Planning for your newborn baby photo session
Planning for your newborn baby photo session takes some special care. Newborns are of course very delicate and sensitive, and a newborn photo session is likely to be the most they’re moved around after bringing them home. It’s super important to make sure the baby is as comfortable as possible before and during the shoot, otherwise it is difficult to get peaceful photos of them.
These are my top tips for planning a newborn photography session!
Timing: when to schedule a newborn photography session after bringing your baby home from the hospital
Newborn photography sessions should happen around the first 2 weeks of bringing baby home. Some argue the sooner the better, but I believe the sweet spot is 2 weeks. By this time, you’ll have a better idea of the baby’s sleeping and eating schedule. That’s important for planning a time of day which is best for your little one!
What’s the best time of day to plan a newborn session?
After feeding is the best time to photograph your newborn, since they’ll be tired, full and relaxed.
How to dress your baby for a newborn photo session
It’s important to limit outfit changes to 2 at most, ideally only 1. As mentioned, this shoot is likely to be the most your infant is moved around after birth, and disturbing them for multiple outfits isn’t worth the risk of agitating them. Pick an outfit for the baby which is comfortable, warm and classic. At the end of the session, if the baby is still in a good mood, you can try an additional outfit change, but keep things very simple at first!
You can also decide if you, your partner and other family members want to be a part of the shoot. Dress in simple, neutral outfits with matching tones. Too many clashing colors, prints or layered outfits will detract from the focus of the session, in my opinion.
Finally, if you want to also capture naked baby pictures, make sure to keep the room well heated with a space heater nearby. Infants like to be warm and will get fussy if they’re even a little cold! Likewise, make sure anyone who touches the baby during the session has clean, warm hands.
How and where to photograph your newborn at home
No matter what, it’s always great to capture shots of the nursery before or after the session. However, you want to choose a room in your home with a lot of natural light for most of the shoot. South facing rooms with large windows tend to have bright, flattering light.
Helpful items to have close by during your newborn session
A cozy blanket. Keeping the baby warm and comfortable is number one!
Breastfeeding pillow. Aside from being helpful if you want to breastfeed during the session, these pillows are also great for cradling the baby.
Burping cloth. Since after feeding is the best time of day to plan a newborn photo session, it’s also likely they’ll spit up. Best to keep a couple burping cloths nearby!
Space heater. Naked baby photos work best when the room is very warm. A space heater is a great way to keep your infant a comfortable temperature during the shoot.
Food for the baby. Keep a warm bottle close by and don’t hesitate to take a break to breastfeed if needed.
Helpful tips for the parents during the session
Don’t get stressed out if the baby is fussy during the session! They can sense it and it will only make things worse. Capturing all the moods of your infant is important, so if they’re having a crying fit, just cherish it as part of the process and reality of early parenthood. Take a moment to cuddle and soothe your baby together - they might just become your favorite photos!
How to incorporate breastfeeding photos into your newborn session
Breastfeeding is sacred mommy-baby bonding time. While it can understandably feel vulnerable or uncomfortable at first, I highly recommend documenting this short phase of your child’s life to look back on. No one else but you has to see the photos, in the end.
If breastfeeding photos are something you’re interested in, please reach out to me and we can discuss how to comfortably incorporate it into your session.
My process for making the best newborn photo session possible:
It’s important to me that you as a new parent feel relaxed before, during and after your newborn photo session. I’m happy to work around your baby’s schedule, and always encourage parents to take a break during the session if the baby is feeling fussy or needs to eat.
I also believe it’s important to meet clients where they are: at home. This is where everyone, including baby, feel most “themselves” and comfortable.
Lastly, I always make sure to walk through the house with you to find the best location and lighting for the photos. I may see things you haven’t thought of, so it’s important to start the session with a little at-home scouting!
Contact me for newborn photography sessions in North Carolina
Hey there! I’m Kelsey. I know that becoming new parents is an extremely important stage of your life. I believe you should have that unconditional kind of love in all it’s messy real-ness documented.
Ready to reach out? Fill in my form below.
