Newborn Photoshoot Prep Guide

Nine months have come and gone and your little labor of love has arrived. You want their introduction to make a splash so you book a photoshoot. Okay, you got the first part out of the way, so what's next? There are a few things you can do to make the experience smooth and stress free. Not just for your baby, but yourself as well. Let's go over them.

Timing is of the essence

The ideal time to book your baby's shoot is within their first two weeks but preferably their first. During this time, babies sleep often and are more manageable. After this period, they become more aware and colicky, which results in a longer and more stressful session. Also, you want to keep in mind their natural sleep pattern. After keeping you up all night, they've finally had enough and settled down into a deep sleep. So an early morning shoot would also be ideal, between the hours of 8-10am.

Baby with a full tummy is less stress for mommy

This one is a no brainer. Other than being tired, the majority of difficult babies are a result of hunger, upset stomach or maybe something mom had herself. Make sure your baby is frequently fed 10 hours prior to the shoot. This will ensure your baby is full and enjoying a long and peaceful nap. For mothers who breastfeed, it is important to remember that what you put in your body, you're also putting it in your baby's body. We recommend refraining from consuming anything that can cause your baby to have an upset stomach.

Outfit and accessorize

The best newborn pictures are the natural looking ones with no clothes or just wrapped up in a blanket. But if you have an outfit in mind, it's a good idea to plan ahead. Most outfits that moms choose need to be ordered and sometimes, the delivery time may not line up with the shoot date. I've had clients cancel and lose their deposit due to this. Avoid onesies and other tight fitting clothing. It's also a good idea to incorporate a meaningful object into the shoot. This can be anything like wedding rings, a special blanket, an old childhood keepsake or family heirloom.

Don't forget about yourself

If you plan on taking mommy and me pics with your newborn, which I suggest you do, it's important to come prepared. No need to go crazy picking out outfits, just keep it simple. A basic white t-shirt and jeans are perfect. After giving birth, most moms don't quite feel “camera ready” and tend to shy away from the idea of being photographed. Trust me, you will regret it if you don't. Going natural is recommended, but if a little make-up and fixing your hair gives you that added confidence, then bring a basic kit and hair gel or mousse.

On the day of the shoot

Please don't force your baby to stay awake thinking it will guarantee they will sleep through the entire session. This has never worked. Just keep to their natural sleep pattern and feed them as much as possible. The baby should be changed before arrival so we can get started with minimal stimulation. If the baby is awake upon arrival, it is suggested they be fed prior to starting the session. I also advise limiting the amount of people who attend to only the ones being photographed. The less voices and ruckus, the better for the baby.

I hope this little basic guide helps anyone interested in booking a photoshoot for their newborn. This isn't industry standard or mandatory rules, but after research and application, this is what has worked for me. Not all sessions and circumstances are equal and I'm very understanding. I try to be as accommodating as possible. The key to a successful newborn photoshoot is the same as any other: preparation and communication.

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