How To Prepare For A Newborn Photography Session
Expecting a newborn is an exciting time for any family. As the due date approaches, many parents start planning for a newborn photography session to capture those precious early moments with their baby. Newborn photography is a unique and beautiful way to document this special time in your family’s life.
In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to prepare for a successful newborn photography session. We will cover everything from choosing a style/theme, picking out outfits, and things to remember the day of the session. So let’s get started and make sure you have everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free photoshoot!
What To Expect During A Newborn Photography Session
Newborn photography sessions are typically done within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. This is because newborns are still very sleepy and easy to pose during this time. The session can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on how cooperative the baby is. My average newborn session time is 3 hours. If twins or young siblings are involved, this could very well go to 4 hours.
During the session, I will work with you to capture a variety of poses and shots. This may include individual shots of the baby, as well as family portraits. Most photographers will have a variety of props and outfits to choose from, but you can also bring your own if you have a specific theme or style in mind.
It’s important to remember that newborns are unpredictable and sometimes they don’t want to cooperate during the session. Don’t worry, your photographer should be trained to handle these situations and will work with your baby’s cues to capture beautiful photos.
Things To Consider When Prepare For A Newborn Photography Session
Here are some key things to consider when preparing for your newborn photography session:
Scheduling the session at the right time
As mentioned earlier, newborn photography sessions are best done within the first two weeks of your baby’s life. This is when they are most sleepy and easy to pose. It’s important to schedule your session with this timeline in mind.
Make sure to also consider your own recovery time after giving birth and schedule the session accordingly. You want to feel relaxed and comfortable during the shoot, so give yourself enough time to rest and recover before booking the session.
It’s also a good idea to communicate with your photographer about any potential changes in schedule due to unforeseen circumstances, such as an early or late delivery, or if you or your baby aren’t feeling well. Flexibility is key when it comes to newborn photography sessions.
Deciding on a theme or style for the photoshoot
Newborn photography sessions can range from traditional and classic to creative and whimsical. It’s important to discuss with your photographer beforehand what type of vibe you want for your photos.
Do you want something simple and timeless? Or do you want something more colorful and playful? Look through inspiration on websites like Pinterest or Instagram to get an idea of what style you prefer. Your photographer can also offer suggestions and ideas based on their own portfolio.
Remember, the theme or style should reflect your family’s personality and capture the essence of this special time in your life. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun with it!
Picking out outfits and accessories for you and your baby
Outfits and accessories can play a big role in creating the perfect look for your newborn photos. When choosing outfits, keep in mind that less is more. Simple and neutral colors or soft pastel tones tend to work best as they won’t distract from your baby’s natural beauty.
For newborn babies, it’s best to stick with onesies or simple outfits that are not too bulky or difficult to take off. It’s also a good idea to bring extras in case of any accidents during the session.
Accessories such as hats, headbands, or wraps can add a cute and personalized touch to the photos. Discuss with your photographer if they have any of these items, or if you want to bring your own.
Keeping them awake before the session
Ensuring your baby is sleepy for their photography session can significantly enhance the outcome, and one effective strategy is to keep them awake for about two hours beforehand.
Although challenging, efforts such as giving them a bath, tickling, and plenty of cuddles can help achieve this. It’s a tough ask but immensely rewarding as it prepares them for a peaceful slumber during the shoot. Upon arriving at the studio, the first step should be feeding your baby.
A well-fed baby is more likely to sleep soundly, allowing for those adorable sleeping poses to be captured flawlessly. Be mindful of their diet before the session to prevent any discomfort or fussiness. Achieving a calm and serene state is key for a successful photoshoot, and these preparatory steps are instrumental in making those beautiful, tranquil moments last forever.
Bringing special items or props
If there are any special items or props you want included in the photos, make sure to bring them with you to the session. This could be a sentimental blanket or stuffed animal, or something that represents a particular hobby or interest.
Be sure to discuss these items with your photographer beforehand so they can plan accordingly and incorporate them seamlessly into the photos.
Discussing poses and shots with your photographer
Make sure to communicate any specific poses or shots you have in mind with your photographer. They are professionals and will have their own ideas, but it’s important to also voice your wants and desires for the photos.
If there are any particular family members or siblings that you want included in the photos, make sure to mention this as well. Your photographer will work with you to create the perfect shots that capture your family’s love and joy during this precious time.
Reminder and reassurance: What to bring for your session
In addition to the comprehensive preparation guide I provide, I’d like to remind my clients to bring a few essential items for your newborn’s photoshoot, such as milk (or formula), a pacifier, and extra diapers. These items help ensure your baby stays comfortable and serene, allowing me to capture those perfect, peaceful moments.
Understanding that preparing for a newborn session can feel overwhelming, I want to reassure you that Light & Grace Photography is fully equipped with all these essentials on-site. I have a stock of extra milk, pacifiers, and a variety of diapers, ensuring we’re prepared for your baby’s needs during the session.
My goal is to offer a seamless and stress-free experience for you and your little one. While I encourage you to bring these items to ensure your baby’s utmost comfort, rest assured that my studio is ready to accommodate any needs that might arise during the shoot.
Contact Light & Grace Photography for your stress-free newborn session
If you are in search of a talented and experienced newborn photographer, look no further than Light & Grace Photography. I have a passion for capturing the love and joy of families, you can trust that your newborn photoshoot will be in good hands.
I have experience with newborns and their unique needs, making sure that your baby is comfortable and safe throughout the session. With attention to detail and a personalized approach, I strive to create stunning images that you will cherish for years to come.
To help prepare you for your newborn session, I provide clients with a helpful PDF guide detailing what to expect and how to best prepare for the photoshoot. With my expertise and guidance, you can feel confident in knowing that all aspects of the session are taken care of.
During your session, I provide all necessary props and accessories to create beautiful and unique setups for your baby’s photos. All you need to bring is your little one and any sentimental items or special outfits you would like included in the photos.
Rest assured that your newborn will be in safe hands with me, as I have experience handling and posing newborns to ensure their comfort and safety at all times. My goal is to capture natural and timeless classic newborn images that reflect the love and joy of your family.
Click here to contact Light & Grace Photography or call (757) 797-5855 to schedule your session today! Let’s create magic together!
FAQs
How can I prepare for a newborn photo session to ensure my baby is comfortable and cooperative?
Preparing for a newborn session involves several steps to ensure your newborn baby is comfortable. It’s usually best toe feed baby just before the session starts so they’re content and sleepy baby. Try to keep your baby awake for an hour or two before the session to help them sleep during the shoot. Remember to bring extra supplies for baby feeding and changing the baby.
Why lifestyle newborn sessions is not always recommended for most families?
While lifestyle newborn sessions can be a beautiful and natural way to capture the early days of your baby’s life, they may not always be the best option for every family. These sessions typically take place at your home and focus on capturing candid moments between you and your baby. However, this type of session may not provide as much variety in terms of poses and setups compared to a traditional posed newborn session. We do offer lifestyle candid shots in studio where you can comfortably sit at my beautiful couch if you’d like to incorporate a few shots like that.
How can I ensure the baby is calm and relaxed when the baby arrives for the newborn photo session?
Feeding the baby right before the session can help ensure they’re calm and relaxed when they arrive. If possible, try to keep the baby awake for a bit before the session to make them more likely to sleep during the shoot. Bring any comfort items like pacifiers or blankets that might help soothe a fussy baby.
Why in home newborn session is not always recommended?
Some parents may consider having a newborn photography session in the comfort of their own home. While this may seem like a convenient and comfortable option, it is not recommended by many professional photographers for a few reasons. First, it is a lot of work for clients to declutter their homes and have the extra stress to clean their homes. Second, the lighting condition in clients’ home is hard to control. In a studio setting, the photographer has full control over these factors to ensure the baby’s comfort and safety. However, if you do really want to have in-home sessions done, don’t’ hesitate to contact and we can discuss that possibility.
Conclusion
Newborn photography is a special and unique way to capture the love and joy of your growing family member. By following these tips and preparing for the session, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience that will result in stunning photos to treasure for years to come.
And with Light & Grace Photography by your side, you can trust that your newborn photoshoot will be nothing short of magical. So don’t wait any longer, book your session today and let us capture these precious moments for you. Thank you for choosing Light and Grace Photography!
We can’t wait to work with you and create beautiful memories together. Now go snuggle that sweet little bundle of joy and get ready to capture those priceless moments!
Interested in learning more about newborn photography and how to prepare for your session? Contact Light & Grace Photography today and request a PDF newborn guide. This guide will provide even more tips and advice on how to make the most out of your photoshoot.
