Once your baby is born, contact me to let me know he/she has arrived! When you have a moment, just shoot me a quick email ( hello.photographybyleslie@gmail.com ). I will get back with you asap between M-Th (9am-5pm) I’ll send you some available dates I have, and we can schedule your exact session date. I love photographing newborns and infants at all stages, and we will figure out the perfect date for you.
Business & Contact Hours:
STUDIO: 7343 Dew Sharpe Road, Gibsonville
This is our cozy, home studio. Your GPS likely will tell you that you have arrived when you reach the new construction. Continue down Dew Sharpe anyhow. Turn left onto the private gravel drive and proceed to the last house on the right. You will see our sign at the entrance to the studio!
OFFICE/CONTACT HOURS: Monday – Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm
Closed: Friday – Sunday
Phone: 336-446-9747 M-Th 9am-5pm
Email Anytime: hello.photographybyleslie@gmail.com
Please read the following prep guide thoroughly for a successful session.
One of the most important things to remember at the session is to go with the flow. Your baby will be in charge at the session, and I will only do what makes your baby comfortable and happy. I have developed a posing flow that I use at every session to keep babies safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Altering this routine with lots of prop requests and multiple outfit changes can actually backfire, causing your baby to be over stimulated and over tired. I have everything you will need for your session as far as props go, but if you would like to bring a prop of your own, please make sure to limit it to one or two special sentimental items. My goal, is for you to be able to come in and relax, sit back and enjoy watching your precious baby, and I will take care of the rest! I absolutely love what I do, and your baby will always be treated with the utmost respect and care.
When to have your newborn session
Newborn sessions are recommended to be done before 2 weeks of age, while they are still in that sleepy and curly stage. After two weeks of age, is still very possible and I have lots of experience so if the two week time table is not something possible for your family, that is OKAY!
In order to ensure that the newborn session runs as quickly and as smoothly as possible, please follow these steps:
If nursing, try to avoid eating anything spicy (ie. pizza, hot sauce, etc) or anything that will cause gas and might upset baby’s tummy for 24 hours preceding your scheduled session. A gassy baby will not pose well during the session due to their little tummy being upset.
Interact with and keep baby awake for 1-2 hours before your session to ensure he/she is good and sleepy for the session. This is very important. Without this, I spend too much time getting them to sleep and not as much time photographing them.*Stimulating baby with a bath or by doing ‘naked time’ prior to the session are some tricks that you can use! But, babies as you know will fall asleep in the most awkward poses, so if baby does not want to hang out and chat, do not stress out!
Bathe baby and apply a lotion such as Aquaphor to their skin. Especially arms and legs as the baby skin peeling is real! This helps to avoid so much skin peel in photos that some parents want corrected in editing.
It is best if you arrive with a hungry baby! This way you can feed baby when you arrive. Once the baby has a full belly, they will normally go right to sleep. If baby is bottle feeding, please bring extra bottles and milk (formula or breastmilk) - (babies work up quite the appetite being constantly moved around in the warm studio). *A full baby = a sleepy baby, and we need a very sleepy and calm baby in order to achieve the sweet, flexible poses you see in my portfolio. I may ask you to ignore a strict feeding schedule for the 2-3 hours at the session. The only way we will achieve calm, flexible poses is if baby is full and sleeping. I would rather have you give baby an extra feeding than have you worry that baby isn’t sleeping and we’re missing out on some cute poses.
Dress baby in loose fitting clothes to avoid any lines on baby’s skin and to also avoid disturbing baby when getting undressed. A simple sleeper is best. Please avoid onesies or anything that has to be pulled off over baby’s head.
Bring a pacifier – they can be very helpful during the session! Babies naturally suck for comfort and this helps to distract them and soothe them to sleep.
Your newborn session will be warm! Babies are sleepier when fed and warm! I recommend dressing in layers in case you get too warm.
Remove all bandages (from shots, etc) from baby’s skin before arriving to the studio. These bandages cannot be removed in post-processing and, if left on, will show up in the final images.
During the session, sit back and relax. I won’t need much assistance, so take advantage of this time to rest in my sitting area (I’m sure you need it!). Parents will often answer emails or read in my sitting area while I work with your new little one. I’ve even had some parents take a nap! Rest assured, if I do need your help or have any question about baby I will ask!
Parent Portraits
I always encourage parent portraits with the new baby. I like to do several different combinations such as mom and dad with baby, mom with baby, and dad with baby. I also will have you look at the camera as well as look at your baby. A note to Mom: I know that you may not feel like yourself right after giving birth, but I strongly encourage you to have a portrait taken with your new baby while they are still so young and fresh. They will grow up and will want to know what their mother looked like holding them close to her heart as a newborn. I will also photograph the entire family, so mom, dad, siblings, and baby. Even if you do not want your face in photos, I may ask for your hands!
( if this is part of your chosen package <3 )
Sibling Portraits
There is something about seeing your babies together and we want to capture that for you!
Please do ARRANGE FOR A HELPER IF POSSIBLE: If you are bringing young children to the session, it is important to arrange for a family member or friend to pick them up after their portraits are finished. Their portion of the session will start immediately upon arrival, and family photos should be finished within the 30-45 minutes. Since the full session can last for a couple hours, children can get very bored and tired waiting for the session to be over. My studio is filled with props, equipment, and lighting. Children will need to be supervised at all times. If you prefer your older children stay for the duration of the session, please bring a favorite movie, ipad, or books and of course snacks! to help them pass the time.
Twins, Triplets, and More!
There are a few things we like to keep in mind with multiples, however other than the things listed here, newborn sessions run about the same!
Helpers/ Assistants: I usually will bring in my assistant for spotting, posing help and just an extra set of hands! You can bring Grandma, Auntie or your bestie if you want!
Posing Flow: We do an integrated set up starting with one baby, adding the twin, and then taking out the first baby. This way you have photos of them together and separately!
Feeding: Most Mamas are already prepared for this but with the size of most twins being smaller than your average newborn you may need to bring more milk or be prepared to feed more often. We will help out and make it all work, just be prepared! I often help with all the things when in studio, so if you are comfortable just passing me a bottle, I am happy to help!
What to wear
Keeping it simple is usually best in these situations. Parents posing with their new baby should wear things neutral or muted in color with minimal designs and brand logos, if possible. Moms can wear anything from a simple camisole to a long-sleeved top to a maxi dress. Something lacey, if that’s your style, is also beautiful! Dads can go with a basic t-shirt to button down in white, tan, gray, black, soft blue, etc. As long as all the colors flow, it will be fabulous.
Also, a very important thing to be mindful of is bra straps and fingernails/hands. Be sure your nails are neat since your hands will definitely be shown in the photos. Treat siblings in the same manner, so they look cohesive and part of the family!
***What not to wear!!***
If at all possible, bring or wear an old pair of glasses that do not have the blue light blocker on them. It is nearly impossible to prevent the glare in studio and editing them in post processing can be tedious if it is possible.
Also clothing with large logos and designs are hard and can distract from the naturalness of baby. Simple clothing is always best!
A few additional thoughts…
Food: You are always welcome to bring a snack or lunch. You are also welcome to order food from nearby restaurants. I do always have water bottles if you need them!
Pets: I am a total pet lover. (I have a Golden Retriever of my own I adore!) However, pets are not allowed in the studio out of respect for allergy issues other clients may have. But I would love to have them join us at a future outdoor session!
Props: I have just about everything you will need for the session. I have tons of baskets, blankets, wraps, hair accessories, and other simple props such as pants and bonnets for your baby’s session. I believe in simple, clean, classic portraiture, a style that focuses on your beautiful baby. My style is very organic and simple, and I generally avoid a lot of bright, props or outfits. This way your baby will not get lost in the image. Some of my favorite images have no props at all! Just baby. Beautiful and perfect on their own.
What to bring: For sure bring baby! ;) And of course, any needs for baby, milk, pacifier, diapers and wipes.
I have everything to style your session at my studio. However, if you have some props / items that you would like to incorporate into your photos, you are welcome to bring them. I ask that you keep props to a minimum, or just bring items that are of sentimental value.
Retouching:
For Baby: Please don’t stress if your baby has acne or peeling skin. I can retouch all of this at no extra charge. If you prefer to leave some of the peeling skin to show the newness of your baby, please let me know and I will leave those details in your photos. Otherwise, all skin blemishes that would not normally be there will be retouched. Birth marks, scars can be softened ONLY at your request. I like to leave these unique features. Umbilical cords will be left as is and will not be edited out, so please let me know at the time of the session if you prefer that the umbilical cord stays covered, and I will pose the baby in a way so it will not show.
For other family Members: While acne/blemish removal and wrinkle softening are free of charge, there are a few things that will incur an extra editing fee of $40 per image. These requests are very time consuming and may result in editing delays. Please take care of these issues before your photos.
Nail polish color changes/ heavy peeling removal (small chips can be photoshopped free of charge because I know this can happen easily. Nail polish remover is available if needed)
Hair color change or root cover up
Self tanner blotches/streaks and tan lines
Braces removal or tooth repairs/replacement
Large tattoo removal requests (I love tattoos, but if you do not want them to show, please wear something that covers them)
Arriving with heavily wrinkled clothes
Excessive food or mucus left on children’s faces
Requesting makeup color changes
Poorly fitting undergarment lines/folds, and brightly colored undergarments that show through clothing. Neutral tones are best.
After your session…
The photos from your session will be presented to you in a private online proofing gallery. I will email you the link to access this gallery after your session. The contractual time for the rendering of my work is 30 days. The wonderful thing about the online gallery is you can view them from the comfort of your home.
From your gallery you will be able to download your high-resolution files and print them with a print release at your convenience. Your photos are presented in a special online gallery where you can download them instantly with one click. No more waiting for your images to be mailed to you! Clients love the simplicity of being able to download them easily from their gallery!
Thank you again for choosing me to photograph this special time!
It is my hope that you come to my cozy, home studio feeling comfortable and at home. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives and look forward to getting to know your family and your sweet baby!
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email me at hello.photographybyleslie@gmail.com anytime, or call/text me at 336-446-9747 (Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm only please). I am closed Friday – Sunday for family time and scheduled appointments. (However if there is an emergency, please contact me outside of business hours and I will get with you right away.)
copyright 2025 Leslie Cain of Family Photography by Leslie & FPStudios
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