NEWBORN SESSION WELCOME GUIDE
CAROLINE MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Contents
P G 0 3 | A B O U T M E
P G 0 5 | M A T E R N I T Y S E S S I O N
P G 0 9 | W H A T T O E X P E C T
P G 1 0 | H O W T O P R E P A R E
P G 1 2 | W H A T T O W E A R
P G 1 4 | P R I C I N G G U I D E
P G 1 6 | F A Q
P G 1 8 | C O N T A C T S
“"Caroline is really wonderful with
babies but also extremely efficient
and captures those special newborn
moments beautifully."”
Hi, my name is
Caroline
ABOUT ME
Hey there! I’m Caroline, I’m a Cape Town based Photographer who specialises in Newborn Photography.
You'll find that my working style is natural, relaxed and most importantly fun! My images are clean and simple with a focus on you and your family. I truly love babies and, of course, my wonderful job of capturing them. I’ve been a photographer for 20 years and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I just love capturing all the joy and wonderful moments for my beautiful families.
Nothing is more valuable than family and these newborn moments are gone in a blink. This guide will help you prepare for your session. You will find details on what to wear, what to bring and what to expect during and after your session. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me via text or e-mail with any questions
before your session.
LET’S CONNECT!
@carolinemillerphotography @carolinemiller_photography
caroline@carolinemillerphotography.org 072 214 5647
Caroline
Maternity Mini Session
As you prepare for the arrival of the newest member of your family you probably have a to-do list of things you want to do before your baby arrives. I believe a mini maternity session should be on your bucket list because whether you are having your first baby, or you are adding a new member to your family, a maternity session allows you to capture the beauty and love that you are feeling in the final months of your pregnancy.
Most maternity sessions are done between 30 and 36 weeks and take around 1 hour or less. I will help guide you
through the basic poses, like how to hold your belly, where to look, etc. I will also give you some tips to help things feel more candid… and fun! I highly recommend you add the maternity session to your collection package,
I promise you will love it!
What To Expect
A baby can give a totally different meaning to life. My newborn photography sessions are specially planned and designed
to celebrate the love of your growing family and to capture those moments that mean so much! My studio has
everything we will need but feel free to bring any special items along. Each baby is unique and special and I want each
session to be just the same!
In this guide we’ll go over what you’ll need to know to make the most out of your newborn session, as well as some
information about the process.
I want to make sure the end result is a set of beautiful images that are an honest reflection of your family. You will find
details on how to prepare, styling tips, and what to expect during and after your session.
My joy is capturing the perfect fleeting moment, the mischievous look and giggle of a child, the graceful curve of an
expectant mother’s belly, the gentleness in a father’s big hands as he holds his newborn child, and the tenderness of real
love.
After your session, I will be working hard behind the scenes to cull down to the best photos (eliminating duplicates, blurs,
and blinks). Shortly after the session I will deliver a watermarked proofing gallery so you can select your favorite images
to keep or upgrade your package after seeing the photos. Then I will do a final edit. Although newborns are perfect as
they are I do still need to check for those newborn pimples and jaundice or redness and clear up any little scratches. Your
gallery is typically ready within 2 weeks of your session.
How to Prepare
BEFORE THE SESSION
If you are scheduling your newborn session ahead of
time, it is best to get your due date on my calendar as
soon as possible, somewhere in the second trimester,
but if your about to have your baby or just did, I will
do my best to get you into my schedule.
Since the arrival of your baby is typically unpredictable, I will reserve space on my calendar around the time of your due date to accommodate early or late arrivals. Please contact me as soon as baby arrives in order to schedule a date and time.
The sweet spot is between 6 and 10 days to get those
adorable curly, sleepy newborns. But I am happy to
photograph at any age. After 12 days, babies become
more alert, so it can take a bit longer but we will still
get there. They also discover the joys of stretching
(which gives us great photos) and they might start
developing baby acne. If your baby already has it, no
worries! I can remove it or keep it, up to you.
Also, if there’s anything dear to your heart that you
might want included in your session, please let me
know ahead of time so we can incorporate it in the
session the best way possible.
SESSION DAY
The session normally takes around 2 hours but can take a
bit longer depending on how he/she does, we will take
our time and never rush!
Aim to have baby changed (preferably into a
white babygrow with feet out) and fully fed just before
the session begins. A baby with a full tummy is almost
always a happy baby! If it doesn’t work out please don’t
worry.
When baby needs a break, we’ll take a break. Don’t
worry if baby is fussed, we will give them time to
settle down. Most babies need a top up or to eat at
least once during their session so make sure you bring
bottles if using and a pacifier or dummy if using too.
You’ll notice that the studio is warm when you arrive,
so dress in light layers. I tend to heat the
studio to approximately 22 - 24 deg celsius for
newborn sessions since your baby might be
undressed and needs to be kept warm.
Usually I start with family and parent and sibling
shots but we will see how we go.
For an in-home session we will work in either your
main bedroom or the nursery. If the bedroom has a
big window that will help but you can send me photos
and I can help you decide. The most important thing
is to make that room really nice and warm on the day.
WHAT TO WEAR
THE MOM
It's best to start with the mom’s outfit. Selecting clothing for your postpartum photoshoot may seem
daunting. Your first instinct may be “the baby only, not me” but I promise you will regret it! I will position
you so that you look your best and so that we capture the special bond between you and your baby.
Whites and creams work best or soft, light colours so that the focus is on you and your family and not on
the bright colours. Make sure what you choose is both comfortable and flattering to wear. Avoid tight tops
as they draw attention to any lumps and bumps and you will feel more self-conscious. Soft and flowing
works best.
PARENTS & SIBLINGS
The single most important consideration when you’re choosing your outfits is that you all feel
comfortable and confident. You need to like how you all look in your pictures as you’ll be keeping them
forever. Focus on accomplishing a cohesive look and dressing in outfits that will allow your photos to take
on a timeless feel.
Coordinate, but don’t match is the key. Your child could wear a neutral colour outfit but doesn’t have to
match you exactly. For siblings, I recommend a classic, timeless outfit. Steer clear of logos and shirts with
writing. These can be distracting in photos as the eye immediately goes to the words or picture on the
shirt instead of the sweet sibling moment.
THE BABY
There is no need to bring anything for baby to wear but if possible bring them in a white babygrow. I
provide all the wraps, headbands, hats, and clothes. Unless there is something special you want to bring
for your newborn’s photos, don’t worry about outfits.
Check out my services
Maternity Photography
Elegant and timeless maternity photography that celebrates the beauty of motherhood with soft, natural light and simple, heartfelt moments.
Service I
Newborn Photography
Pure and natural newborn photography, capturing the innocence and beauty of your baby in soft, timeless images.
Service II
Baby Photography
Simple and joyful baby photography that captures your little one's unique personality and growing milestones.
Service III
Family Photography
Natural and heartfelt family photography that captures genuine connection and love in timeless images.
Service IV
Product Photography
Clean and professional product photography that highlights your brand with clarity and style.
Service V
Interior Photography
Bright and refined interior photography that showcases spaces with clarity, style and natural light.
Service VI
Pricing & Packages
Maternity Minis
R2200
30 to 60 min session, 30 digital images
image editing, online gallery
ADDITIONAL:
10 High Res Images - R 800
20 Images - R 1 200
All images in gallery - R 1 900 extra
Newborn Session
R3450
2 to 3 hour session, 50 digital images
image editing, online proof gallery
ADDITIONAL:
10 High Res Images - R 800
20 Images - R 1 200
All images in gallery - R 1 900 extra
Maternity & Newborn Session
R5200
80 digital images, image editing
online proofing gallery
ADDITIONAL:
10 High Res Images - R 800
20 Images - R 1 200
All images in gallery - R 1 900 extra
FAQ
HOW LONG IN ADVANCE SHOULD I BOOK?
The sooner the better to be organised and be sure that I'm available for your date. It’s best to get on my calendar when you are entering your second trimester, but please don’t let that stop you from contacting me if you are past that time frame.
HOW DO YOU PLAN A SESSION DATE WHEN DUE DATES AREN’T FOR CERTAIN?
I pencil in due dates on my calendar and plan on a range of a week before and after that time. That means that if your baby arrives a little early, I’m still available close to your due date. And if your baby arrives late I can still adjust for that week or two after your due date. Once baby arrives, I have parents contact me via phone, text, or email with the happy news. Then we set our official session date and time to fit within that optimal newborn window for the photographs.
DO WE NEED TO BRING ANYTHING?
I have blankets, wraps, headbands and hats for both boys and girls, but if you have a sentimental teddy or a favourite outfit/blanket, please bring these with you as we may be able to incorporate these into the shoot to create unique imagery that is special to your family.
WHAT IF MY BABY CRIES OR DOESN'T SETTLE?
This is only natural and doesn't tend to last the entire session. If baby cries and no amount of soothing, changing, feeding
and winding changes this we can simply reschedule your session as it may be that they are coming down with something. More often, with some time, patience and perseverance all babies will settle and we will be able to create beautiful images - awake or asleep.
MY BABY HAS ALREADY BEEN BORN, CAN I STILL BOOK A SESSION?
If I have had a last minute cancellation or a baby has arrived early/late I may have some availability so it is always worth asking if your baby is already here.
DO YOU SHARE IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
I love to share a sneak peek from your session if time permits. I may also use any images from your final gallery on my social media pages as well as my website or blog as a promotional tool and most parents love to see their child being featured in this way. If you would prefer your child's images not to be used in this way that's fine too, please just let me know before your session.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKES TO GET MY PHOTOS?
Once your session is over you'll receive your digital gallery within 2-3 weeks. You'll receive your digital images in colour and some in black and white too. You'll be able to download them all in high res and you'll also be able to share with family and friend easily. You will have the option to order prints and products through the online gallery which is the only way I can guarantee 100% colour accuracy.
WE ARE READY! HOW DO WE BOOK?
Great! Please email me with your due date then to get the booking process started! I’ll collect a R1000 retainer from you to get your session date reserved and then your session balance will be due the day of your session.
