a session we will sometimes pull out the large teacup. It’s a great session for the cocoon if we did not get it during the newborn session. Carla loves using the nursery or parent’s bedroom for these images.
6-9 months of age can be in your home or outdoors. It really all depends on weather and what your child loves. Most children LOVE others by this age and their little personalities are really starting to develop. If your child has a particular lovey, then this is a great session to capture that as well.
12-18 months of age are fun sessions. Most of these are taken outdoors, and your sweet little baby is turning into a toddler. This is a fun session to use props like balloons, chairs, and yes…even a cake if you are brave enough. 
During the year you are part of the Baby Plan, Carla will be talking with you about your vision for each session and truly they will be perfect.