Your Newborn Session Preparation Guide
Welcoming a newborn into your family is an incredible and cherished moment in life. Capturing those precious first days with a professional newborn photo session can create lasting memories that you’ll cherish forever. They don’t stay this tiny for long!!
To ensure a successful and stress-free photo session, it’s crucial to prepare adequately. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing for your newborn photo session!
Scheduling your newborn session
Newborn photo sessions are typically scheduled within the first 4-21 days after birth. This timeframe is ideal because newborns are more likely to be sleepy and poseable during this period. To ensure you secure a spot, book your session well in advance, ideally during your pregnancy. We obviously are not sure when baby will come exactly, but we know your rough due date and we work around that! Just shoot me a message when the baby arrives and will adjust this date accordingly.
Preparing For Your Newborn Photo Session: The planning
Decide on the location (in-studio or at your home), the style (posed or lifestyle), and any specific themes or props you’d like to incorporate. I will send a questionnaire to you a few days prior to your booked date to ensure we are on the same page and make your vision become a reality!
Preparing For Your Newborn Photo Session: Prepping the newborn
On the day of the photoshoot, make sure your baby is well-fed and well-rested. A full tummy and a nap can go a long way in keeping your little one content during the session. I know this can be hard, but we can give baby a big feed when you arrive to the studio, or I arrive to your home.
Dress your baby in loose-fitting, simple clothing to avoid marks on their skin. This also ensures that we don’t disturb baby too much before it’s time to shoot.
Pack essentials such as nappy, wipes, extra outfits, and a dummy. These items can be handy if your baby needs a nappy change or some soothing. Also bring any items you would like to incorporate into your shoot too. Special blankets, a picture of a passed loved one, or something that resonates with your family.
Preparing For Your Newborn Photo Session: Prepping your house
If you have opted for a lifestyle newborn photo session at home, don’t worry about making sure your house is ‘insta worthy’. Just a general tidy up in the areas you would like to shoot will suffice. Afterall, we are documenting your story!
Try to open all of the blinds in the rooms you would like to shoot in, that way I can get a feel of the best spots for ideal lighting.
Also, keep in mind your bedding! If you have some nice neutral colours, throw those on the bed that way you and the baby are the center of attention. Ensuring the room is comfortably warm to keep your baby cozy without clothing is essential as well.
Preparing For Your Newborn Photo Session: What to wear
Preparing what you are going to wear can be quite daunting. Simple, neutral colours always work well as they are timeless. They will never go out of fashion while hanging on your walls! Whites, creams, grey, and subdued colours always photograph the best. Try to avoid those bright and bold colors, super dark colors like black and navy blue and big patterns and shirts with large logos on them because all that can take away from the overall feel and look of your images. We want this session to be about you, not what your shirt or hoodie says. Most importantly, be comfortable!
For more information on what to wear, you may check out the dedicated what to wear guide here: CLICK HERE FOR WHAT TO WEAR GUIDE
Preparing For Your Newborn Photo Session: Environment Factors
I will often use space heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature. for the baby on a cold day.
Minimize noise distractions, such as loud music or phone calls, during the session. Soft, calming music is normally played in the background to soothe the baby.
Newborns can be unpredictable, so be patient and flexible during the photo session. Sometimes, it may take time to get the perfect shot or soothe a fussy baby. Trust me, your photographer, to capture beautiful moments, even if it requires a bit of time and effort.
Preparing For Your Newborn Photo Session: In Conclusion to this Guide
Most importantly, remember to enjoy the experience. These moments with your newborn are fleeting, and the photos will serve as cherished memories for years to come. Relax, smile, and let the me work my magic.
By following these steps, you can ensure that preparing for your newborn photo session is successful and we will create some beautiful images for you to be able to cherish forever!
Lots of love,
Jacynta xo
To contact about an upcoming session, book a session or for any questions CONTACT US HERE