What you need to know before your little baby’s studio photo shoot.
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.
One of the most asked questions I get as a Herndon newborn photographer, is about how to prep baby for a newborn photography session. Almost every family that books me for a newborn session for the first time will ask if I have advice for their session.
Families that book a newborn photography session with me ,here are lots of tips for how to prep baby for a newborn photography session.
Before we get into how to prep baby for a newborn photography session, lets talk about the actual session first. Taking the time to book your session in advance will end up being one of the best things you did for your family. For parents looking for how to prep baby for a newborn photography session, I cannot stress enough the need to book a session in advance. By scheduling your session before baby is here, you can guarantee that the newborn photographer can fit you in for a session.
When to Get in Touch to Schedule the Session:
Essentially, as soon as babe is born. Once things settle down, please send me an email or call (or text whatever method you prefer) to let me know your sweet babe is here so we can get a spot reserved for them in the studio!
Sessions take place between 4 and 20 days old. The sooner you can let me know baby has arrived, the sooner we can make sure you have some date options to choose from during the 4-20 day age range.
Sessions are on weekday mornings.
On the Day of the Session:
I. 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 a great way to do this as well as talking & interacting with baby while keeping he or she in just their diaper.
II. 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 baby to sleep as deeply and as long as possible.
III. I recommend being able to have your older children leave once their photos are finished
I do family & siblings first. Sessions can last anywhere from 2-5 hours which can be a long time for siblings to wait, especially when the studio needs to be somewhat quiet. Have Dad drive separate or Grandma meet at the studio to take siblings.
IV. If you are okay with baby using one, bring a pacifier, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it
Sucking is a soothing mechanism & can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos, even if I have to hold the pacifier for a bit to help.
V. 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.
VI. There is no need to bring anything for baby to wear
I provide all the wraps, headbands, hats, clothes & props. Unless there is something special you want to bring for your newborn’s photos, don’t worry about outfits. If there is something special you want to bring, be sure to let me know so I can work a set around it.
We do provide Mom outfits , Hair and makeup Artist on request and have few sizes siblings outfits available, please ask to check for siblings sizes.
VII. 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 outfits for the family & sibling shots, stick with soft, neutral colors like grey or cream as the dominate colors. This keeps the focus on baby and the family connection.
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 picture on
