From the moment you lay eyes on your newborn baby, you feel a new, extraordinary love. Their adorable cheeks, tiny hands, and little face you can’t kiss enough fill you with so much love and joy! You find yourself mentally trying to photograph every detail into your memory as they grow from day to day – from the way they smile while sleeping, their sweet little noises, and the way they wrap their little fingers around yours. You want to remember this precious, fleeting time forever.

You finally understand why they say to “cherish every moment” during the first few weeks. Your baby is already growing so quickly. It won’t be long before they’re a toddler, telling you adorable little things that you love, but you may be struggling to remember how they fit perfectly in the crook of your elbow as they slept, or how they little their features were. That’s where newborn photo sessions come in – preserving this special, magical time in your family’s story.

Your family’s newborn photography session should be fun and stress-free, resulting in beautiful images you’ll love for a lifetime. However, parents often feel anxious and overwhelmed as they prepare themselves and their babies for their first professional session as a growing family. Follow along for some tips to help you plan your newborn session, so you can relax, sit back, and enjoy. One day, you’ll look back on these precious images and be grateful you booked your newborn session, so it can look back on the early days with your precious baby.

One of the most important tips for new parents is to trust in the expertise of your chosen professional photographer. Once you have carefully selected the right photographer, you can feel confident that your baby is in safe and capable hands.

In a studio setting, a newborn photography session provides a controlled environment with optimal lighting and a selection of props, resulting in timeless and heartwarming images. To make the most of this experience, some preparation is necessary. In this blog post, we’ll share essential tips to help you prepare for your upcoming newborn photography session in the studio.

1. Book Your Newborn Session Far Enough in Advance

Newborn photographers tend to have busy schedules and only photograph a limited amount of newborn sessions a month, so it’s important to book your session well in advance. I recommend booking during your second trimester to ensure availability.

2. Find a Newborn Photographer You Trust

Take the time to research and select a professional newborn photographer who specializes in newborns. Professional newborn photographers have specific training in safe handling and posing. Because of this, we do not recommend hiring a photographer who has not completed any newborn safety courses. An example would be looking for the “APNPI Online Safety Course Completion” badge on the photographer’s website. Browse their portfolio to ensure their style aligns with your preferences, and read reviews from previous clients to gauge their reputation and expertise. We’d also recommend asking about an in-person consultation prior to your session to help you to decide. Your newborn is precious and deserves a safe and competent photographer. You can also refer to APNPI’s list of questions to ask your newborn photographer.

3. Plan Ahead for Newborn Baby’s Feeding and Napping

Newborns are at their best when they are well-fed and rested. Feed your baby a full feeding before your session, and give a top-up if needed when you arrive at the studio. A full tummy often leads to a sleepy and content baby, ideal for those adorable sleeping poses. We highly recommend bringing a bottle of milk or formula to your session as it makes the session so much easier and faster. When baby is brought to mom to feed, they are more likely to be unsettled when taken back by the photographer.

4. Dress Comfortably

When attending the studio session, dress both yourself and your baby comfortably. We always recommend bringing your baby in a zip-up onesie that’s easy to take off at the start of your session. Because the studio is usually warm, opt for loose-fitting and soft clothes, dressing in layers to help you feel more comfortable. Ask if your photographer has a client closet for you to borrow from. We have several options in our client closet that are flattering postpartum and photograph well. If your photographer doesn’t have a client closet, neutral and pastel colors often work well as they don’t distract from the main focus – your baby.

5. Be Prepared for Mess

Babies are unpredictable, and accidents can happen during the photoshoot. Bring extra diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes for both you and your baby to handle any unexpected messes. Newborn photographers know and expect this. In our studio, we always wear black because accidents happen just about every session!

6. Involve Family Members in the Newborn Session

If you desire, involve family members in the photoshoot. Sibling and parent shots can be heartwarming and create a sense of togetherness in the images. We always recommend family photos during newborn sessions. These photos aren’t just for you, they will be passed down to your baby one day. They will love seeing their parents holding them when they are just a couple of weeks old! If you are bringing a toddler or older children to the session as well, it’s always a good idea to bring along some sort of treat to reward them with (I like marshmallows since they don’t stain) and an iPad, or some sort of game to keep them occupied while they wait their turn. In our studio, we also have a computer that you can use to watch Netflix or Disney+.

7. Trust the Newborn Photographer

Newborn photographers are skilled in handling babies and creating captivating poses. Trust their expertise and let them guide you throughout the session. They know how to ensure the safety and comfort of your little one while capturing the most beautiful moments.

Good Luck Preparing for Your Newborn Session!

A newborn photography session in the studio is a beautiful way to capture the early days of your baby’s life. By preparing in advance, choosing the right photographer, and following these tips, you can have a wonderful and stress-free photoshoot that results in cherished memories to last a lifetime.

Embrace this precious time with your newborn, and let the photographer work their magic to create stunning images that you will love forever.