As a Newborn photographer, I understand that preparing for a Newborn photo session can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help make the process a little easier, I've compiled a list of top tips for preparing for your Newborn photography session. From before you book, right up until the end of your session with me;
Schedule your session in advance: Although this is not something you may think about early on in your pregnancy, it is best to schedule your Newborn photography session well in advance of your due date to ensure availability. After your 20 week scan is the perfect time to book in! Plus, booking in at least 12 weeks in advance of your due date means you will receive 20% off your session fee. You book your session with your due date. Once baby has arrived, it is down to you to let me know within 24 hours to get your session booked in as soon as possible, in babies first 2 weeks of being born. (Don’t worry, I will contact you around your due date just to check in and remind you of your booking). Also during the booking stage, I want to understand what you would like most from your session and any future images. I can discuss with you the type of images you are looking for and ensure I focus on these during your session. To see my photography style, please view my gallery or social media for examples. I also offer great photo package deals if you are looking to book in for more than one photography session with me; maternity, newborn, sitter or first birthday.
Get to know your photographer: This is the most important! Understandably, your new baby is the most precious gift, so booking in with the right photographer is paramount, making sure you build that relationship and trust with them. When booking in your Newborn session with me, I ensure you have all queries answered before the day of your session. I can also arrange an over the phone free consultation to answer any questions you may have or for you to get to know me first before your session! (Ask away, don’t be shy!) On the morning of your Newborn session, I go through all of the safety information and explain throughout the session what I am doing with baby as we go along, to show you my knowledge and help keep you at ease.
Understanding what to bring to the session: Before your session with me, you will receive a preparation sheet with all of the information you need for a smooth session. This document will include how to prepare your baby, what you need to bring with you and what outfits you and your baby will need.
Feed your baby at the start of the session: A full baby is a happy and sleepy baby, which makes the session much calmer and easier.. When you arrive to me, the first thing to do is feed your little one to help ensure they are sleepy and content during the shoot. Please take as long as you need, some feeds take as little as 10 minutes and others 30-40 minutes. Whilst you are feeding baby, this is when I can go though all of the information You will need to give your baby a small feed first thing in the morning, or enough just to pacify them. This way, baby can enjoy a full feed at the studio and hopefully remain calm, full and sleepy throughout the session. (Some sessions take a full 3 hours, so this helps baby get through the whole session). Top ups may be needed during the session, that is totally fine!
Keep your baby awake before the session: It may seem counterintuitive, but keeping your baby awake for a little while before the session can help them sleep more soundly during the shoot. Giving baby a bath before your session is a great way to keep them awake and relaxed.
What to dress baby in for the session: Bring baby in loose-fitting clothing to avoid any marks or indentations on their skin before the session. When you arrive, baby will need to be stripped down to a clean nappy then wrapped in a warm blanket for their feed. This allows me to begin the session straight away after the feed, instead of disturbing baby having to remove clothing.
Bring extra nappies and wipes: because your baby will be moving around a little more and potentially will be feeding a little more, it’s a good idea to bring spare nappies and wipes to the session. When I swaddle baby, just as they are wrapped up in 3 layers, this tends to be a popular time for the nappy to be filled! (Totally normal). Most parents also like to have ‘naked’ images of baby posed in different positions. (I do have some water wipes to hand if needed).
Bring any special props: If you have any special props you'd like to use in the photos, be sure to bring them to the session. Please discuss this with me when you book your session so I can ensure I create the perfect set up to include these props. You may have sentimental items you may wish to include.
Choose the right location: Newborn photography sessions can be done in the comfort of your own home or in my studio. Consider which location would be best for you and your baby. My studio is the popular option, where you can sit back and relax and watch/enjoy your session. I have toys for any siblings on hand and tea/coffee/goodies to keep you all content. Mobile sessions are an additional charge, due to travel and bringing additional equipment. As long as you have a large open space for me to use, this works perfectly!
Choose outfits for yourselves and siblings: If you plan on being in the photos with your baby or bringing siblings along, choose outfits that complement each other and coordinate with your baby's outfit. I use a white backdrop, so any colours work well.
Relax and enjoy the experience: Newborn photography sessions can be a little overwhelming, but it's important to relax and enjoy the experience. (Some parents do use this time to close their eyes and catch up on some sleep!) Trust me to capture beautiful photos of your baby. I am fully trained in Newborn safety posing and complete regular up to date photography training and techniques. Every baby is different, so I get to know them very quickly and understand how to move their bodies and pose them. (This may result in you getting different posed images to a friend, depending on how baby moves).
Be patient: Newborn photography sessions can take time, we’ll go at your baby’s pace to allow time for feeding, changing, and settling your baby during the session. If you are having family, sibling and newborn images this can take up to 3 or 4 hours. Sometimes, I can fly through a session if baby is relaxed and sleepy enough, this can mean I can be done in an hour and a half!
Receiving your portraits: after your session, you can receive a same day teaser photo on social media if you wish. After this, there is around a 2 week wait for your images, where you will visit your online fully edited gallery from the comfort of your own home. Once the gallery has been uploaded, you have around 48 hours to choose your selected images. Once chosen and the invoice is paid, you can receive your images straight away!
Preparing for your newborn photography session can be a little overwhelming, but with these tips, you can feel confident and prepared. You’ll adore the images we capture. Thanks for reading x
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