Newborn Photoshoot Tips & Tricks
Capturing your newborn’s earliest moments is a priceless way to preserve memories you’ll cherish forever. This guide not only explores the differences between in-home and studio sessions but also shares essential tips for newborn sessions to ensure your photoshoot goes smoothly. From keeping your baby comfortable to planning for the best timing, we’ll help you create stunning images that celebrate your little one’s first days.
Newborn Photoshoot Tips & Tricks
Here are a few things to help you plan for your newborn session:
The Sooner, The Better
Newborn sessions are best within the first 10 days of life. The younger they are the more they are in a sleepy coma and are easily posed. Try to keep your baby awake for at least 1-2 hours before the session. This will help the baby “crash” when it is time to start taking photos.
A Fed Baby Is A Happy Baby
Bring lots and lots of milk! Those milk drunk photos are the best, and babies tend to eat more during sessions. We can also take time for breastfeeding if you don’t have a bottle on-hand.
It’s Going To Get Toasty
If you’re at home, be ready to crank the heat! In the studio, prepare to sweat! I set the temp between 75-80 degrees on newborn session days.
Get Creative & Bring Props!
Bring props, especially if you’re coming to the studio. Décor from the nursery, or something that shows the family’s interests are a great thing to incorporate into portraits!
Have Siblings In-Mind
Young siblings? Be prepared for them to pop in and out of photos as they desire. If you’re in the studio, you might bring an extra person to be on toddler duty while we’re working with the baby.
Be Picky On Outfits
We try to have as few outfit changes as possible (those would wake you up, too!) If you’re at home, just have the baby in a diaper and ready to be swaddled.
Block Time Accordingly
These are by far the longest sessions I offer (taking between 1.5-2.5 hours) and it’s because we’re working around the babies schedule. There will be feedings and diaper changes throughout, so mentally prepare.
Breathe, Relax & Enjoy
I’m here to support you! I might ask for your help (pull-this-pacifier, hold-this-foot kind-of-help), but I’m here to do the posing, swaddling, and calming. You could literally nap on the couch during the session (and many new parents have!
Choosing The Right Photoshoot Locations With Newborns: In-Home Vs. Studio Newborn Photos
The baby is here! Now is time to get those snuggly sweet photos before they grow up waaaaay too fast! There are two types of sessions that I offer for newborns: In-Home Lifestyle and In-Studio Portraits. Read more to understand the differences between these two sessions and pro tips for your infant’s photos to help you make the most of your session!
In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Sessions
This is more photo-journalistic, focused on capturing your home and life as it was during those first few weeks after bringing your new baby home. The background is the nursery, the couch, the home you’re raising your new baby in. We’ll shoot tons and tons of candids, along with some posed family photos and a few posed baby photos.
I know some parents get very overwhelmed with the idea of cleaning house days after coming home from the hospital. It doesn’t have to be that clean! Maybe just semi picked-up.
In-Studio Portraits
I describe the studio portraits as “Baby in a Basket” type of sessions! We’ll shoot some candids along the way, and several posed family photos, but the majority of our time is spent getting baby into those adorable poses!
Don’t worry if you say one place and change to another, we can make that switch the day of your session! I’m here to support you!
Newborn Photography Is A Breeze With Gambles
I’m here to support you! I might ask for your help (pull-this-pacifier, hold-this-foot kind-of-help), but I’m here to do the posing, swaddling, and calming. You could literally nap on the couch during your newborn photography session (and many new parents have!).
