How to Prepare for a Newborn Photography Session
I was obsessed with the light in this house. Almost as obsessed as I was with sweet Evelynn. It was an honor to capture newborn photos for this sweet family of three earlier this spring. Baby girl did so good for her session, so I wanted to share a few tips for parents today that I think help make a newborn session a success. I share all of these and more in the newborn session guide I send to all of my newborn clients.
A few weeks before:
First, there are a few things I recommend having on hand for the session, if possible. None of these things are absolutely necessary, so don’t stress too much if you don’t have something, but this is what I’ve found to be helpful for the pictures, so you may want to take inventory a few weeks before the session in case there is anything you would like to get.
A solid, neutral colored blanket or comforter for the master bedroom bed, if we are going to take any pictures on the bed.
A few blankets to lay under baby for portraits of just baby. Textured knit or fuzzy blankets often look good!
A crib sheet that coordinates with baby’s outfit/swaddle or is neutral colored.
A few swaddles and/or outfits for baby. Stretchy swaddles usually work best. Some of my favorite swaddles are from Lou Lou & Company, Copper Pearl, Spearmint Love.
Accessories for baby (hats, bows, headbands, etc.) Any fun props, such as name announcements, letter boards, stuffed animals, etc.
The Day of the Session
Try to plan to feed the baby just before the beginning of the session and make sure baby is warm and changed. You can have baby in his/her first outfit or just a swaddle (with only a diaper underneath) if you choose to have baby swaddled for the pictures. Keep a burp cloth and pacifier (if baby takes one) nearby. If you have a sound machine, this can also be helpful when we want to try to get baby to seep.
During the session
When I arrive to your home I will ask mom or dad to show me around and determine where we are going to shoot based on where lighting is best in your home. If baby is very sleepy when I arrive, I may start with the photos of just baby. Otherwise, I will start with photos of the whole family, then siblings with baby (if applicable) followed by mom and dad each with baby. We will try to keep any outfit changes to a minimum so as not to disrupt baby too much.
I am super flexible and go with the flow during newborn sessions. These sessions tend to last a little longer than my regular session due to the nature of newborns to be unpredictable and stopping for feedings or diaper changes. Baby always comes first!
Tips for Mom
Mom, remember you are still recovering from birth, so take care of yourself first! Drink lots of water! Put on extra deodorant ;) Be prepared for lots of cuddling and doting on baby. Don't be surprised if baby decides he/she wants to cluster feed or is extra fussy on the day of the shoot. If this happens we roll with it and make the best of it! Don't plan much activity following the session, or rather plan for a nap!
Tips for Dad
Dad's, your positive attitude, flexibility and helpfulness during the shoot can really have an impact on the shoot as a whole. Set aside time beforehand to tidy/pick up the house, ask mom what she needs help with and make sure she is hydrated and fed prior to the session.
