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

                                

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 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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