Welcoming a newborn into your family is a moment full of love, joy, and excitement—and capturing those precious first days through photography is a wonderful way to preserve those memories forever. If you're preparing for your baby's first photo session, you may be wondering what to expect and how to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here's a helpful guide to walk you through the process, what to bring, and how to prepare your little one for a stress-free experience.
When Should You Schedule a Newborn Photography Session?
Timing is everything when it comes to newborn photography. The best time to schedule a session is within the first two weeks of your baby’s life, ideally between 5-14 days old. At this stage, newborns are still very sleepy and curl up naturally, making it easier to capture those beautiful poses and details that define newborn photography. Is your baby already here and older? No worries! I have experience working with older newborns as well.
How Long Does a Newborn Photography Session Last?
A typical deluxe studio newborn photography session can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. While that might sound long, much of this time is dedicated to ensuring your baby is comfortable, fed, and settled. We go at your baby’s pace, allowing plenty of time for feeding breaks, soothing, and diaper changes. The goal is to create a relaxed environment where both parents and baby feel comfortable.
What Happens During the Session?
At the start of the session, we’ll spend some time making sure your baby is relaxed and ready. I will focus on a variety of poses, from simple, natural poses to those involving special props, blankets, and backdrops. We will also make sure to include parents and siblings in the session. If there are young siblings, I typically swaddle the newborn and start with sibling and family shots first.
Throughout the shoot, we keep the room warm and cozy—newborns love warmth, and it helps them stay sleepy and comfortable. Safety is our top priority, so all poses are done with the baby’s well-being in mind, with gentle handling and soft supports.
How to Prepare Your Baby for the Shoot
Preparation is key to ensuring your baby stays comfortable and calm during the session. Here are a few helpful tips:
Keep Your Baby Awake Before the Session: Try to keep your baby awake for an hour or two before the session. This increases the chances that they’ll be sleepy and relaxed during the shoot, allowing for easier posing and less fussing.
Feed Your Baby Right Before the Session: A well-fed baby is a happy baby! Make sure to feed your little one right before the session to help them settle into a deep, restful sleep.
Dress Your Baby in Easy-to-Remove Clothing: Dress your baby in something that’s easy to slip off, like a zip-up onesie. This way, we can transition into the session without disturbing them too much.
What to Bring to a Newborn Photography Session
While I provide many of the props and accessories needed for the session, there are a few things you should bring to ensure your baby is comfortable:
Extra Diapers and Wipes: Newborns need frequent changes, so make sure to pack plenty of diapers and wipes for any accidents.
A Pacifier: Even if your baby doesn’t regularly use a pacifier, it can be a helpful tool to soothe them during transitions.
Feeding Supplies: If you’re breastfeeding, that’s easy to handle during the session. If you’re bottle-feeding, bring enough milk or formula to keep your baby full and happy.
A Favorite Blanket or Toy: While I supply most of the props, bringing something familiar from home can be a nice touch for family shots or comforting your baby in between poses.
How to Prepare Yourself and Your Family
If you're including siblings or family portraits in the session, it's important to plan outfits and be mindful of the environment. For family photos, choose simple, neutral clothing that complements each other but doesn’t distract from your baby. Soft, light colors often work best in newborn photography, allowing the focus to remain on your newborn’s delicate features.
Final Thoughts
A newborn photography session is a wonderful experience designed to capture the innocence and beauty of your little one in their earliest days. By following these tips and preparing in advance, you’ll ensure the session goes smoothly, and you’ll walk away with timeless images that will be cherished for generations.
If you’re ready to book your newborn session or have more questions about the process, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you every step of the way!
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