How to prepare for your Newborn Session
With your new family member now at home and a few days of adjustment behind you, it's time to shift your focus towards taking care of practical tasks and preserving the cherished memories of these blessed days for the future. These moments fly by quickly, so preserving every single memory is essential.
While there isn't an absolute guide for parents on preparing for a successful newborn photoshoot, I have some helpful tips and tricks that I suggest to ensure a great session. Even though this session is primary based on capturing your newborn, their features and cuteness, I usually capture few shots with parents (or siblings, pets or extended family).
What to expect from the session:
The newborn session will take place in your home where you and your baby feel the most comfortable. In my photography, I adopt a simple and natural style, and during your newborn photography shoot, my primary focus will be on capturing beautiful images of your baby and the special connection between parents and their newborn. If you wish to include your entire family, grandparents, or even pets in the newborn photography session, kindly inform me in advance. There is no extra charge for this, and I am more than happy to accommodate your loved ones in the photos. However, to maintain a relaxed and calm environment, I request that siblings be present in the room only when they are needed for specific shots. I want to ensure that we can plan the session accordingly to accommodate everyone you wish to have in the pictures.
The session is approximately 60 - 90 min long but I am flexible as sometimes extra feeding or diaper change is needed to make the baby comfortable. You can expect 70+ professionally edited images in both colour and black & white delivered within 3 - 4 weeks after the shoot. Please note that seasonality (Christmas, New Year, Easter etc) can impact image delivery time.
2. The best time to schedule your newborn photoshoot:
A newborn photography session is best done within 4 weeks after birth. But it depends on the baby, the older they get the more alert they become. I generally recommend photographing newborns in their first 5-14 days, but if circumstances don’t allow that, I will adapt to your needs.
3. How to prepare:
Have all the baby essentials close by: diapers, wipes, bottles, formula or breast milk, pacifiers
Comfort items: anything that soothes your baby, like a favourite blanket or a soft toy
Extra outfits: have a couple outfits on hand for your baby to wear during different sets or poses
Props: any special props or accessories you'd like to include in the photos, like a cute hat, headband, or a sentimental item
Personal items: you might want to include a personal touch in some photos, such as family heirlooms or gifts from loved ones
A change of clothes for parents: accidents can happen, so having an extra set of clothes for parents is a good idea
Have something to eat yourself, being hungry during the session is never a good idea
Please have manicure done, NO nail polish or only nude tones recommended! Nobody enjoys looking at chipped nails. Also it is very time consuming to edit, where additional charge will apply if editing requested.
4. Sleep management before the photo session:
To help ensure that your baby is relaxed and sleepy during the newborn photography session, you can implement some effective sleep management strategies. Here are some tips to consider:
Create a calm environment: before the session, create a soothing atmosphere in the room where the photoshoot will take place. Dim the lights, play soft and gentle music, and maintain a comfortable temperature to promote relaxation
Feed your baby: a well-fed baby is more likely to be content and sleepy. Consider feeding your baby shortly before the session to ensure they are comfortable and satisfied
Use white noise: white noise, such as a gentle fan or a white noise machine, can help drown out other noises and create a calming environment
Be patient: newborns can be unpredictable, and it might take some time for them to fall into a deep sleep
Stay positive and relaxed: babies can pick up on their parents' energy, so maintaining a positive and relaxed attitude can help your baby feel more at ease during the session
5. What to wear: for the baby & parents:
Choosing the right clothing for your baby is essential to create beautiful and timeless images. Here are some clothing options to consider:
Bare skin: this allows to focus on the baby's adorable features and the tenderness of their early days
Wraps: swaddling your baby in soft, stretchy wraps or blankets can create a cozy and comforting look
Simple bodysuits: if you prefer some clothing for your baby, choose plain, neutral-coloured bodysuits without any busy patterns or logos
Soft and textured fabrics, specially knitwear
Matching or coordinated outfits: if you plan to include family members in some photos, coordinating their outfits can create a cohesive look. Feel free to email me the options and I am happy to assist
Stay away from clothes that are too big: the baby's tiny size is one of the captivating aspects of newborn photography, so avoid clothing that is too loose or oversized
Don't forget tidying your nails! Simple manicure with no coat or nude tone is enough. I advice against colour nail polish
Preparing your house for an upcoming newborn photography session is essential to create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby and to ensure the best possible outcome for the photos. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Choose a well-lit area: natural light is ideal for newborn photography, so choose a room in your house with good natural light. Consider the nursery or a room with large windows to allow plenty of light during the session
If there is any bedding on the bed, choose light and neutral coloured bedding, which will serve as clean background
Clean and declutter: start by tidying up and decluttering the room where the session will take place. Make sure the area is free of any potential hazards. A clean and organised space will make it easier for the me to move around and capture beautiful shots
Adjust the temperature: newborns are sensitive to temperature, so ensure the room is comfortably warm
Have essentials at hand: set up an area with all the essentials you might need during the session, such as diapers, wipes, extra outfits, pacifiers, and blankets
Personalise the space (optional): if you have any special items or decorations you'd like to include in the photos, such as blankets, toys, or heirlooms, feel free to incorporate them into the setup
Before the session, discuss with me your preferences, ideas, and any specific poses or shots you would like to have
6. How to prepare your house for the session:
Remember, every baby is different, and some may naturally be more alert during certain times of the day. Be flexible and patient with your little one, as they might still need breaks and feeding during the session. A well-fed and content baby is more likely to cooperate during the photoshoot, so prioritise their comfort and well-being throughout the process.
Newborn sessions can be unpredictable due to the nature of working with babies, but their adorable unpredictability is what makes these photoshoots so special. Despite the uncertainty, I hope that the suggestions provided have helped you feel more prepared and at ease for your upcoming session. Should you still have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to me via email. I'm here to assist and ensure that the experience is enjoyable and that we capture beautiful memories of your precious newborn.
Looking forward to our session together!
