The newborn stage is so fleeting! Photos of your newborn will be cherished mementos of this precious stage. Working together with your photographer will ensure a smooth and successful newborn photo session.
Here are 8 essential tips for parents for a great photo shoot:
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#1 Planning
The best time for a newborn photo session is when baby is still tiny and sleepy, between 3 days and 3 weeks old. While it’s hard to schedule an exact time and date for a session until the baby is born, it’s a good idea to reserve a photographer before their birth. The photographer will then have you in her schedule, and will ask you to call after you give birth to set a session date and time.
#2 Location
Some newborn photographers do all of their sessions in their studio, while others will only come to your home. However, many newborn photographers will give you the option of a session either in studio or in your home. Both options are good and really depend on your preference and what works better for you. If your shoot is in the photographer’s studio, you have the benefits of a controlled environment, more prop and backdrop options and it is usually a less expensive session as well. If the shoot is in your home, you have the benefit of not having to go out with your baby and the ability to do other things during the session (nap, anyone?) which can last for a few hours. Most photographers will bring a variety of props for you to choose from, as well as any equipment they might need for the shoot. Upon arrival, they will probably scout out your house for the best location for the shoot and ask you to make that room nice and warm for the photo session.
#3 Props
It’s a good idea to discuss your style preferences before the session, as well as any specific props or poses you’d like the photographer to incorporate into the shoot. If you have a specific vision, or would like your images to match your nursery decor, send some pictures of these to the photographer before the shoot so she can plan the session accordingly.
#4 Clothing
If parents or other family members will be in any pictures, it’s a good idea to plan what they will wear beforehand. Neutral colors work best in photos. Avoid anything with loud colors, words, or patterns. Mom should wear something that she feels comfortable in, keeping in mind that it will be very warm in the room during the session.
#5 Home Prep
There’s not much you have to do before the photographer arrives, as most photographers will want to scout out the house to see where the best light is before setting up. Don’t feel pressured to clean up your whole house; just be ready to clear up some space for the photographer and to raise the heat in the house to a temperature that will keep baby warm and comfortable.
#6 Baby Prep
Newborns are so unpredictable! A good newborn photographer will be patient and flexible throughout the session. Try to keep the baby awake for about an hour prior to the session. Be prepared to feed the baby immediately prior to the session, as a well-fed baby will be sleepy and content. It’s also a good idea to loosen the baby’s diaper and keep her swaddled but undressed prior to the session. Again, these are just suggestions and you can adjust them to fit your baby’s needs and your own.
#7 Relax
A calm mom means a calm baby, so it’s important for everyone to be relaxed during the session. The photographer will take care of the setup and posing and even has special techniques for calming the baby, so leave those jobs up to her! You may be needed here and there to feed the baby or to assist with a specific pose, but other than that you can use the time to relax, catch up on some emails, or even take a nap. If your session will be in studio, bring along some water, snacks, and a good book (or pillow).
#8 Patience
Newborn sessions usually take a few hours. Most of the time may be spent feeding or rocking the baby gently to sleep, setting up, and perfecting poses. This is normal, so just go with the flow. A newborn photographer will be calm and patient, and will try to get as many beautiful shots as she can during your time together.
What’s next?
Now that you know these essential tips and information, you can go into your newborn photo session with confidence. The photographer will get the perfect shot – and you will be able to enjoy these precious newborn moments for years to come.
Looking to get the best pictures and ensure that your newborn photography session will go smoothly?
Contact us to book your session today!
