Thank you!
You did it!
I'm so glad you've locked in your shoot, and I can't wait to see you.
West Village, 2019. @annieroserice
WHAT TO EXPECT
I know it can be awkward or embarrassing to get your photo taken, but I want you be assured that one of my goals is to make EVERYONE look good, not just the kids, but you and your partner too!
I'll often give you a bit of direction, turn this way, walk a bit slower, don't look at me, or, okay now DO look at the camera... but sometimes I let things just be. You'll just be playing with your kids with very little awareness of me. Trust me, you'll want it this way when you see the photos!
There's no such thing as a "perfect" session, and in reality it's going to possibly feel like chaos. But here's the deal - that chaos is what I want. I want to capture you as you are, not perfectly posed or positioned for the camera. The perfect shot will show a real family being themselves, not one styled and posed like mannequins for Instagram.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
For clothing, the best tip I have for you is: Everyone's clothes should fit them well.
For babies - clothes will block the child's face if too big, and if too small might give the baby discomfort. Newborns are really so cute just in a diaper!
For yourselves, wear an outfit that feels like you! Not the time to be trying out a new jeans silhouette, stick with styles you already love.
Feel free to compliment the colors everyone's wearing, but no need to match, unless you want to. Perhaps pick a color story and choose everyone’s clothes within the navy and white (or whatever!) range?
I'd avoid loud patterns or logos, but just generally just reach for your favorite outfit and it'll be a great thing to be photographed in since you'll recall how much you loved it.
If we'll be at your house, you can feel free to do a change of clothing halfway through if you're worried about the outfits!
If we’re headed to the beach, bring a blanket in case everyone wants to sit down.
ipads/lollipops
It goes without saying that YOU know what your kids respond to the best, but consider that while it’s tempting to bribe them with candy, in my experience it’s best to leave screens and candy at home. Give me a chance to capture their attention organically for the first few minutes before whipping out the chocolate-based help!
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NEWBORN F.A.Q
1. At what age do you usually do newborn photos?
The tiny-tiny photos are typically done around 10 days or 2 weeks old, though don't feel trapped by that if you're not feeling it during that time. Beautiful photos can be made at any age! (see attached, new-new baby, solo, at two weeks, and still-new baby, with mom, at about 2 months!) I consider it a newborn shoot still up to three months. They get more expressive as time goes on! I personally LOVED my three month shoot the most with my newborn daughter.
2. Do you use any props?
I don't bring props from home to home, since the germ issue is real with newborns. But we will style the photos with whatever blankets, heirlooms, surfaces and clothing you have on hand! I can make vendor suggestions if you like. My style is pretty real and candid, I do lots in just a diaper, just a white swaddle, etc. I don't do much of the baby-hanging-from-a-branch or emerging-from-a-tutu-puddle, but if you want to go nuts on Etsy, I will totally support! I'll do it in my clean, naturally lit way. You'll want to purchase those things ahead of time.
3. Our apartment may be in disaster-mode with the new baby. Are there other spaces you would suggest to shoot in if our apartment doesn't work?
Newborns shoots really are easiest at home because of the controlled environment. I do often rent studio space in Manhattan or Brooklyn for photo shoots, but I wouldn't worry too much about your apartment. In my 13 years of photographing families, I've never visited a non-insane apartment for a newborn shoot! Don't worry. I will lead the way to setting the stage and carrying the clutter out of our camera's view. That's part of what I'm there for!
If you have any questions for me still - CALL ME! My number is in your original email from me.
Biggest hugs,
Ana
