How to Prepare for your Newborn’s Photoshoot
Newborns are only little for such a short period of time, so the sooner you begin to prepare for your newborn’s photoshoot the better. As a newborn photographer, I want to capture the delicate perfection you just brought into this world. At the same time, as a mother of three kids myself, I understand the mixed bag of emotions, exhaustion, recovery, and life adaptation that comes with bringing a new life into this world. Heck, your newborn’s photoshoot may be one of your first outings and that can be very daunting! I get it. I hear you. I’m here to help!
Newborn baby sleeping during newborn photoshoot
SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION WHILE YOU ARE PREGNANT
First things first, the best way to prepare for your newborn’s photoshoot is to schedule it in advance! If you want those adorable sleepy, posed newborn photos the best time to get those images is within the first few weeks of delivery. I always recommend connecting with us in your second trimester. We’ll discuss all the details, do a studio tour, view my studio wardrobe and props and fully discuss your vision for your newborn’s photoshoot. Once the baby is born, you’ll connect with me and we will schedule the exact day for your photoshoot.
WHAT WILL SHOOT DAY LOOK LIKE?
On the day of your newborn’s photoshoot, you will arrive at my studio and I will have some props and set ups prepared based on what we’ve discussed in your vision. The photoshoot will take place in my heated newborn room. You are welcome to be in there or watch from just outside the room through the viewing window. Based on your little one’s temperament, the entire session will last anywhere from one to three hours. I understand that seems like such a long time to have your newborn out and about at just a few days old but the key to getting great images is being patient and catering the shoot to your baby’s needs that day. Your baby might get hungry, need to be calmed down, or cleaned up (naked babies = high propability of poop getting on something!). We’ll take as many breaks as needed to manage your little one’s needs.
WHAT YOU DON’T NEED TO BRING
My mission with my studio is to eliminate the stress of having to prepare for your newborn’s photoshoot. You’ll have full access to my studio which includes my studio wardrobe, props and accessories, nursing room for whenever you need to feed your baby, snack bar for whenever you need to feed yourself, as well as hair and makeup for mom!
OUTFITS
You will have access to my full studio wardrobe so you don’t have to worry about outfits. Dress your baby in whatever will keep them comfortable and warm for the trip to the studio and I will handle the rest of the clothes for the shoot. If you decide you would like to be in pictures with your newborn, you (or I) can choose a coordinating outfit and I can arrange to have your hair and makeup done so you don’t need to worry about getting ready before you leave.
TIP: DRESS YOUR BABY IN COMFORTABLE CLOTHES WHICH ARE EASY TO UNWRAP WITHOUT HAVING TO TAKE OFF LAYERS OR PULL OVER THEIR HEAD.
ACCESSORIES
My studio includes a wide range of props, accessories (think bows, headbands, hats, etc.) and wraps. I will select some based on your color scheme and preferences we discussed in our initial consultation and will have plenty of options on hand to choose from.
SNACKS / DRINKS
Most of the focus will be on your newborn during the shoot but we don’t want to forget about mom and dad! Baby is going to get hungry and sleepy and so will you! My snack bar is fully stocked with coffee, tea, water, granola bars, chips, popcorn, and more.
SOUND MACHINE
Keeping your little one calm and sleepy is the easiest way to get those dreamy posed pictures. I have a shusher machine that I may use to help lull your baby back to sleep or keep them calm while we are shooting.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
FEEDING NECESSITIES
A happy baby is a full baby! Bottles, burp clothes, pumps, formula, breastmilk, etc. whatever you need to keep your baby fed, bring that with you. I have a small kitchen with a fridge that can keep milk cold or hot water to warm up any milk. Your baby may eat a little more than normal during your shoot and that’s okay. When you are feeding your baby, you will have the privacy of my nursing room to do so.
TIP: ARRIVE 20-30 MINUTES EARLY TO SETTLE IN AND FEED YOUR LITTLE ONE TO ENSURE IT’S FULL, HAPPY, AND SLEEPY.
PACIFIER
If your little one takes a pacifier, please bring that with you as it will help keep your baby calm and soothe them during the shoot. If your baby doesn’t use a pacifier or you do not want to offer one, no big deal, this is not a must.
ANY TOYS / PROPS / ACCESSORIES
If you have any items of sentimental value, an heirloom, a special stuffed animal, a piece from your wedding, bring that along with you and I will incorporate that into the shoot.
In the end, my goal as your photographer is not only to capture sweet memories of your delicate newborn but to help elevate any stress when preparing for your newborn’s photoshoot and during the shoot. Always remember that you know your baby better than anyone else so don’t hesitate to bring up any questions or suggestions before or during your newborn’s photoshoot!
FINAL TIP: BABIES CAN SENSE THEIR PARENTS EMOTIONS. IF YOU FEEL STRESSED, YOUR BABY WILL PICK UP ON THAT. TRY TO STAY PATIENT AND CALM!
