Newborn preparation guide
It is important to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. We typically
recommend 2-4 days after coming home. The younger the baby the best chance
for nice sleepy poses. Newborn sessions take place on weekdays at either 10 AM or 1 PM. If you haven't filled out your Newborn Questionnaire yet please fill it out here: https://forms.gle/jG4RXj5dAdb9BUwx6
Thank you so much for choosing to book with Turn the Page Photography and congratulations on your new bundle of joy! The address to the studio is
1528 Kestrel Dr.
Clarksville, TN 37040
The bottom half is converted into a studio, so please do not be surprised when you arrive to a house! If you end up lost please call 207-475-2903.
Preparation policy
Each family is given this newborn preparation guide to follow and it is clear to us which families follow the preparation guide and which don't. When not followed it makes a huge difference in your session. I only spend 30 minutes at the start of your session to soothe your baby. If baby will not soothe it'll be a $100 rescheduling fee and we will reschedule you. If baby repeatedly doesn't soothe in-between sets, you will have the option to pay $100 to reschedule, or can end the session with the photos we have. Please note you might not receive all sets or photos due to this. It is pertinent that parents following the preparation guide exactly how it's written. We're extremely trained in newborn soothing techniques, however we ask that you meet us half way in making sure your session goes smoothly.
LATE POLICY
Tardiness is 100% not tolerated in our studio. Sessions are scheduled well in advance and we expect that you show up on time. It takes time to get baby changed, fed, soothed, and prepared for their session, and when you're late it pushes session time back and session times cannot be pushed back. If you are more than 10 minutes late to your session, you will be rescheduled and will be charged $150 rescheduling fee, absolutely no exceptions. If you are late and do not want to be rescheduled and charged the fee, you will not be refunded your session fees. So it is extremely important to show up on time, we cannot stress this enough.
Extended family policy
Extended family i.e. grandparents, uncles, cousins, etc. are not included in the "family" portion of newborn sessions. Family includes parents and siblings of the baby that is being photographed. Any other family members it's $50 per person to be photographed. When the extended family member is done being photographed we ask that they return to their vehicle. Our studio is small and only enough room parents to comfortably relax.
On day of Session:
Stimulate & keep baby awake starting two hours before the session. This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session, and when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes transitioning and posing easier. A warm bath, keeping baby in just their diaper, along with interacting with them helps keep them nice and awake.
Feed baby at the studio before your session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. We recommend that you feed your baby 2-3 hours before your session and then show up 15 minutes early to your session and feed them at the studio right before your session. Also, being willing to bottle or breastfeed on demand is extremely important to make sure baby stays nice and sleepy.
Please do not feed baby before you leave. It creates gassy/fussy babies when they get here. Make sure to follow the guideline and feed baby when you get here.
Please make sure to burp your baby. When not burped it makes babies super gassy and fussy. Please please please make sure after each feeding you are burping your baby. If you do not know how we will teach you.
Older children will need to leave once their photos are finished. We do family & siblings first. Sessions can last anywhere from 1.5-2 hours plus the gallery reveal afterwards, which can be a long time for siblings to wait, especially when the studio needs to be somewhat quiet. Have Dad drive separately to take the kiddos home or have Grandma show up later to take them home.
We provide props and outfits for your session. However, if you want your baby photographed with something specific we ask that you bring it with you. We do not purchase specific props for sessions. However, if you purchase a prop you'd like to use and the studio is interested in acquiring it afterwards, we will offer image credits in exchange for it.
Bring a pacifier, if you use them, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it. Sucking is a soothing mechanism & can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos. Please make sure to bring the Green Soothie that the hospital provides for you, or one that is rubber and bendable such as the Tommee Tippee Ultra Light Pacie. These do not create lines in the face when sucking. Please also bring a pacifier clip, if you have one, and a burp cloth.
The studio will be warm. Babies like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), helps babe stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks and a change of clothes to change out of if you think you’ll get hot.
Prepare to pick your photos. Once your session is finished we will spend about 45 minutes going through and choosing your photos. So overall you might be at the studio for 2 hours+. Please make sure to pack snacks, water or anything you might need to make yourself comfortable.
Preparing the family
Go simple for family’s wardrobe. When planning your outfits for the family & sibling shots, stick with soft, neutral colors like grey or cream as the dominate colors. Soft pastel colors also work great. Avoid crazy patterns, neon, and logos to the best of your ability. One family member in a gentle floral is fine, but don't put every single person in floral as it makes the picture too busy, and colors and patterns will clash. This, also, keeps the focus on baby and the family connection.
Anything else we need to know?
Fill out the form and let us know!