What You Need to Know for Your Newborn Session

This is such an exciting yet tiring time in your family’s life! Here are a few tips on making your newborn session go smoothly!

Newborn sessions are best done within the first 2 weeks after birth.  This is done to ensure those sweet sleepy poses before baby “wakes up” too much. I do my newborn session on weekdays only and usually around 11:00AM as I find this time works best for most babies and allows tired parents to get ready for the session. They are not done on weekends as my weekends usually book out months ahead of time. These sessions last about 2 hours depending on baby.

TIPS FOR BABY:

Most importantly try to keep the baby awake a few hours before the session.  Feed the baby right before coming to the session.  To get great sleeping poses, make sure they are full of milk.  Have the baby in loose diaper and loose clothing to avoid marks on their skin.  Baby will not need special clothing unless there is any with special meaning to you.  Birthday suit is recommended ;)

WHAT TO WEAR:

I do offer family/ parent and sibling photos in my newborn sessions.  These are usually done in the first half hour so that siblings can then leave (if needed) to ensure a quiet atmosphere for  baby to get those sleepy shots. I recommend that families wear neutral colors like creams, mild tones, and soft hues for intimate portraits. Grays, navy blue and black also look good too. Coordinate a few colors but don’t overwhelm with patterns that distract from baby. I do not recommend shirts with words or pictures on them. Anything that may distract from the star of the show, I would avoid.

WHAT TO BRING:

This is a 2-3 hour session, you may want to bring a snack.  Bring extra clothes for you and baby…accidents do and will happen.  Bring extra diapers, wipes, and a pacifier (even if they may not take it yet this can be super helpful to settle the baby).   The room will be warmer than normal for baby pictures, so dress accordingly, I suggest layers.

PROPS:

Although I take a ‘less is more’ approach to photography, I do have an entire room full of props such as newborn wraps, headbands, hats, outfits, baskets, buckets, small beds and other fun items! If you have any special items (blankets, rings, dog tags/military uniforms) that you would like to include with your session please let me know ahead of time so I can prepare your set ups with those in mind. Please talk with me when scheduling the shoot regarding any preferences you have. If you have seen a special prop or accessory on my site and you want to include it please check with me to see if I have it.  Not everything seen on my site belongs  to me.