• A sleeping baby girl with a pink knit hat, lying on a soft pink background, resting her head with her hands under her cheek.

NEWBORN SESSION PREPARATION GUIDE

Making this moment last forever, one beautiful image at a time.

Your newborn session is designed to be a calm, relaxed experience for both you and your baby. There is no need to worry about creating the “perfect” baby before you arrive. I will guide you through everything once you are here.

Babies are unpredictable, and that is completely okay. We follow your baby’s cues, allow plenty of time for feeding and soothing, and never rush the process.

Here are a few simple ways to prepare.

BEFORE YOUR SESSION

1. Keep Baby Awake Before You Arrive

If possible, try to keep your baby gently awake for approximately 1–2 hours before your session.

You can do this with:

  • A warm bath

  • Gentle interaction and cuddling

  • A little “naked time”

  • Talking and singing to baby

  • A diaper change

Please don't stress if your baby falls asleep on the way to the studio. If baby arrives sleepy, we can simply work with that.

2. Give Baby a Full Feed

A well-fed baby is generally a happy, sleepy baby, so please give your little one a full feeding shortly before the session.

If you're driving from Saskatoon or another community, you may want to time the feeding so you can feed baby shortly after arriving.

Please bring:

  • Extra bottles

  • Breast milk or formula, if applicable

  • A pacifier, if baby uses one

Babies often want to feed more frequently during their session because they are being gently moved, cuddled and kept warm.

Please don't worry about feeding schedules during the session. If baby needs to eat, we stop and feed. Your baby's comfort always comes first.

3. Don't Worry About Your Diet

You do not need to make major dietary changes before your session.

If you are breastfeeding and you already know that certain foods tend to upset your baby's tummy, you can simply avoid those foods as you normally would.

If baby is experiencing significant gas or discomfort on the day of the session, don't worry—we can take our time with extra soothing, cuddling and breaks.

4. Dress Baby for an Easy Transition

Please dress your baby in something loose and easy to remove.

A zippered sleeper is ideal.

Please avoid clothing that needs to be pulled over baby's head, as removing it can unnecessarily wake them.

Most newborn portraits are photographed simply and beautifully with baby wrapped, covered or in their natural newborn form. If you prefer baby to remain dressed or covered throughout the entire session, simply let me know.

Your comfort and preferences always come first.

5. Bring a Pacifier

Even if your baby doesn't regularly use one, a pacifier can be incredibly helpful during a newborn session.

It can help settle baby between poses without needing to completely wake them.

If you don't have one, don't worry—we can absolutely work without it.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE STUDIO

A Warm, Cozy Environment

The studio will be kept comfortably warm while baby is being photographed.

This allows your little one to remain comfortable while wearing minimal clothing or being wrapped.

Parents should dress in layers so you can remain comfortable as well.

Let Baby Sleep

Once you arrive, please leave baby in their car seat.

I will carefully bring baby into the studio and allow them to transition slowly into the warm environment.

If baby is already sleeping beautifully, I may begin photographing right away.

SIBLINGS & FAMILY PORTRAITS

Your newborn session includes time for beautiful family and sibling portraits.

I usually photograph these images toward the beginning or end of the session, depending on your baby's mood and the flow of the day.

If you have older children, please don't worry about keeping them perfectly still or quiet.

Bring along:

  • Books

  • Small toys

  • Snacks

  • Water

  • An iPad or tablet if needed

The goal is for everyone to feel relaxed—not perfectly behaved.

If siblings need a break, we can take one.

WHAT TO WEAR

For family portraits, I recommend keeping your clothing simple, neutral and timeless.

Think:

  • Cream

  • White

  • Beige

  • Soft grey

  • Taupe

  • Black

  • Soft denim

  • Muted earthy tones

For Mom, a simple dress, skirt or fitted top photographs beautifully.

For Dad, a neutral shirt or sweater works wonderfully.

For siblings, choose simple pieces without large logos, graphics or bright neon colors.

Most importantly: coordinate, don't match.

Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus exactly where it belongs—on your family.

If you're unsure what to wear, please ask me. I'm happy to help you choose outfits before your session.

DURING YOUR SESSION

This is your time to relax.

Once we begin, you don't need to do anything.

I will handle the posing, wrapping, styling and photographing of your baby.

You can sit back, relax, enjoy a coffee, answer emails, watch Netflix, read—or even take a nap.

New parents are tired.

You don't need to entertain me. You don't need to entertain your baby. And you certainly don't need to worry about whether your baby is “cooperating.”

If baby needs to eat, we feed.

If baby needs to be cuddled, we cuddle.

If baby needs a break, we take a break.

We follow your baby's cues throughout the entire session.

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER

Your baby does not have to sleep the entire time.

Your baby does not have to pose perfectly.

Your baby does not have to arrive perfectly prepared.

There may be feeding breaks, diaper changes, cuddles, little noises, stretches and unexpected moments.

That's all part of newborn photography.

My goal is not simply to create beautiful photographs.

My goal is to give you an experience where you can slow down, breathe, and simply enjoy your new baby.

STUDIO ADDRESS

Joanna Komorek Photography

19 Main Street
Clavet, Saskatchewan

Once you enter the village, continue down Main Street toward the stop sign.

The studio is the grey house on the left, just before the stop sign.

If you have any trouble finding me, simply send me a message.

ONE LAST THING...

Please don't feel overwhelmed by this guide.

You don't need to remember everything.

Bring your baby, your diaper bag, extra milk if needed, and yourselves.

I'll take care of the rest. ❤️

I can't wait to welcome you into the studio and create beautiful heirloom portraits of this incredibly fleeting chapter of your family's story.