7 Simple Ways to Prepare for Your Newborn Portrait Session

You’ve got the nursery ready, the changing table stocked with diapers and wipes, and tiny adorable outfits waiting in the dresser drawers. But have you given any thought to your baby’s first portrait session? We understand that while having a new baby is a joyous occasion, often times, life can become overwhelming with all the preparation before baby arrives. So, we’ve put together of list of 7 simple ways to prepare for your newborn portrait session!

1. SCHEDULE YOUR NEWBORN PORTRAIT SESSION IN ADVANCE.

   Time goes by in the blink of an eye and so will the last few months of your pregnancy. This is why it is important to schedule a newborn portrait session at least 2-3 months in advance. Your professional newborn photographer will want to be able to meet with you during a consultation to discuss things such as their particular style of newborn portraits, products, collections, props, and wardrobe, among other details and questions. This also is an opportune time to see the studio and time how long it takes you to get from home to their location (Remember, it will always take longer with a new baby!). When you book, your photographer will “pencil” you into their schedule. This means that they will write in the date of your expected due date on their calendar and when baby arrives, you will decide together on an official date and time for your session. Most photographers will want to photograph baby when they are 7-14 days old. Just remember to contact your newborn photographer after baby arrives!

2. BABY HAS ARRIVED - REREAD YOUR PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS NEWBORN GUIDE

   We totally get it - you got the email with your photographer’s newborn guide weeks ago, but you forgot to read it or better yet, you thought you could read it the morning of your session. Maybe you misplaced the newborn welcome packet provided by your photographer. Whatever the reason, please make sure you read and follow your professional photographer’s instructions. Your photographer doesn’t want you and your partner stressed out on the day of your baby’s portrait session. Being late to a session or totally unprepared can impact the stress on your baby (parents stressed = baby stressed), so make sure to read in detail their instructions on how to prepare. This will cover things such as what to bring, wardrobes for babe and family, feeding, dressing, and keeping baby awake. Reread your guide - your photographer will thank you! You can read our newborn preparation guide HERE!

3. WHAT TO WEAR

   What to wear for your family portrait session can be one of the most frustrating things on your to-do list before your session, but it doesn’t have to be! Following some basic guidelines and tips can help you and your family keep a classic and timeless look you love and desire. For clothing, simple and classic are always timeless.  Neutral and light colors are best - think white, ivory, cream, light tans, or light gray. Please no extremely bright or dark colors, shirts with logos, and/or stripes (ex. bright blue, neon orange, blacks, red, etc.). For Dads, a plain white or neutral shirt with khaki pants is best. An example would be a classic button down shirt or polo with khaki or colored jeans.  Some Dads even forgo a top and prefer skin to skin contact with baby. For Moms, don’t worry too much about your post-pregnancy figure (you are gorgeous!), as we will be focusing on the love between you and your baby.  Please also keep your clothing simple and neutral.  This could include a plain blouse, top, or we highly recommend a flowing dress. We can also use a wrap if you want closer skin to skin contact. Also, a majority of the images with parents and baby are not full vertical images, so you don't have to worry about your shoes being included in the image. Baby will be wrapped or in an outfit provided by the studio.

4. BABY’S CLOTHING & STUDIO STYLE/PROPS

   Please dress baby in an outfit that is easy to get on and off. NO pull overs please. I suggest having them wear an outfit that zips or snaps in the front. Also, dress them in loose fitting clothing to prevent marks from diapers or elastic bands. I have an ever-growing collection of headbands, bonnets, wraps, props, and more, so no need to bring anything from home unless there is something very special or important to your family that you’d like included.  Your professional newborn photographer will be able to help you with your vision. Please let them know ahead of time so they can include it in the flow of your session and allow for extra time if possible. Please note that we hand pick the style for each newborn session to keep consistent with our certain photography style/look/feel. During the consultation, we will discuss the color, style, and/or props that you would like included in your newborn session.

5. FEEDING BABY & BREAKS

   Please feed your baby as much as possible in the 12 hours that proceed your session. This is especially true for breastfed babies. Feeding the baby an extra time or two will help them sleep more deeply. You will want to feed baby about 2 hours before your session. Then be prepared to feed them right before or when you arrive at the studio.  This should prepare baby to be ready to begin when you arrive. Please note that baby will get hungry during the session and it is normal to stop and take breaks when needed. During the drive, especially if you live more than 30 minutes away from the studio, have an adult ride beside the baby and attempt to keep them awake.  When you get to the studio, baby may need to be fed once before starting.

6. KEEPING BABY AWAKE

   Try not to let baby sleep before traveling to the studio. Give them a bath, have playtime, let them kick with only a diaper on, tickle their toes, even let them fuss for a little bit, etc. This will ensure those squishy, sleepy newborn pictures! I can’t stress enough that it is so important to do  your best to keep them awake. Anything overstimulating will help guarantee that baby will be sleepy during our session.  The goal is to have baby sleep during the session so that we are able to pose and position baby without them awake and needing to be held or fed.

7. TIME TO RELAX

   During your baby’s newborn session, you can be assured that your baby is in excellent hands. Know that your photographer has everything planned for your session. This is your time to relax and enjoy! You can sit back and read a book, scroll your Facebook, take a snooze, and/or enjoy this quiet time.