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

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.

Portfolio | Facebook | Contact me

Newborn Photo Sessions: What Every Parent Should Do Before Baby is Born

You’ve done your research, found a newborn photographer you love, and officially booked your newborn session. Congratulations - but don’t kick back and relax just yet! Preparing thoroughly as your due date approaches will ensure a smooth experience at your session and gorgeous photos of your new arrival. Here are four important steps to take ahead of your baby’s birth.

1. Sign a contract

Any professional newborn photographer will ask you to sign a contract to make your agreement official. Contracts should spell out all key details, such as the timing of payments, what’s included in the photographer’s services, and refund/cancellation policies. Read the contract carefully and ask questions about anything that seems unclear.

2. Meet with your photographer in person


It’s important for you to be comfortable with your newborn photographer: the average newborn session is about 3 hours long, and the photographer will be holding, changing, and posing your baby throughout. If at all possible, meet with your chosen photographer face-to-face before your baby is born.

In addition to helping you get to know your photographer, the appointment will give you an opportunity to get familiar with the studio, props, and outfits. This first meeting is the perfect time to share your ideas for the session, discuss favorite colors and styles, and make any special requests.




3. Schedule an approximate date for your session

Unless you’re planning a scheduled C-section, it's difficult to predict your baby's arrival. However, it still helps to have an approximate session date in mind. Knowing your preferred date ahead of time helps your photographer accommodate your needs. Ideally, you should schedule your newborn session while your baby is younger than 2 weeks old.

Your photographer should check in with you when your session date is approaching, giving you an opportunity to reschedule if baby arrives later. If you don’t hear from her, don’t be afraid to reach out - you want to be sure your photographer is available when you need her.




4. Ask about a pre-session questionnaire

Many newborn photographers send clients a pre-session questionnaire, which helps ensure you’
re 100% satisfied with your experience. If your photographer doesn’t have a formal questionnaire, see whether you can email her your ideas and requests. Even if you’ve discussed ideas in person or over the phone, it’s best to have them in writing.

Don’t forget to let your photographer know if you’ll be bringing something to the shoot (e.g. a special family heirloom or a favorite outfit.) And don’t be shy about sharing your ideas - a professional will always happy to try something new. It's your baby and you should love every single photo!

Portfolio | Facebook

How to photograph your newborn baby

Please check out my article with some tips for photographing your kids!

https://lowell.macaronikid.com/articles/5968f0bacc7ead2974d36a1b/tips-for-photographing-your-baby-from-photographer-polina-kuklina

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:

Book your session | Galleries | Facebook

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.

More about newborn session | Portfolio | Facebook