First: Congratulations on becoming parents! It is one of the biggest joys on this planet – so enjoy it!

Having two sisters who had kids I know how little, fragile and beautiful newborns are. I also know that they can be challenging! ….but I love working with them anyway!

Planning and preparing for a newborn photo session can be confusing, especially if you are a new parent. You probably have a million questions about how a newborn session works.

 

When should we schedule the newborn photography session?  
When is the best time to do the newborn session?  
When do I schedule the session?  
Where should we have the session?  
Will the baby get cold during the session?  
Will the baby be awake or asleep during the photo session?  
What if the baby gets hungry during the session?  
What should we wear for the photo session?  
Can we use props during the session? 

 

To help you, I have compiled a few tips to help me get the best out of your upcoming newborn session!
 
PLANNING THE SESSION 

 
Scheduling 
I recommend that you schedule your newborn sessions before the baby arrives to make sure you have a spot on our calendar! Contact me during your first or second trimester and I can mark you down. I prefer to book a date 5 to 7 days after your due date. I know that most babies do not arrive on that date, but it gives me an idea of when the session will actually happen. 

Arrival Day
Newborn sessions must be scheduled within the first 14 days of life. Though, the best time is between 4-7 days after their arrival. Babies tend to do better in the sessions within the first 7 days of their life because they sleep most of the time. The more they sleep the easier it is for me to move them around into the sweet sleepy newborn poses. Keep in mind that colic and baby acne starts to appear around 14 days. Let’s see that little bundle early!
 

Location 
There are several locations your newborn session can take place. Many newborn sessions take place in your home. Don’t be worried if your house is a mess; I understand that you JUST had a baby! You probably have dishes in the sink, baby items all over the living room and dirty clothes piled up. I will work around everything. I love taking family photos on mom & dad’s bed, so make the bed. I also love shooting in the nursery, especially if it is beautifully decorated.

Displaying Your Images 
Think about where you want to display your images. Do you want them hanging on the nursery walls? Will they be in frames in the living room? Will they be displayed in a collage of photos on the stairway wall? Let me know so I can shoot specifically for your ideas. It will also help me know if there are specific colors I should be using to fit the style of your home……this leads me to planning for props.

Props 
Please let me know if there are specific colors you would like to use in the images. You are also welcome to use any of your own props. Items with color and texture help make unique images. If you have toys, hats, props or family heirlooms you would like to use in the session, please let me know so I can advise on what will work best.
 

What to Wear
You just had a baby, so pamper yourself! Feel free to get your hair, nails and makeup done; or even have someone come to you! Go get a massage to help you feel and look super relaxed. Keep your clothing simple.

• Parents are the most important “props” baby has. Mom should feel beautiful. I suggest short or long sleeves to flatter. Light colored, solid tops. Long dress with a light pattern for whimsy and softness. The significant other can wear a solid shirt complimentary to mom’s color. A subtle pattern on the shirt can add interest, like a striped button down. 

• Siblings should be in solid, neutral colors (cream, white, grey) to keep focus on the baby.

• Baby will be naked for some of the images. This is the one time in their life it is ok to be photographed nude. Wraps, blankets and diaper covers can be used on the baby. Keeping everyone else in neutral colors will keep the focus on baby when they are swaddled in a colorful wrap. I do not recommend using newborn outfits because they tend to be too big and cover their face when parents hold them. However, if grandma made a special outfit, let’s take a few shots! 

Before I Arrive 

I Love Light!
Natural light is the most flattering. Before I arrive, please have all your curtains and blinds open. Once I arrive I will do a quick walk through of your home looking for the best natural light for me to set up my mini studio. Sometimes the best location is in the kitchen or by a deck door; usually wherever there is a large window.

Babies Love Heat
It is recommended that you keep your home a little warmer than usual for the session. I want them to be comfortable when we get those cute naked baby shots. Heat also helps them sleep better. We will be hot, but the baby will love it! I will also bring a small heater to help.

Prepping Baby 

• About 30 minutes before the session, please loosen up your baby’s diaper. This allows the little imprint marks time to disappear. Your baby will be naked in some of the shots, so I want the red marks to go away. 

• Because I want the baby sleepy for the session, I recommend that you try to keep your baby awake for a while before the session. Trust me, it will be worth it! 

• I love “milk drunk” babies! Please feed and burp the baby right before the session to ensure baby is happy and sleepy. I may ask you to nurse (or feed) the baby during our session if they start to get cranky. 

• Gather all the props you would like to use during the session. 

 
DURING THE SESSION

• Silence is Golden! During the session I need to have the house/location quiet to keep the baby asleep. If you have other children that might create noise, try to find a sitter that can take them from home for a few hours. If you have a pet, you may want to do the same. I will create white noise while we are there. If you plan to have children a part of the session, I recommend bringing them in the beginning or end of the session and then have someone take them. Only those being photographed should be at the session. 

• Relax! I am comfortable working with newborns. The baby may get fussy, but I will get great shots; sometimes it just takes time to calm down the little bundle of joy. I let the baby take the lead. Sometimes the baby will need to eat, get a new diaper and just need to cuddle with mama. Babies know when the parents are stressed, so keeping the environment mellow and calm helps to keep the baby calm. 

• Sh*t happens! Literally! Because the baby will be naked we may see them use the blankets as a diaper. It is ok. We clean up and move on. There is no need to feel embarrassed. As a god mother myself, I have been peed on before! It would be helpful if you had a stack of old towels, extra wipes and blankets on hand just in case things get messy. 

• Safety Dance! Your baby is in safe hands. If there is ever a point during the session where you become uncomfortable, please let me know. I will not put the baby in unsafe positions, even if the parent wants to get a specific pose! If I feel it is unsafe, I will not proceed. The baby’s safety comes first. 

 
To summarize, here is a short check list: 

• Schedule your session by your 2nd trimester for 5 to 7 days after your due date

• The session should be held before the baby is 14 days old (best is 4-7 days old)

• Select a location

• Determine where you want to display images

• Pick out props & outfits

• Heat up the room and allow natural light to shine

• Feed baby before session and loosen up diaper

• Gather towels, wipes, blankets

• Planning with me!

 

 Looking forward to meeting this beautiful baby!