Congratulations! You've just had a baby! You want to remember every little thing. Fingers, toes, baby's beautiful lashes, sweet cherub cheeks, every adorable bit of baby squish. Your precious new little one is only this tiny once. Your newborn session with Valerie Kay Photography - Austin Newborn Photography will create images that capture those tiny details that change so fast.
We suggest booking your newborn session early in your second trimester.
about your newborn session
When?
Your newborn session will take place when baby is between 10 days and six weeks of age. our preference is about 16 days. this gives baby and mom to settle into a bit of a pattern and have recovered from delivery. in these early days it can be difficult to get out and about. We like to start our newborn sessions at 10:30 or 11:00 A.m.
where?
Your newborn session will take place at the Valerie kay Photography / Austin Newborn Photography studio. Our studio is fully equipped with everything we need for styling a unique, creative session to capture those fleeting little details of your tiny, New baby. The studio is located in North Central Austin on Burnet Road near Anderson lane.
we do not offer in-home newborn sessions. our studio is private. we only book one session per day. there is room for us to set up and work efficiently. being in the studio allows us to follow creative whims when inspiration strikes in the middle of your session.
how do I prepare for my session?
The morning of your session you should give baby a bath. play and try to keep baby awake. Give baby a good feed and baby will most likely fall asleep on the way to the studio. Please dress baby in a sleeper that snaps or zips up the front. pulling clothing over baby's head often upsets them. we want a nice, sleepy, calm little one.
it is important that baby is sleepy for their session. many of the poses require baby to be in a very deep sleep. we ask that if you can bring extra bottles of expressed milk or formula. it helps us to sooth baby into positions with bottle as opposed to handing baby over for a top off each time they become unsettled.
we also ask that you bring a pacifier even if baby is not using one regularly. The one they send home with you from the hospital is perfect. if baby needs soothed into a pose we will often have to pop the pacifier in for just a few minutes as baby settles into the position required for the pose. if you do not have a pacifier we keep individually wrapped pacifiers in the studio in case of emergency.
do i need to bring anything to my session?
just you, baby, and as mentioned above milk and a pacifier. our studio is equipped with everything we need. we supply all props, outfits, hats, wraps, headbands, and backgrounds. you do not need to bring any "newborn" clothing or wearable props. in these early newborn days everything is just too big. baby clothes do not photograph well at this stage and often distract from baby's sweet, tiny features. we suggest you keep any little outfits you have for photos at home when baby is a little older. Many of the commercially made newborn "photo props" are made to fit babies that are closer to 2-3 months.
AT THIS TIME DUE to the coronavirus / covid19 pandemic we cannot allow outside props.
how long will my session last?
we offer two newborn session types. our petite newborn session is 45 minutes. in this session we photograph baby only. baby is swaddled and photographed in a variety of props. the swaddle, hats, headbands, and bonnets are swapped out between sets to add variety.
the signature newborn session can last up to two hours. during this time we photograph baby in a variety of poses and props. this session can include portraits with parents and siblings. please let us know in advance if you wish to have family portraits and if there will be siblings at the session. if you have a pet you'd like to include please let us know. We love including your fur babies, but need to know in advance to plan accordingly and someone will have to take your pet home after their part is done.
What should we wear for our family portraits?
The simpler the better. solid, neutral colors. avoid busy patterns.
these images are photographed from the waist up.
we suggest creams vs whites and grays vs black.
AT THIS TIME DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS / COVID19 PANDEMIc we ask that siblings leave after their portraits are made and that only same-household family come to the studio with you.
Valerie Steinkoenig is a professionally trained portrait photographer and founder of Valerie Kay Photography, Austin Newborn Photography , and Austin Maternity Photography. Valerie is a Texas-based award-winning portrait photographer specializing in fine portraiture of women and their children. Valerie Kay Photography's primary focus is maternity sessions, newborn sessions, and baby milestone sessions.
The Valerie Kay Photography / Austin Newborn Photography / Austin Maternity Photography studio is based in Austin, TX and serves the general Central Texas area, that includes (but is not limited to) Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Bastrop, Georgetown, Liberty Hill, San Marcos, Elgin, Taylor, Hutto and more. We've had clients from San Antonio and Killeen Areas drive in for their sessions.
The Valerie Kay Photography / Austin Newborn Photography / Austin Maternity Photography studio is conveniently located in N. Central Austin on Burnet Road and is easily accessible via IH-35, FM 2222, Loop 1, Mopac, and HWY 183.
“Sometimes,' said Pooh, 'the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.”
- A.A. Milne-
follow us @valeriekphoto
telephone (512) 670-8187
info@valeriekayphotography.com
Valerie Kay Photography is a full-service portrait studio specializing in Maternity Photography and Newborn Photography Sessions and serves the Central Texas area including, but not limited to: Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Georgetown, Buda, San Antonio, Pflugerville, Waco, San Marcos, and Killeen.