Picture Time!

Here's a recommendation. . . DON'T GO TO SEARS!!!!! I had always gone to My Photographer when MY daughter was younger (shes 16 now, then when my son came along my husband wanted to try sears, he saud My Photographer was too expensive. WRONG. We vow now NEVER to go anywhere else. My Photographer has the BEST photographer Rachel there. She has given us the absolutely best poses, and expressions on my sons face ever. Quality prints, great service (lakeside mail location)I will never go any wherte else, for these oh so precious moments. Mind you when I had my daughter I was a single parent on a very tight budget.

I am also a mommy of a great little boy (and another on the way)! Advice for pics - don't dress him in overalls - they are cute on but don't photograph well (they get bunchy in the front when you try to prop him up for a sitting pic and don't lay right when laying down.) I would pick an outfit without a specific picture or saying on the front, because most often in a baby that young the same things applies - you get the shirt a little bunched and you won't be able to read/see it in the pic. I would go with something you love to see him in (doesn't have to be dressy - whatever you like him in for everyday always makes cute shots - they are real). And I would bring a few choices because you may end up with something you weren't planning because it makes a great photo when combined with a backdrop or prop they may have. This happened with our sons first b-day pics. We brought an outfit my husband really liked (and everyday romper) that I never would have picked for pics, but it went the best with one of the backdrop and props and turned out to be one of my favorite shots! Other tips - I would make sure baby is well rested and fed so he is happy during the shoot. I don't have any experience with Sears - we do our pics at Kiddie Kandids (inside Babies 'R Us). The nice thing is that there is no sitting fee and you only buy what you like/want. You can leave without purchasing anything if the pics aren't exactly what you want (if baby was fussy or not in the mood). Plus you don't need an appt so you can go whenever baby is having a good day. Just FYI for future. Hope your pics turn out great - it's the start of many to come! Good luck!

M.,

Wow! You are to be commended for all that you've taken on and are doing for your "little man".

When my children were babies I would take a couple different outfits because some just end up looking better in the pictures. Also, DON'T dress him until you get there because there is a big possibility that your sweet precious little baby will spit up or poop on his lovely outfit.

Don't be surprised if you don't get those adorable smiles captured on film at this age but you will always treasure the photos just the same.

Good luck and hang in there!

I think for three months, his birthday suit is the best, although, you may need to keep a diaper on him since it's in a studio. If you have a nice looking diaper cover, that would be good, but otherwise, ideally, I'd take it off and just hope he doesn't pee, but if he does, they can wash whatever he peed on.
If he must be clothed, something without patterns, muted colors, timeless. A bright color on a beautiful new baby takes away from the baby. I would just use a white onesie. I'm a photographer who comes to your home which is great for newborns. I take a large variety of shots - closeups, shots with you and him (priceless!), full body...I prefer naked, but I use a cozy sheepskin that I can wash, so it doesn't matter if he pees. Studios are hard because you have to be one their schedule and it's hard to relax. But they are nice and cheap. Don't expect a lot but they may get a great shot!
Good luck!

I only take one outfit, and don't dress them until you get there as they may spit up before picture time. Usually the photographer does the posing. I go to JC Penny's and they used a black diaper cover with a black background and have you hold the baby so your arms are showing. Sometimes they have you in the picture looking at the baby too. Those are the most memorable ones. Ask if they have something like that before you get there.

M., you are unbelievable! I commend you for what you are doing....a single mom, going back to school to provide a better life for your little guy. I have twin girls and would not be much help with what to wear. But, I had to respond and say, "You go girl!".

my number one suggestion would be to have low expectations... a young baby may not smile,, he might be in amood and just cry... so dont get your heart set on a full portfolio of awesome pix.. I always tell the photographer that I want one good picture and I am happy.
Now that I have 2 kids... i hope for 1 picture with at least one kid looking good and the other kid not looking awful.

I would not do a clothing change on a baby this young... I would dress him when I got the the photographer. but one outfit is plenty.. if you fuss with him too much he will get cranky and then you will get no good pictures..

you do not have many poses as the baby cant do much.. they can prop him up for a sitting picture or lay him on his belly for a laying down picture..

I did get a cute picture of my daughter at 4 months with her on her back holding her toes..

Lisa

Yes - bring the outfits with you and bring a variety of colors. Then you can see what color the back drops are and stuff. You won't have a lot of pose options - he will mostly be propped up.
Good luck! With all you are doing!