Newborn photo sessions can be, at the very least, unpredictable for both the parents and the photographer alike. Every photography professional has a somewhat unique approach to newborn photography, but the general rule of thumb(s up) is aspiring to minimize the stress and the hassle that comes with the territory. That can be done by ensuring you know all the facts and what to expect in advance, which goes hand in hand with our customer oriented work policy.

When would be the best time to schedule a newborn photo-shoot?

There are many different approaches to this question, and while this certainly isn’t set in stone, the best time to schedule a session would be when the baby is between 5 days and 2 weeks old. This time-frame has proven to be the best solution, as the baby is most likely to stay asleep longer, and curl up in an adorable pose, similar to that when the baby was still in the womb.

Parents are strongly encouraged to give the photographer a 15-20 minute call, usually dubbed “pre-session consultation”, 1-2 weeks before the actual photo-shoot. This will allow the photographer to better understand the details that parents find important, and in the end, get the best shots and the absolute maximum from the photo session. It’s usually the best practice to schedule a photo session a week after the baby is due.

Main things to look out for when preparing for a newborn photoshoot

One of the firs things you’ll need to decide is whether you’re more inclined to do a lifestyle or posed photoshoot. Posed or studio photo-shoot usually requires a bit more time to do (up to 4 hours), and rely heavily on post editing process to get the best results.

On the other hand, lifestyle photo shoots last for about 1-2 hours, and rely more on the “magic” of the moment. It’s is important to underline the fact, that this kind of photo-shoot is also more amicable for babies that are more than 2 weeks old (up to 5-6 weeks).

Another difference between the two depends on who else is going to be in the pictures. Parents are strongly encouraged to include siblings in the photo-shoot, as well as themselves.

Props and costumes are more than welcome, but be wary of diminishing the focus, which should heavily be on the baby. Some of the possible props you should consider using are a newborn beanbag, a nursing pillow, baby blanket, baby’s favorite toy, a family heirloom, a cradle or a basket and a tiny hat or a headband that will look adorable on your newborn.

In addition to the above-mentioned, it’s always a good idea to have a few select baby outfits, both for the photo-shoot itself and if the baby needs a change of clothes. And, speaking of clothes, don’t forget to choose an outfit for yourself or anyone who’s going to be in the photoshoot. We strongly encourage wearing something nice and elegant, but be mindful of bright, colorful clothing, as black or dark colors work best with the newborn shots.

What should I avoid?

In order to get the best pictures, as well as ensure the safety and well-being of the baby, you should do a few things to prepare:

• Remove any jewelry, including bracelets, rings, earrings and necklaces
• Make sure that your nails are smooth, and if you’re using a nail polish, it should be clear or neutral color

In addition to these measures, be sure to keep your baby warm and comfortable. Work the photo session around the needs of the baby, so if the baby is hungry, don’t delay the feeding.

At the very last, try not to stress if the photo session doesn’t exactly go or start off as you initially planned. Because you’re dealing with a newborn it’s a fairly safe assumption that at some point, it might get messy or loud, but the important thing is to remain calm, and enjoy the magical experience of capturing the joy and happiness only a newborn could bring in your life.