Columbus Ohio Newborn Photography Studio
Baby Oliver’s Studio Session
Stephanie contacted me through my Facebook business page hoping to schedule a full newborn session in my Grove City newborn studio. Her baby boy was already born and hoped to snag a last minute opening. Although I do suggest you schedule your session before your baby is born, I try my hardest to schedule in last minute sessions. It makes things so much easier for you to schedule and plan your session before your baby is born so you can mark it off as done on your mental check list. You also don’t need to sit and research to find the best photographer after your baby is born and living on 3 hours of sleep.
Once Stephanie was all booked we started planning her session! She had a boy named Oliver with the most gorgeous head of hair. We discussed any of her requests to which she shared she wanted some nice family photos, a great sibling shot and timeless newborn photos of her baby boy. She was nervous that her oldest wouldn’t cooperate for photos. I let her know I would do my very best to make sure we captured some photos of them together. My sibling photos are pretty natural and very safe. I always keep a parent just off to the side, out of camera, to give a helping hand to the kiddos.
Stephanie and I also chatted about outfits. She wanted to look nice but not overly dressy. I asked her to send me a few photos of their outfits to see that they would all work well together. All their outfits looked great without looking boring or overly matchy. Wardrobe consultations are included in your session - I love helping clients in any way I can!
Before their session I sent out my welcome guide with specific tips on how to prepare for your session to ensure it goes smoothly and that your baby is happy and sleepy. It also includes outfit ideas, what to bring and my studio address. Stephanie listened to my prep guide! She bathed her baby the morning of their session and fed him right before they left the house. What does this do? The bath keeps your baby awake and stimulated. The combination of awake time and feeding usually equals a sleepy, happy baby. I notice a huge difference when someone doesn’t follow these tips!
The day of their session they arrived to my home studio. They knew ahead of time that we would start with family and sibling portraits, followed by dad and baby photos. This way Oliver’s Dad could take big sis for some lunch or to a sitter’s house. This way the studio is quiet and peaceful for the newborn portion of the session. It also makes things less stressful for parents and any siblings. Let’s face it, toddlers don’t want to sit in a small, warm space for 1-2 hours while I photograph their little brother or sister. They also have to be quiet which is so hard for toddlers! It makes everyone much happier if they are able to go play, get lunch or go visit a loved one with a parent while the other parent stays with me in studio while I photograph their baby.
Big sis was a bit nervous about being in my studio for the first time. Who wouldn’t? I showed her my wooden studio toys and snack basket. She started to warm up but wasn’t quite ready to smile at me. I got everyone on my white daybed for some family photos. She sat on Dad’s lap but wasn’t too sure about me or my camera. Having a toddler myself, I am always having to think on my feet. What do toddlers love? Feeling appreciated! Knowing they are doing a good job.
So I went, “WOOOOO!!! You hopped up on Dad! YES! GOOD JOB!” And asked for a bunch of high fives. She laughed and smiled at me, proudly. I captured the most adorable family photos. Once I got the traditional photo of everyone looking at me, big sis listened to all my requests. “Where is baby’s nose?” “Can you give him a kiss?”
Once a toddler has your trust they will listen to you! They also usually listen to me better than they would their parents. I’m new. It’s a different location. I’m fun but I’m still a stranger. So that combination usually equals a happy, listening toddler.
We finished family, sibling, and parent images in less than 30 minutes. Leaving plenty of time for me to photograph baby Oliver. Dad and big sis left the studio to grab some lunch. They happen to live in Grove City so they were able to head home for a while. Mom, Stephanie, texted them when she was ready to be picked up. If a family doesn’t live close by I let them know where they can take any siblings. Lunch ideas, park and library locations and more!
Baby Oliver was such a dream for me! He slept almost his entire session. Because he ate right before he arrived, he was content to sleep until the very end of his session. He ate right before he left and was a happy boy! I was able to capture the most adorable images of him in cozy props, on soft fabrics and more.
Here are my favorite images from Oliver’s newborn studio session!
Columbus Ohio Newborn Photography Studio
Are you looking for a newborn photographer in the Columbus, Ohio area with a timeless, natural style? Sarah Cropper Photography is a newborn photographer in Columbus, Ohio and in surrounding areas such as Hilliard, Dublin, Westerville, New Albany, German Village and Grove City. I photograph newborns in my cozy home studio located in Grove City, Ohio or in your home with a lifestyle feel. I focus on natural posing, love, connection and pure emotions. All sessions include a number of digital images in a beautiful online gallery. Feel free to look at my work to see if my style is up your alley! You can contact me by clicking the button below or emailing me at sarahcropperphoto@hotmail.com
