Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture these fleeting, beautiful moments. There is nothing quite as magical as a baby’s first few days of life, and I truly consider it a privilege to work with your little miracle. My goal is to create a relaxed, joyful experience while we preserve these memories forever.

NEWBORN PREP GUIDE

The studio is located at:

423 S. Fourth Street
Danville, KY 40422

The building is attached to ERA Team Realtors, so look for their sign on the right side of the road (immediately before Statefarm). There is parking out front, but please park in the diagonal spots. There is also additional parking behind the building.

A little prep goes a long way in keeping your baby (and you!) relaxed. Read on for my best tips on how to prepare and what to expect during our time together.

Frequently Asked Questions

BOOK NOW

Contact Katie

Turnaround time is approximately three weeks. I do not typically post sneak peeks and will not post anything on social media until payment is made in full.

How long will it take for our images to be ready?

Don't worry! While those "squishy" poses usually require a sleeping baby, wide-awake portraits are just as beautiful. If your baby is alert, we’ll capture those gorgeous eyes. I have plenty of tricks as a former nurse to help soothe even the most alert babies into a nap eventually.

What if my baby won't sleep?

It is very common for newborns to have skin flakes, minor acne, or little scratches from their nails. There is no need to stress—I provide professional retouching on all your final images to ensure your baby’s skin looks its best while still looking natural.

What if my baby has baby acne or a scratched face?

Life with a newborn is unpredictable! If someone is feeling unwell or there’s an emergency, please let me know as soon as possible. We will work together to find the next available date that works for your family.

Nurse's Note: If your baby was born prematurely or had a NICU stay, we will adjust our 'session window' based on their adjusted age rather than their birth date. Their comfort and health always come first!

What if I need to reschedule?

Absolutely! Many parents realize after their newborn session just how quickly these moments fly by. You are more than welcome to upgrade to the First Year Experience after our initial session. We will simply apply your newborn session toward the package and get your baby's future milestones—like sitting up and the first birthday—on the calendar!

can I decide after the newborn session to join the First Year Experience?

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. The Pace is "Baby-Led"
Newborn sessions are never rushed. We move at your baby’s pace, allowing plenty of time for feedings, diaper changes, and extra snuggles. If the baby gets fussy, we stop. My priority is always their comfort and safety. If siblings are included, I aim to do family and sibling photos at the beginning so siblings are welcome to hang out and play.

2. A Warm and Cozy Environment
To keep your baby sleepy and comfortable without clothes or in thin wraps, I keep the shooting area very warm. You may want to dress in light layers yourself so you don't get too hot! I also use a "white noise" machine to mimic the sounds of the womb, which helps keep the baby in a deep sleep.

3. Safety is My Priority
Every pose I do is safety-first. I will never force a baby into a pose they aren't comfortable with. While it's preferable for baby to sleep throughout the session, if your baby is awake, don't worry! We will capture beautiful memories regardless.

4. Plenty of "Snack" Breaks
Even if your baby just ate, the transition of being moved or posed can make them want to "cluster feed" or seek comfort. This is completely normal! We will take as many breaks as needed to ensure a happy, full baby. I highly recommend offering baby a pacifier during the session. 

5. Sit Back and Relax
This is your time to breathe! Once you’ve helped get the baby settled, I want you to sit back, have a snack, or even take a nap. I will handle the soothing, posing, and pivoting. As a former NICU nurse, handling babies safely has been my life’s work. You can rest assured that your child will never be left unattended or placed in an unsafe position.Your baby is in good hands.

PREPARING YOUR LITTLE ONE


  • Do your best to keep baby awake for 2–3 hours before the session. You can try giving them a bath, letting them kick with only a diaper on, tickling their toes, or even letting them fuss for a bit. This ensures they are tired enough for a deep sleep once we start.
  • If you live within an hour of the studio, you can feed baby right before you head to the studio. If you live farther out, I recommend feeding baby as soon as you get to the studio and then we will get started once baby is full and sleepy.
  • Please bring a pacifier (the individual style). While Wubbanubs are awesome for home, they are too cumbersome for posing. Even if you haven't used one yet, a paci is incredibly helpful just for the short time I am posing to keep them settled.
  • Be prepared to nurse or bottle-feed off and on. A "top-off" is often the key to keeping a light sleeper in a deep slumber.

To get those squishy, sleepy newborn portraits we all love, a little bit of teamwork goes a long way! Here is how you can help me prepare:

WHAT TO BRING

To make your session as comfortable as possible, here is a quick checklist of what to pack in your diaper bag:
  • All props, hats, headbands, etc. will be provided for your session. You are welcome to bring a special item to incorporate into your session, if you desire, but it is not necessary. Please let me know in advance fi you plan to bring any special items so that I can plan accordingly.
  • Extra Milk: Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, please bring extra. Babies often "cluster feed" during sessions because of the extra handling and the warm environment.
  • A Pacifier: As mentioned, a simple, individual silicone pacifier (like the Avent Soothie) is a lifesaver for soothing baby between poses without adding bulk.
  • Clothes for family pictures: If you plan to utilize the Client Closet, be sure to bring something for your significant other to wear that coordinates accordingly (see What to Wear section for more information).
  • Entertainment for big siblings: There are a few toys at the studio, but feel free to bring some extra entertainment.

PROVIDED AT THE STUDIO:

These first few weeks go by in a blur of late nights and tiny milestones, and it is my deepest honor to help you slow down time to document the beginning of your family’s newest chapter. Thank you for trusting me with your baby’s first portraits. I am so looking forward to meeting your little one and creating art that you will treasure for a lifetime!

Any questions at all please feel free to email, call or text me at 859.583.5212 or katie@katseyephotog.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

BOOK NOW

Contact Katie

Turnaround time is approximately three weeks. I do not typically post sneak peeks and will not post anything on social media until payment is made in full.

How long will it take for our images to be ready?

Don't worry! While those "squishy" poses usually require a sleeping baby, wide-awake portraits are just as beautiful. If your baby is alert, we’ll capture those gorgeous eyes. I have plenty of tricks as a former nurse to help soothe even the most alert babies into a nap eventually.

What if my baby won't sleep?

It is very common for newborns to have skin flakes, minor acne, or little scratches from their nails. There is no need to stress—I provide professional retouching on all your final images to ensure your baby’s skin looks its best while still looking natural.

What if my baby has baby acne or a scratched face?

Life with a newborn is unpredictable! If someone is feeling unwell or there’s an emergency, please let me know as soon as possible. We will work together to find the next available date that works for your family.

Nurse's Note: If your baby was born prematurely or had a NICU stay, we will adjust our 'session window' based on their adjusted age rather than their birth date. Their comfort and health always come first!

What if I need to reschedule?

Absolutely! Many parents realize after their newborn session just how quickly these moments fly by. You are more than welcome to upgrade to the First Year Experience after our initial session. We will simply apply your newborn session toward the package and get your baby's future milestones—like sitting up and the first birthday—on the calendar!

can I decide after the newborn session to join the First Year Experience?

© 2019-current

Kat's Eye Photography is based in Danville, KY