Congratulations on the newest addition to your sweet family! These first few days & weeks are just so magical and it is such an honor to capture your little babe during this special time. Here are some tips & tricks that I've found to be super helpful in preparing for your newborn session. These tips help make your session fun, stress free, and as enjoyable as possible!
The Day of the Session:
- Stimulate & keep baby awake for an hour or so before the session.
This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session & when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing & going from one set to another easier. A warm bath is also a great way to do this, as well as talking & interacting with baby while keeping he/she in just their diaper.
- Feed baby right before the session.
A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. Feel free to come a little early to the studio to feed baby right before, especially if you have a longer car ride. Also, feeding baby as much as possible in the 12 hours leading up to the session will allow for a baby to sleep as deeply and as long as possible.
- I recommend being able to have your older children leave once their photos are finished.
I do families with older siblings first. This is because sessions can last anywhere from 2-4 hours which can be a long time for siblings to wait, especially when the studio needs to be somewhat quiet for baby to sleep. Have Dad drive separately or have someone you trust to watch your children meet at the studio to pick them up.
- If you're okay with the baby using a pacifier, bring a pacifier, even if baby doesn't seem to take one.
Sucking is a soothing mechanism & can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos. If you're okay with letting me use one for the session it would be super helpful as I'll be able to sooth baby back into a sleep if she/he wakes.
- The studio will be warm.
Baby’s like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), helps babe stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks and a change of clothes to change out of if you think you’ll get hot
- There is no need to bring anything for baby.
I provide all the wraps/swaddles, headbands, hats, & props. Unless there is something special you want to bring for your newborn’s photos, don’t worry about outfits or swaddles. If there is something special you want to bring, be sure to let me know so I can work a set around it.
- When baby needs a break, we’ll take a break.
Don’t stress if baby gets fussy. If baby needs to stop to eat or have their diaper changed, we most definitely will. Most babies need to eat at least once during their session. It’s hard work looking that cute.
What to Wear
- Go simple for family’s wardrobe. When planning your outfit colors for the family & sibling shots, stick with soft, neutral colors like grey or cream as the dominant colors. This keeps the focus on baby and the family connection.
- Use Texture: I always advise parents to add texture to their photos for added depth and dimension. Plus, who doesn't love a good knit? By adding texture I mean, velvet/knit/cordurory. If you search "texture item (dress/shirt/cardigan/pants)" in Amazon, a huge list of clothing options will pop up for you!
- Avoid neon colors. Vibrant, neon colors cast onto skin changing the color and tint of your skin.
- For siblings, I recommend a classic, timeless outfit. Steer clear of logos and shirts with writing. Those can be distracting in photos as the eye immediately goes to the words or pictures on the shirt instead of the sweet sibling moment.
Recommended Stores:
Old Navy, Carters, Amazon, H&M, Target, Kohls, JCPenny, Joyfolie, Baltic Born
- I am more than happy to help! If you have any questions or want some inspiration for wardrobe or other help, please shoot me an email.