How to Prepare for a Newborn Photography Session in Photographer's Studio

This is simply a guideline, as I understand that some things with a new baby are beyond our control. Just do your best to follow these suggestions, and I’ll do my best to create beautiful images for you!

Newborn photo sessions are joyful experience, and with a little preparation, we can make it even smoother for you and your baby. Babies are best photographed while sleeping, so keeping your little one awake during the car ride to the studio can help set the stage for those dreamy, peaceful poses. Try gently talking to your baby, tickling their palms, or wiggling their toes to keep them engaged. Once you arrive, you’ll have time to feed and settle your baby, which will naturally help them drift off to sleep. This simple process ensures a calm and cozy start to the session, allowing us to capture beautiful, timeless memories of your little one. Let’s work together to make this a fun and memorable experience for your family!

​Dress Simply: Dress your baby in loose-fitting clothing to avoid any marks or indentations on their skin. A simple onesie or diaper cover can work well.

Wardrobe for family: Please wear neutral color outfits for your family session.  White always looks nice.  There is clothing that looks cool in life, and it loses in the photo. For example, vibrant purple, vivid orange, or hot pink will not give a beautiful shade on the face of the one who wore such clothes, and, at the same time, on the face of others. Solid colors photograph well. Big logos, graphics, characters, or busy patterns can be distracting.

Pack Essentials: 

• Baby formula for a bottle-fed baby
• Extra diapers ( I have a changing table in the studio) 
• Wipes ( I have a wipe warmer in my studio) 
• Pacifier***
• Baby brush or comb (If you don't have one, don't worry—I have them in the studio.)
• Change of clothes for your baby. (Accidents can happen, and it's best to be prepared.)
• Favorite beverages and snacks for yourself and your family members. I have some beverages and snacks available in my studio as well.
• Smiles! This is a happy time and I hope to capture your excitement about the new baby in your life!

***If you normally do not give your baby a pacifier, please have it just in case. Newborn sessions are new to your baby and they often want to self-soothe by sucking more often than normal. I promise that using a pacifier during a session will not encourage bad habits!

Feeding Time: Usually a full baby is a happy baby! Plan to feed your baby once you arrive. Remember that sessions can go 2-4 hours. If you are bottle feeding, please plan accordingly. If you are breastfeeding and have a small amount of pumped milk you can bring, that may work to soothe baby in between full feeds. If you need anything specific for nursing (nipple shield, Boppy pillow, etc.) be sure to bring those along as you are packing for your session.

Stay Calm: Babies are sensitive to their parents' emotions, so try to stay relaxed and calm. If you're feeling stressed, it can affect your baby's mood.

Be Ready for Breaks:  Newborns may need breaks for feeding, diaper changes, or just to comfort them. Be patient and understanding if the photographer suggests taking breaks during the session.

Keep Baby Calm: To help keep your baby calm during the session, consider using techniques such as swaddling, gentle rocking, or a pacifier if your baby uses one. These can help soothe your baby and make them more comfortable.

Be Patient: Newborn photography sessions can take time. Be prepared for breaks and moments when your baby needs attention or soothing. Patience is key to achieving great shots.

Never Force a Pose: If the baby is not comfortable in a certain pose, it's crucial not to force them into it. Always prioritize the baby's comfort and well-being over a specific shot.

Relax and Enjoy: Remember that the primary goal is to capture beautiful memories of your baby. Enjoy the process, and don't stress too much about achieving perfect shots. Sometimes the most natural and candid moments are the ones you'll treasure the most.

By following these tips and working closely with your photographer, you can have a successful and enjoyable newborn photography session that results in beautiful memories of your little one.