Tips for a Successful Newborn Photoshoot

Before Baby is Born

• Try to reserve your newborn session with your deposit in your second trimester to ensure I will have an opening for you when baby is born. I only take on a certain amount of newborns per month since newborn session editing is more time consuming that other sessions.
  
• If you wind up scheduling your induction/c-section ahead of time, message me and let me know, so we can go ahead and choose a day/time for your session!
  
  

After Baby is Born

• Notify me soon after baby is born, so that we can choose a day and time to schedule your session. Babies are easiest to pose when they are under two weeks old. Although it is possible to get photos with babies 3-5 weeks old, we may not take as many photos or have as many poses at the session, and most likely baby will stay swaddled the whole time with few or no naked/outfit poses.
  
• If you are wanting a few family photos at your session, pick out some clothing pieces ahead of time. Solid color clothing works best to make sure everyone coordinates, without too may distracting patterns. I use a space heater in the room to keep it close to 75-80 degrees so baby is comfortable. Keep that in mind when choosing other family members outfits. I usually take the family photos on a neutral background, either white, beige, light wood, or dark wood. If you have a preference, let me know ahead of time.
  
• If you are wanting any certain color schemes or themes for your newborn photos, let me know! You are welcome to bring any props you have, or a baby blanket to include. Some parents will bring sports memorabilia if they like a certain team. If you have a certain hobby you enjoy, you can bring props that represent it. If nothing comes to mind, don’t worry about it! I have lots of props, swaddles, blankets, baskets, and backgrounds to choose from. Let me know some colors you like and I’ll have that ready for our session.

The Morning of Your Session

• Babies are easiest to pose when they are sleepy and well-fed. I suggest feeding your baby as the last thing before loading them up in the car to come to your session.
  
• Before feeding your baby, there are some other things you can do to help make baby stay sleepy at your session. You can give them a warm bath, or even just wash their head and hair before your session.
  
• When getting them dressed, dress them in a zip up sleeper, so we don’t have to take any clothing over their head when they get here. This will make it less likely that we wake them up.
  
• While one parent is feeding the baby, the other can make sure every other family member is dressed and get the car loaded with any props you want to use, as well as the diaper bag/extra milk/pacifier.
  
• It is very helpful to bring a pacifier to your session. Even if you haven’t introduced one to your baby yet, we can use it for just a few seconds to help settle baby. This little bit of pacifier use at the session shouldn’t disrupt your baby’s ability to breastfeed.
  
• Be prepared to feed baby if they get fussy during the session. Bottles of pumped milk or formula make it easier to get baby easily posed and keep your session shorter, but you are welcome to breastfeed as well.
  
• Taking your new baby out for their newborn session will probably be one of your first trips out of the house with them, so I know it can be a bit hectic. If you wind up having any last minute questions for me, or are running a bit late, you can text me at 573-864-7116.