How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photography Session

As a professional newborn photographer, I am often asked how to prepare for your newborn photography session. It is always an honor and a privilege to be the newborn photographer chosen to photograph your newborn baby. I would like this experience to be as stress free and calm as possible. Here are some tips to help you be as prepared as possible.

1. When should I schedule my newborn photography session?

It is always best to have your newborn photo session scheduled during the last trimester of your pregnancy. Having advanced, approximate notice is important so that I can keep my workload manageable around your due date. I will be able to “pencil” you in on my calendar according to your due date and then ask that you contact me as soon as possible after baby’s arrival to firm up the date and time. Sometimes clients do not think of doing a newborn session until after baby arrives. There is just so much to think about during pregnancy! This is fine too and I will make every effort to accommodate you in my schedule.

2. How old should baby be?

Newborn sessions are best during the first two weeks of life, preferably days 5-14. Newborn sessions can be done later, but sometimes they can be trickier. During the first 10 days, baby is the smallest she will ever be and also very sleepy. Baby will still have that newborn curl that helps make for some very cute poses! I will attempt newborn style sessions for babies up to six weeks old, though the sessions will be a little different and will require additional time and patience.

3. How long will the newborn photo session last?

This varies greatly. Every baby is unique and the baby is in charge.  A newborn session cannot be rushed. For the best results, baby should be relaxed and content which can often take time. Baby may need to feed or may need a diaper change or perhaps a snuggle. Some babies sleep through the entire session. A session can take two hours or up to four hours. It is important to schedule accordingly.

4. What should we wear?

Most of my newborn images are done with baby in a diaper cover, a swaddle or naked. If you have an heirloom piece, some cute hats and/or blankets we can try to work those into the photos as well. I have a collection of blankets with different textures as well as hats and headbands. Mom, dad and sibling(s) look best in neutral toned clothing. We don’t want the clothing to distract from the baby.

5. Where do the newborn sessions take place?

Newborn sessions take place in my Studio in Greely.  My studio is fully equipped with tons of beautiful props and sets for your baby.

 

 

6. How can I prepare for my newborn session?

Although newborns generally aren’t on schedules yet, please try to feed baby right before your arrival. A full tummy makes for a sleepy and content baby. We can give baby some time to get into a deep slumber as I set up. If baby wakes up that is okay too. I have experience working with a lot of newborns and tend to just go with the flow.

If baby takes a bottle and/or pacifier please have those ready. A pacifier can be a tremendous help in the newborn session.

Wipes and towels are helpful for whatever messes we might encounter.

If there is a sibling(s), having some help keeping him/her entertained during the session is a big stress reliever.