Massachusetts Newborn Photographer|Newborn Photo Session|Baby Danica

A new baby changes the dynamic of the family as parents and siblings adjust to the new family member and the new routine, each in their own way. I love photographing families during this time of adjustment and capturing moments of interactions between siblings. Occasionally, these interactions give us a glimpse into the baby’s budding personality and the siblings’ love for each other.


Baby Danica visited my studio with her 2 older siblings: big brother Dimitri (4.5) and big sister Selena (2.5). As they entered the studio, it was clear that Dimitri and Selena deeply cared about their little sister and were very attentive to her needs.


We began by choosing colors, props and outfits for Danica as well as a dress for Selena from my studio wardrobe.

I typically start with sibling images to allow the older brothers and sisters some free time during the baby’s solo part of the session. During this part, Danica was simply full of smiles; she especially loved being hugged and kissed. Even asleep, this little girl was so expressive, you could practically see her personality shining through.

Dimitri, who took the initiative to shake my hand and introduce himself at the very beginning, was taking his sister’s well being seriously, asking questions like ”Why are you swaddling her?” “When will this be done?” Why are you holding her like this?”. Although it turns out, even protective big brothers can giggle - he loved tickles!

During every newborn session, I use a white noise machine (The Baby Shoosher) to keep the babies calm and sleepy. Danica’s big sister Selena was very curious about the device. Once I explained it to her, she put her finger to her lips just so every time it was on. Such a precious moment to capture on camera.




After the sibling poses we took some family images and Danica’s solo images on a beanbag….

….and with some props and flowers

I love working with families. Thank you, Danica, Selena, Dimitri and their parents for sharing your family’s precious moments with me.

Booking  maternity, newborn or baby sessions in our Westford 

studio:  http://www.polina.pictures/contact-form

                                

Why I love and treasure newborn photography.

I love babies. They are irresistibly cute and quite messy. They command full control of your life yet are helpless and fragile. They are our tomorrow. Their smiles make the toughest of us melt inside. They also change every day, and our memories fade each year.

I am a mom of three. My kids were growing up in the time of smartphones and digital cameras and I diligently took tons of pictures and lived my life happily. But at some point, we needed to replace home computer, and I went through old files and pictures. That night I realized that even though I had all those pictures, I didn’t really have them -- they were hiding in an old computer and I only discovered them by chance. Many of these pictures I had shared via email and on Facebook, which turned out to be even less discoverable than old folders. I suddenly was acutely aware that I wanted to see my kids all the time, reminding me of last summer, first day of school, first steps they took.

This realization set me on a mission: bring those memories into my house first, and than help other parents remember the warmth they once felt, make them smile every time when they glance at a familiar picture.

As all artists, I strive to make the world a little better. I feel humbled and honored to have parents’ trust and permission to create something that will stay with them for years and years to come, something that will decorate their homes, that will touch their hearts every time they see it.

Book your newborn session: http://www.polina.pictures/contact-form

More info about newborn sessions: http://www.polina.pictures/newborn-baby-photographer-Boston

9 Things to Expect at Your Newborn Photo Session 

By the time you book a newborn session, you may feel like an expert at posing for professional photos. From engagement shoots to wedding photos, from maternity sessions to Christmas card pictures, many parents walking into a newborn photographer’s studio have a half-dozen or more professional photoshoots behind them.

But, no matter how often you’ve had photos taken in the past, you’ll soon discover that a newborn session is quite different from any other photoshoot. Even the studio will look different from the commercial photography spaces or high-traffic mall studios you may have visited. Filled with adorable props and outfits, it may remind you of a boutique more than a photography studio. Here are 9 things to expect when you bring your new baby in for his or her very first close-up.

1. The studio might be warmer - and noisier - than you’re used to
To keep babies happy, a newborn photographer’s studio will be warm - perhaps as high as 85F. Other strategies for creating a baby-friendly environment may include a white noise machine running in the background.

2. The pacifier is your friend
Pacifiers can be lifesavers during newborn sessions, even if you don’t use them at home yet. A pacifier helps keep a baby calm when the photographer moves him or her from pose to pose or changes their outfits. If you have a pacifier, don’t forget to bring it with you! Some photographers might have a spare one on hand, but it’s best to bring your own just in case.

3. Baby may need to be fed mid-session
During the session, baby might get hungry; if this happens, the photographer will take a break for a feeding. If you’re nursing, you will feed the baby. If baby is on formula, the photographer will probably ask to feed her. This is standard practice among newborn photographers: it helps them make sure baby stays sleepy throughout the session rather than perking up in your arms. You will be by the photographer’s side watching the entire time.

4. Family photos come first
If siblings and parents are participating in the shoot, many photographers will want to do these photos first, before turning their focus to the newborn.
After family photos are done, it is best for one parent to take older children to the nearest cafe or playground instead of keeping them in the warm studio for hours. You can ask your photographer to recommend kid-friendly places near the studio.

5. Accidents happen

Babies cry, pee, poop, and spit. This is all totally normal. Don't worry about the photographer’s outfits or blankets! Professionals have seen it all - and have a plan in place to wash and sterilize the props and the space after each baby.

6. A quiet, calm environment is best

Many newborn photographers don't talk much during newborn sessions to keep a positive, calm energy in the studio. As a parent, you can help by keeping your phone on silent, making any phone calls outside the studio, and just relaxing! Remember, your baby can feel your mood.

7. You may need to help with posing

It is essential to have a spotter for some poses. While some photographers will have assistants, others may ask you for a little help.

8. You may not be allowed to take photos during the session

Some newborn photographers request that you do not take photos of your baby during the session. If your photographer has such a policy, remember: you’ve entrusted her to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments, so let her be the one taking the photographs! Other photographers may allow only behind-the-scenes shots of them working with your baby.

9. Patience is key

Sessions usually last 2-3 hours, so be patient, relax, and enjoy this special experience with your newborn. In just a few weeks, your baby will seem like a whole different person, so savor these moments!

More info about newborn sessions: http://www.polina.pictures/newborn-baby-photographer-Boston

Milestone Sessions: What They Are and Why You Should Book Them

Your baby will never change so much - or so quickly - as she does during the first year of her life. If you’d like a professional photographer to help capture these magical months, milestone sessions may be the perfect option.

Baby photographers generally schedule milestone sessions for 3-, 6-, and 9-month-old babies. I hold milestone sessions in my photography studio, where families have access to a wide variety of adorable props and outfits. I typically put together several different looks for each session. I also have unique flower bonnets and crowns for baby girls, which make for exceptional photos!

Like most baby photographers, I also welcome parents to choose their own outfits or include baby’s favorite toy. However, if you’d rather skip the planning, I’ve got you covered. The only thing I need you to bring to the photography studio is one (or more!) well-rested babies.


Here is some age-specific information on what you can expect from a professional photographer’s milestone sessions:

3 Months

3-month-olds have great head/neck control, love when people talk to them and have started smiling. However, these littlest babies have short attention spans and can quickly grow tired of your attention. Because of this, it’s important to choose a seasoned baby photographer who’ll work quickly to capture the tiny models at their best.
A 3-month milestone session is also great for families who didn’t have a chance to do professional newborn photos!

6 Months

At 6 months, most babies are learning how to sit. Some arrive at the photography studio already sitting independently! 6-month-olds also have longer attention spans, so this age is just perfect for a session with a professional photographer to document your baby’s new milestone!
For these sessions, I usually try to create at least 3 different looks for the baby. Family photos are another great option - I always encourage parents to participate to create family memories their child will cherish forever.

9 Months

The timing of this milestone session is perfect for babies who weren’t ready to sit at 6 months. It’s also great for those who just learned how to crawl - a huge milestone that opens up fun new posing options. 9-month-old babies have longer attention spans, love to clap, play peek-a-boo, and, for the most part, don’t fear strangers, making this age a favorite among baby photographers!

To book your milestone session please contact me here: http://www.polina.pictures/contact-form

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session

When you booked your newborn photography session, you were probably full of excitement and anticipation. But, once baby arrives, thoughts of beautiful photos retreat to the back burner, replaced with the day-to-day demands of feedings and diaper changes.
Preparation is key to a successful newborn session, so don’t let those crazy first weeks get the best of you! Instead, print these quick tips and stick them on the fridge to make sure you’re ready for your baby’s moment in the spotlight when the time comes.

1. Let your photographer know when your baby is born
Call or email your newborn photographer as soon as possible after the birth (ideally within 48 hours). This will leave sufficient time to change the session date if necessary.

2. Be careful with feedings for 24 hours before the session

If you’re using formula, don’t switch to a new type or brand in the 24 hours before your session, unless you have a medical reason to do so.

If you’re nursing, try to avoid these foods to minimize fussiness and gas:

• Chocolate
• Spices (cinnamon, garlic, curry, chili pepper)
• Citrus fruits and their juices (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, etc)
• Strawberries
• Kiwis
• Pineapples
• “Gassy" veggies (onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers)
• Fruits with a laxative effect, such as cherries and prunes

3. Make sure baby has a full tummy before the session
A full stomach will make baby sleepy, helping your photographer take beautiful newborn photos. For best results, plan a big feeding just before you leave for the studio, and make sure baby eats his or her fill. Don’t forget to burp your baby before heading out!

4. Do not put baby powder or oil on baby’s skin
Keep your baby’s skin au naturel ahead of the session. Powders and oils change baby’s natural skin color, which can make your photos look off. Also, oil makes baby’s skin extremely slippery, making it difficult for the photographer to pose him or her.

5. Dress your baby in an easy-to-take-off outfit
When you arrive, your photographer will likely be the one to remove your little one from the carseat, change him/her, and start posing and shooting right away. A one-piece outfit with a zipper or buttons will make this process much easier.

Do not put socks on your baby - they leave marks on the skin that will be visible in photos. Also, avoid onesies - they are difficult to take off without waking the baby up.

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Newborn Photography Session. Baby Ruby from Chelmsford MA

Baby Ruby was well prepared for her newborn session and rocked it! She was fully fed right before leaving the house and came to the studio really really sleepy :)

We briefly discussed the outfits and colors with her mom and grandma, I turned on my baby shusher, undressed Ruby and started posing right away. We had a pacifier handy but barely used it as Ruby didn't mind me moving her from pose to pose since she wasn't hungry or gassy at all!

Pro tip: it is really helpful to feed the baby before you leave the house, as well as arrive in loose clothing so we can undress the baby without waking her up.

cell phone picture

Newborns usually make me work to pose them in a basket but this session was a breeze.

      cell phone picture

   

Some finished images from Ruby's newborn session:

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Privacy: the basics

When you book a photo session, you will be asked to sign a contract. The contract defines the timeline (when you are being photographed, when your gallery should be delivered, by when you will have to select your favorites, etc). It also defines the ownership model for the photographs. As a rule, the photographer retains the copyright (rights to use the photographs whichever way they fancy), which ranges from low-volume promotional materials to high-volume wholesale.

An example of low-volume promotional materials is using a photograph in the portfolio. Portfolios are viewed by a smaller audience, have very few photographs (usually, less than 30) in them, and photographers constantly update their portfolios. Result is such that only a few people will see it, hence "low-volume". An example of high-volume use is selling a picture on Adobe Stock Photos. Potentially, completely unrelated 3rd party, say a postcard manufacturer, could buy the right and put the photograph in every supermarket of every town in your country. Some people like it, others are less comfortable with such scenario.

As with any other commercial activity, always seek to obtain a photo session contract, and read it somewhat carefully. Make note of every question you have.

Remember that family photographers genuinely love people---they will work with you to make you be comfortable. Even if you did find something in the contract that gives you a pause: reach out and ask the photographer about their stance on the issue, explain your uneasiness. Your photographer can always modify the contract to address your particular concern.

Professional photo sessions create memories you will enjoy for years to come---they will help you decorate your workplace and living room. They are fun and designed to enrich your life, not make it more complicated. So, glance over the contract, discuss if you have questions, and:

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Newborn skin editing

Newborn skin can be very tricky and requires a lot of post-processing work and patience. Every photographer has their own vision but I prefer to remove all temporary blemishes, flakes and acne...



...as well as uneven color (redness, purpleness or yellowness). I prefer to not distract parents and want to help them remembering just how tiny and cute their baby was at the first couple weeks of his/her life.



I strive for natural, not over-smoothed "runway" look. Baby skin should feel natural, and a little color variation should be preserved. For instance, I love to see some pink on those tiny feet and toes and would never edit it. It is my personal preference, however, and others may or may not feel different.

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