Free model calls
Our model calls are always free to participate in. Ana has been an educator for 14 years. Model alls are free and Ana provides her own edited images to model participants. Wardrobe is included for maternity and newborn.
The Newborn
Model Guide
A note before we begin
Congratulations on being selected as a model for Ana Brandt Photography.
Ana is an internationally recognized photographer with over 27 years of experience, specializing in maternity and newborn photography. Being chosen as a model is a wonderful opportunity. Your session is complimentary, and in return, the images we create together help Ana photograph, teach, and share her work with families and photographers around the world.
This guide explains how model sessions work, what to expect, and how to prepare so your baby is comfortable and your time with us goes smoothly. If you need anything along the way, please reach out — we're always happy to help.
Session location
Because Ana teaches and travels often, not all model calls take place at her home studio. Some sessions are hosted at another studio while Ana is traveling.
If your session is during Ana's travels, the address will already have been shared with you — by Ana or the host studio. It may not be the Tustin studio, so please double-check before your session day.
Ana Brandt Photography
2620 Walnut Avenue, Suite A
Tustin, CA 92780
How model sessions work
Your session is complimentary
As a model, you are not charged for your session. In exchange, you agree to participate fully and to allow Ana to use the images and footage created during your time with us. There is no fee — your participation and image release are the exchange.
Image use & social media
By participating as a model, you agree that the images and video from your session may be shared publicly, including:
- Social media — Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and other platforms
- Ana's website, online galleries, and portfolio
- Marketing, advertising, and promotional materials
- Educational content — courses, tutorials, presentations, and printed or digital guides
Choosing to participate as a model means agreeing that your images may be used in these ways, now and in the future.
Filming, teaching & mentoring
Ana is also an educator who teaches and mentors photographers worldwide. Your session may be photographed or filmed for behind-the-scenes, teaching, and mentoring purposes. Additional people may be present — students, mentees, or a videographer — and cameras may be recording during setup and posing. We'll always let you know what to expect, and your baby's comfort and safety remain our highest priority.
No reshoots
Because model sessions are complimentary and are often tied to teaching, filming, or mentoring, we're unable to offer reshoots. Babies are wonderfully unpredictable, and we'll always do our very best — but a model session captures whatever your baby is comfortable doing on the day.
Receiving your images
All models receive their images within 2–3 weeks of the session. You'll receive high-resolution, edited images sent directly from Ana via Dropbox.
The Dropbox link can occasionally land there. If you haven't seen anything after 3 weeks, reach out and we'll resend it.
Who is photographed
For newborn model calls, the session is usually focused on the baby alone — we typically do not photograph parents or other children. If a particular model call does include parents or siblings, we'll let you know in advance so you can prepare and dress accordingly.
The model release
Before your session, you'll be asked to review and sign a model release. This guide explains the agreement in plain language; the signed release is the official document.
Sign the online model release here:
https://form.jotform.com/222294935389166
A note on commitment
Your spot is held just for you. If you can't make it, that slot can't be filled by another baby on short notice — which puts us in a real bind. Please only accept a model call if you're able to commit to showing up.
What we ask of our models
- Commit to your time slot. Your spot is reserved for you alone.
- Arrive on time. Sessions are scheduled carefully around your baby's needs, and a late start can affect the whole session.
- Communicate early. If your baby isn't feeling well or you need to reschedule, let us know as soon as possible.
- Come prepared. Following the steps in this guide helps everything go smoothly.
- Stay flexible. Sessions involving teaching or filming can run a little differently, and your patience is truly appreciated.
Session day prep
We recommend that your baby has a full feeding right before the session. A newborn session typically lasts around two hours, and since most babies feed every 2–3 hours, feeding beforehand helps create a smooth, uninterrupted experience.
Every baby is different — growth spurts and extra hunger are perfectly normal during a session. If your baby becomes hungry again, we'll pause and give you private time to feed and settle them.
We suggest giving your baby their usual early morning feeding, often about 2–3 hours before your appointment. After this feeding, it's perfectly fine to let your baby go back to sleep — there's no need to keep them awake.
Once you arrive, we'll gently undress your baby down to their diaper and give you time to feed again before we begin. Our studio follows a baby-led approach — we never rush, force, or deny a feeding. Please feed as you normally would; we recommend not introducing anything new (formula, bottles, supplements) within 24–48 hours before your session unless directed by your pediatrician. If bottle-fed, please bring extra bottles just in case.
What to bring
The studio is fully stocked with newborn outfits, wraps, bonnets, hats, headbands, props, and backdrops — so there's no need to bring outfits for baby. To help your session go smoothly, please bring:
- Loose, easy-to-remove pajamas for your baby
- Pacifier (even if your baby doesn't usually use one)
- Spare diapers
- Baby's blanket
- Extra bottles, if bottle feeding
- Any special keepsakes you'd like included
During a session, babies sometimes want to self-soothe more often than usual. A pacifier can be a helpful tool to calm and comfort them — we promise it won't create bad habits.
Studio comforts
We provide Boppy pillows for nursing, freshly sanitized between sessions, plus bottle warmers, wipes, spare diapers, and new pacifiers on hand. Before your session, please check your baby for diaper rash — irritated skin can make even the happiest baby fussy during changes. We do not offer hair and makeup; you're welcome to arrive camera-ready or finish at the studio.
Baby safety & composites
Your baby's safety is our top priority. Every pose and setup is created with the utmost care and attention to your little one's comfort and well-being.
Many of the more complex images you may see are actually composite photographs — safely created by combining multiple images during editing. Not all babies can comfortably bend or curl into every pose, and that's perfectly normal.
Before we begin, we'll discuss each pose with you and explain exactly how it's achieved. Some poses may require the assistance of our trained spotters or, on occasion, a helping hand from parents. Ana always works with an experienced assistant present at every session to ensure your baby is supported, secure, and safe at all times.
The newborn wardrobe
Ana offers an extensive, ever-growing collection of newborn outfits for boys and girls, including special pieces for rainbow babies and coordinated sets for twins — all used at no charge. If you have a specific vision, reach out before your session so we can plan. If your model call includes parents or siblings, we'll share styling guidance: soft, neutral, solid colors photograph best and keep the focus on the baby.
Nursing food guide
Through nursing all three of her children, Ana learned that certain foods can contribute to gas and discomfort in babies. To help keep your baby comfortable, we suggest a simple, bland diet for 24–48 hours beforehand — breads, pasta, potatoes, and whole grains are gentle choices. Every baby is different; always consult your pediatrician, doula, or lactation consultant with specific concerns.
We highly suggest avoiding the foods below for 48 hours before your session.
Guide adapted from one originally provided by Dr. O'Connell, Newport Beach, California.
How the session flows
Most newborn model calls focus on the baby alone. We begin by settling and soothing your newborn into a comfortable, relaxed state, then work gently through wrapping and posing while baby is calm. Ana works efficiently and follows your baby's cues throughout.
If a model call includes parents or siblings, we'll let you know in advance. In that case, we typically dedicate the first portion of the session to the newborn, then bring in family once baby is settled. We approach toddlers and young children with patience and flexibility, and with your permission may use small treats to encourage cooperation.
