Newborn Session Guide
What you need to know about scheduling and planning your newborn photo session.
When to schedule?
You can reach out to me 2-3 months before your due date to book a session, and then we’ll solidify the date once baby is here. Of course, feel free to reach out anytime, and if I have availability, I’d love to work you in.
The ideal window of time for a newborn photo session is between 7-10 days old. At this age, babies are still sleepy and snuggly, and can be posed easily. Catching this window of time often means an easier and quicker session as well. If it doesn’t work to book in that window, however, any time in the first two weeks can work well.
Most babies tend to do well during the morning. After a good feed, they’re usually ready to snuggle in for a long nap.
If you want your baby to be more alert and interactive for her photos, you may want to wait and schedule a session for eight weeks or three months old.
What to wear?
Neutral colors are always a great choice! If other family members are planning to be in the pictures as well, make sure everyone has outfits that coordinate with each other without being too loud or busy.
Do you want baby to be dressed or undressed? If you are hoping for undressed pictures, consider putting baby to sleep in just a diaper and a warm blanket, so we don’t wake them up when we take off their clothes.
When choosing clothes for baby, remember that many outfits, although completely adorable, can swallow up a newborn and look huge. Consider using a close fitting onesie or sleeper, in a neutral color that will pair well with swaddle wraps.
Do I need props?
This is completely up to you. If you have toys, blankets, hats, etc that are special and meaningful, I’d love to incorporate those. I will have some swaddle wraps, headbands, etc to use, but many parents like to use their own.
I do offer newborn flatlays, which is where I do a grouping of special items that you want remembered. If you are interested in a flatlay, plan to have your items gathered and ready for me. Flatlays can include things such as shoes, an outfit, ultrasound pictures, maternity session prints, birth certificate, hospital bracelet, a stuffed animal or doll, jewelry, headbands, a swaddle blanket, pregnancy test, or anything else that is meaningful to you.
How to prepare?
We’ll try to schedule your session for when you expect your baby to be ready for a good morning nap. Of course, at just a few days old, most babies don’t have a solid routine yet, so don’t stress if it doesn’t work out perfectly. I recommend feeding your baby and getting them ready for a nap around the time our session starts.
One sure thing about newborn sessions is that they often don’t go quite according to plan. Newborns are constantly pooping, spitting up, and deciding to stay awake and party when we think they should be sleeping. Have a couple backup outfits on hand, and try to relax. I plan extra time for these sessions, just in case baby needs some more feeding time, or doesn’t want to go to sleep just yet.
3. Soft, natural light is ideal for newborn photos, so where we take the pictures in your home will largely be determined by the lighting. However, if there is a special place you want photos, like the nursery or your bed, we’ll work with whatever lighting is there.
4. Consider having a friend or family member over during your newborn session to lend a hand, especially if you have other children.
Newborn sessions capture some of the most precious and defining moments in our lives, and it is an honor for me to play a small part in preserving those memories for you. I look forward to hearing from you!
