Category: Children

How to prepare for your Newborn Session

8/31/2017

There is so much that goes into preparing for your new baby to arrive and setting up your newborn photo session should be as stress-free as possible! Below I've outlined a few things to help you prepare for your baby's first photo shoot:

When to book your newborn session…

The best time to photograph a newborn baby is when they are under 5 weeks of age. You can contact me at any time during your pregnancy to give me an estimated due date, I will then make a tentative booking and when you arrive home from the hospital with your brand new baby you can contact me to arrange a suitable time and day for your session.

Where will your session be held…

Your newborn session will take place in your home. Most parents prefer the comfort of staying at home with their new, little one. This way I am able to capture images in a natural and comfortable environment as well as the nursery you spent so much time putting together. Staying at home also takes the stress out of packing up everything you would need.

Outfits / Props...
I have a collection of swaddle blankets, a basket and a few accessories that I will have on hand. It is up to you to have any hair bows, hats, toys, sentimental items, or monogrammed pieces ready that you would like to have photographed. These additional items are NOT necessary, but it is always fun to incorporate personal items that you provide. We can have a beautiful/successful session, strictly with the props I provide.

The less we need to change the baby's outfit the better. Sometimes a lot of outfit changes can upset the baby. I usually recommend having 1 outfit or gown that you like, on hand. We will likely start with them swaddled then switch to a gown if you have one.

a few more tips...

Try to feed and change your little one right before your session begins. This will ensure they are relaxed and comfortable from the get go.

It is so easy for parents to feel anxious leading up to and during a photo session. Babies can sense this so the more calm you are the more calm your baby will be. ;) I know this is much easier said than done but just take a deep breath and relax. Enjoy this awesome time and don't sweat the small stuff. Babies will be fussy or need to feed during a session and this is perfectly fine!

It is great if you have the nursery cleaned up and arranged before-hand. I like to take photos in the crib so make sure the crib sheet is fresh. I also like to shoot in rooms with the best natural window light. Making sure to de-clutter or clean in those rooms will make for much cleaner, beautiful photos. No pressure for perfection! Just clearing out trash or random articles lying around will help so much!

Things to remove from the nursery: Diaper pail, diaper cream, baby monitor (if possible), nursing pillow, baby bouncer/swing, and basically anything you wouldn't want showing up in the background of your photos. :)

If you are nursing I would recommend wearing something that is easy to nurse in or have a bottle on hand just in case we do need to stop for a feeding. Speaking of wardrobe, make sure you are comfortable moving around, sitting and holding baby in whatever you choose to wear.