My hope is that the following information will help to prepare you for your newborn session. As a mother to three children, I understand this is an exciting time, but very busy and there is no set schedule for feedings, naps or even showers for you! I want to make this experience enjoyable and relaxing. This time is so precious and it is an honor that you’ve invited me to create these memories for your new family.

I’ve included directions to the Studio below. My phone number is also included if you have any troubles locating the studio. It is very important for you to arrive on time. I know this is difficult with your new schedule, but due to other appointments with clients or my family obligations, I appreciate you respecting your session time. I do my best to allow ample time for all my clients based on my experience and never want you to feel stressed or rushed, but I also need to make sure I have session limits so that I may take care of all the other items that go along with running my business.

{THE STUDIO & POLICIES} 

• Although the studio area is carpeted, heated/air conditioned, there is no bathroom available as the studio is located in an addition behind my home. I do ask that if you have children, they have the opportunity to go to the bathroom before you arrive at the studio. It helps to keep the session moving smoothly and eliminates me from stepping away from time that I can be taking pictures or preparing the next set-up. In addition, I do have three dogs and it can become distracting for children as they’d rather stay with the dogs than have their pictures done.
• Seating is limited in the studio. Please bring only those being photographed and one other guest if needed.
• I have a variety of props/clothing/headbands that you may use for your session. All props, blankets and clothing are cleaned after each session. Please know that I do my best to keep the environment as germ-free and sanitary as possible. I am also up-to-date on my vaccinations, including the Pertussis Vaccination.

There is no smoking in or outside of the studio.

{PREPARING FOR YOUR SESSION} 

• If you’ve scheduled your newborn session prior to the arrival of your baby, please have someone (or yourself) contact me by phone 603-674-5675 or email hello@tarabrooksphotography.com to let me know. I am excited to hear all the details (and see a picture too)! Then we can get your session date/time in place.
• It is recommended that you schedule your newborn session within the first two weeks (preferably between days 5-12). I have found through my experience, babies who have reached the two week time frame are going through a growth spurt and tend not to settle in as easy.
• It’s best to make sure your baby is nursing well and they do not have any problems with their umbilical cord or circumcision. This is why I typically do not schedule any earlier than 5 days new.
• If you are nursing, avoid spicy foods or pizza 24-48 hours prior to your session. This is just in case it leaves your baby’s tummy unsettled.
• Try to keep baby up two hours before your session. This will hopefully make them nice and sleepy for me. If they’re unsettled, we spend more time trying to soothe them than taking pictures. I do love to capture moments with their eyes open too, but some of the poses can not be done unless they’re sleeping. Of course, I do not mind snuggling with them a bit to settle them!
• Bathing baby during the two hours before your session time and feeding them right before you leave should also help. Try to dress baby in looser clothing. This will eliminate any lines or marks on their skin.
• The studio will be warm so you may want to dress in layers. Especially you mom!
• Due to the length of the full sessions, if you have young children, it is helpful if a grandparent, spouse or friend can take them to do something after they’ve been photographed. Depending on the session you’ve chosen, I try to begin with the family pictures when you first arrive. This will help you feel your freshest as well as give you time to relax after. If your baby is nice and sleepy when you arrive, we may begin with the pictures of just them first.

{WHAT TO BRING} 

• Diapers, wipes, pacifier and bottles (or if you nurse, please feel comfortable doing so at the studio). We can also include an image of you nursing if you’d like. Although done tastefully, for your privacy, they will not be shared on social media or my website. Once you’ve viewed your gallery, if you were comfortable with me placing one on my website, I certainly would love to.
• If you have other children and they will be staying, please bring toys, snacks and drinks. It may be best not to have any noisy toys so we can keep the environment somewhat quiet.
• Please feel free to bring a snack and drinks for you as well. I do keep waters on hand as well as a few other items. Stop for a coffee on your way if you’d like or if hubby wants to go out and bring back lunch for you after you’ve done your pictures, that is great too. I just want you to relax as much as possible.
• Feel free to bring thank you cards you may need to finish, or take a nap if you’d like. Occasionally, I may need an extra set of hands as safety is my first priority. And by all means, if you’d like, you may sit right next to me and watch your little one being photographed!
• Bring any items that you may want to include in your images. A special blanket, stuffed animal or outfit.
• I primarily wrap babies in colors of your choice for the family pictures as well as some of the awake individual pictures. Poses are also done without any clothing and with outfits I have in the studio.
• Simple and neutral colored clothing is best for parents. A white, cream or black short sleeved shirt for dad. A white, cream or blank tank top or blouse for mom. For siblings, cream or white is best. A top with jeans or a dress.
• Your hands will show in the images I take of you and your baby. I recommend trying to make sure nails are nicely filed and nail polish is not chipped. In addition, keep jewelry simple. We want the focus to be on baby and you!

{DIRECTIONS TO THE STUDIO} 

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT MY HOME STUDIO: Please pull all the way to the back of the driveway where you will come to an addition of two garages and a room with a door. The studio portion is located at the blue door.

Address: 29 Capitol Circle, Rochester, NH 03867             Telephone: 603 | 674 | 5675

Heading North on the Spaulding Turnpike – Exit 14 – Ten Rod Road: At the bottom of the exit ramp you will take a left onto Ten Rod Road. Approximately one mile up the road there will be two entrances for Capitol Circle on the right hand side. Take the 2nd entrance that is located directly across from Ebony Drive. My home is the 6th house on left. Dark brown cape, no shutters, flag pole in front yard and a blue door.

Heading South on the Spaulding Turnpike – Exit 15 – Rte. 11 – At the end of the ramp you will take a left. Continue for about a mile until you come to a 2nd set of lights (right after a plaza that has a Planet Fitness, Sun Tan City, etc.). You will take a right onto Ten Road and continue under the overpass. Approximately one mile up the road there will be two entrances for Capitol Circle on the right hand side. Take the 2nd entrance that is located directly across from Ebony Drive. My home is the 6th house on left. Dark brown cape, no shutters, flag pole in front yard and a blue door.

I look forward to seeing you! ~Tara