Newborn
Congratulations on welcoming your newest addition to your family! I am so excited to document such a precious new chapter in your life!
Here is my guide to creating the best experience possible for your shoot and some of my pro-tips for planning the day.
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How to plan your newborn shoot and prep your space
Ideally, we'll schedule your newborn family session when your baby and other children are happiest and most relaxed, and when the natural light in your home is at its most flattering. The best time for this is typically between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., or again from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. With this in mind, please take a moment to prepare the areas of your home that get the best natural light—usually spaces like the living room, bedroom, and nursery—by tidying up and minimizing clutter. This will allow us to capture those precious moments in the best possible light.
If your shoot takes place at a different location, we will still consider the timing that aligns with your baby and children's natural rhythms to ensure we catch them at their happiest.
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Prep your kiddos for your shoot
My goal for your shoot is to authentically capture your family while also making the process fun for everyone.
Photo sessions can be a lot for both young children and newborns, so I’d love to offer some helpful tips to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
For newborns, it’s best to feed and burp them shortly before I arrive, so they’re calm, full, and content. I recommend waiting to dress them in their photoshoot outfit until I’m there, just in case of any little accidents. And always have a backup outfit on hand, just to be safe!
If you have little ones under 7 who will be in the photos, it’s helpful to start preparing them in advance. You can say things like, “Tomorrow we’re going to take photos with Paris—it’s going to be so much fun!” Practice some smiles and poses with them beforehand so they’ll feel ready to shine when it’s time for the shoot. And, of course, consider offering a small reward once the session is over—something like ice cream, a trip to the park, or a favorite activity. This gives them something to look forward to and can also serve as a great reminder during the shoot if they need a little extra motivation.
It’s also helpful to minimize distractions. Be sure to put away toys or anything that might capture their attention and pull them away from the shoot. If needed, you can remove toys from the room we’re in or hide them until after the session to keep them fully engaged.
Throughout the session, I like to keep things fun with playtime and lighthearted prompts, but it’s always helpful to have a little extra incentive on hand just in case they need that extra nudge. With a little prep, we’ll make sure everyone has a wonderful time!
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Have some tools on hand to help keep things calm and looking good
To help make your shoot as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here are a few things to consider having on hand:
Sound machine – A sound machine can help create a calm, soothing environment for your baby, especially if they’re a bit fussy.
Neutral-colored swaddle blanket – A soft, neutral-colored swaddle helps keep your baby comfortable while adding a simple, timeless touch to their photos.
Floor heater – If it’s a cooler day, a portable floor heater will keep your baby warm and comfortable while we take photos.
Neutral-colored backdrop blanket – Think whites, tans, or soft creams. This will serve as a simple and elegant backdrop for your baby’s solo shots.
Boppy nursing pillow – This is great for posing your baby comfortably. If you don’t have one, no worries—I’ll bring mine!
Your baby’s (or kiddos’) favorite toy – A familiar toy can be a great way to catch your little one’s attention and get those cute, engaged expressions.
Having these tools on hand will help ensure that your session is relaxed, enjoyable, and full of beautiful moments!
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Don’t wear clothes that are too busy or too hard move in.
To achieve the most candid and natural look in your photos, we’ll incorporate some movement into the session. Keep this in mind when choosing outfits, especially for little ones.
Consider selecting colors that complement the surroundings of your shoot and coordinate well with each other. I recommend coordinating outfits rather than matching them exactly. Start with one person’s outfit and build the others around it. Neutral tones like white, beige, and soft tans tend to photograph beautifully in any setting and create a timeless, harmonious look. But don’t be afraid of a pop of color if thats more your style!
Dress comfy and cute.
Avoid busy patterns and big logos. Small patterns are okay but try to avoid more than one person wearing patterns. It’s also helpful to think about how the photos will look when displayed in your home. What colors would complement your space best?
You can bring one to two outfits, but anything more tends to be too much. If you bring two outfits, I suggest bringing one casual outfit and one dressier outfit.
Keep it simple.
Ultimately, I want you to look good, feel like yourself, and be comfortable in whatever you choose to wear.
I hope this makes you feel more comfortable before stepping in front of my lens!
If you still have questions please feel free to shoot me an email, I am happy to help you and guide you more on this process!
