5 Tips how to prepare for the newborn photo sessions
Your newborn’s photography session is an exciting time for your family. It is okay to feel anxious before the big occasion and with a little planning ahead, you can relax, enjoy the session and let the photographer take care of the rest, creating a work of art of your little one.
TIP 1 – PACK THE RIGHT THINGS
- Pacifier: Even if your baby does not normally use a pacifier, it is important to bring a few to your session. Because babies are being moved around so much, they often feel the need to comfort nurse during sessions. Instead of stopping the session and handing the baby over to mom to soothe, pacifiers can be the key to achieving a difficult pose as well as reducing the session time. Pacifiers will only be used if needed.
- Baby’s own fuzzy blanket: This is used to keep your baby warm and secure during posing, feeding and in between setups. During unswaddled posing, your baby will feel secure when covered with their own blanket.
- Bottle of milk: For both formula and breast-fed babies, it is very helpful to bring a couple of bottles of formula/pumped milk. A bottle will allow me to feed the baby during the posing session versus handing the baby back to their parent. Being passed around often wakes up a sleeping baby.
TIP 2 – FEED THE BABY RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE
I always suggest feeding the baby right before you head out for your session. As the car ride will usually rock them to sleep, a full stomach could help them stay asleep when they arrive. I do not recommend keeping your baby awake too long before the session, as over-tired babies can be fussy.
TIP 3 – DRESS THE BABY RIGHT FOR THE SESSION
Baby will be undressed, with and without a diaper during the session. The first thing done before posing is undressing the baby. We don’t want the removal of clothes to wake them up. Therefore, it is a good idea to dress them in a front zipper/button footie instead of over the head onesies, as removing clothes over the head is more likely to wake them up.
TIP 4 – PREPARE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS WHO COME TO THE SESSION
- Baby’s father. Typically, it is the mom who made the initial inquiry and is preparing for baby’s newborn session. If dad is going to participate in the session, I suggest getting dad involved in the session preparation as well. Make sure he is aware of the session process, the length of the session and the environment of the studio. Because the newborn studio is very different from other photography studios, helping dad know what to expect will ensure the session goes smoothly and is easier for everyone attending.
- Baby’s siblings. If siblings are attending the session, please bring plenty of books, small toys or even a tablet to keep them occupied during the session. My studio offers TV with streaming services for everyone to watch as well. If siblings would like to leave the studio for some fresh air, daddy can always drive them to nearby playground or out for a quick snack if their sibling photo portion is done. Two nearby playgrounds for the siblings are:
- Warren Park
- Joanie Moser Park
TIP 5 – DRESS EVERYONE COMFORTABLY
The newborn session usually lasts 2-4 hours in the studio, the length of the session fully depends on the baby’s sleep. The studio will be 78F degrees plus a space heater used for the posing area. Therefore, because of the warm studio environment, appropriate dress for the parents and siblings is especially important. And feel free to put your feet up on the ottoman and relax during the session.
Now, light, camera and action(sleep)! Let me handle everything else when you are here in the studio. You will sit comfortably on the couch next to the posing area and watch your little one’s angelic face captured and made into a work of art. Years from now, your keepsake photos will remind you of those precious days when they were still so tiny in your arms.
Have more questions, don’t hesitate to let me know!
I am a newborn, milestone, family and maternity photographer based in Winston-Salem, NC, serving the Piedmont Triad area and beyond. Contact me now to learn more about my business.
