Planning for a successful Newborn Session

You Just Had A Baby! Congrats! Now Someone Wants To Take Your Photo?!?

Welcoming a new baby into your family is a beautiful moment that you will want to remember forever. With the other million things you feel like you need to do, newborn photos can often slide to the bottom of the list. While it may sound cliche, your baby really will only be this little once, and those first few days are so special. Don’t let them go by without capturing those wonderful moments with a newborn photography session.

While the thought of allowing someone with a camera into your home a few days after giving birth might sound a little stressful, at-home sessions allow the baby (and you!) to be at their most comfortable. With that being said, there are a few tips that will help your session be as successful as possible.

Before The Baby Is Born:

Please contact me at least a month before your due date to reserve your spot on my schedule. A quick email or text after the baby is born will allow us to schedule a firm date and time for your session. Plan on having the session within the first 2 weeks after birth when baby is the sleepiest and snuggliest.
Think about any outfits or other accessories you might want to incorporate into your session. This is TOTALLY OPTIONAL, though, because I bring a full styling set to your session, including an array of wraps, blankets, posing pillows, and accessories. Keep in mind, though, that in most cases, less is more, and my “lifestyle” photography style focuses on capturing real moments in your family.
Decide who you want to include in your session. You and your partner are obvious choices, but we welcome siblings and (well-behaved!) pets as well. If you have other small children, I do ask that a third adult is present to watch over them while we work with baby and parents. Most clients ask a grandparent, other family member or close friend.
Think about where in your home you’d like to conduct the session. You don’t have to pick only one room, but take a few moments to consider where you have the most natural light (great for those creamy baby skin tones!). The nursery is probably the most obvious choice, but snuggling on the couch or mom and dad’s bed are great choices too!

The Day Of The Session:

Try to keep your baby as awake as possible in the two to three hours prior to the session. This will help them sleep during the session to get those adorable, cuddly poses.
Plan on feeding your baby right before the session. A full baby is (usually) a happy baby.
Our newborn sessions have lots of time built in to stop for extra feedings and soothing snuggles, so don’t stress if the baby fusses a little bit. If you are breastfeeding, please feel free to ask me to step out for a few moments, but if you’re comfortable, consider allowing the session to continue through the feeding. These special – and tasteful! – photos will capture the beautiful bond between you and your baby.
Plan on keeping the home or room we will be holding the session in a little warmer than normal. Again, this will help the baby relax, especially if we will be changing into multiple outfits.
Because natural light is the best light, I may ask to open curtains or blinds, or move furniture around. Don’t worry, I’ll put everything right back where I found it after the session!
As counterintuitive as this might be, please do not dust or vacuum right before your session. This can release dust into the air, which can affect the quality of your photos. I promise I won’t be offended by a messy house, you just had a baby! That’s the best excuse you could possibly ever have.

I do my absolute best to create a relaxed, stress-free environment during the session. I believe in allowing the baby to “run” the session, and once I arrive at your home, we will take some time to talk about the goals of the session and how we can accomplish them, but also plan for the unexpected. Considering the tips above will allow for a smooth session and the most natural-looking photos.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me! For the best value, consider my Beautiful Baby Package that follows your baby from maternity, to newborn, to first birthday. I am looking forward to seeing you soon!