What to expect at a Newborn Photo Session
Congratulations!!! Your little one has arrived (or will be arriving very soon(, and you are feeling exhausted and elated at the same time. You thought you were prepared but you may now feel like everything is not what you had imagined. This can be a big change for you and your family and although you are excited about getting some photos of your baby, you aren’t feeling as energized and organized as you thought. Here are a few tips to help make it easier for you.
If you are reading this ahead of time relax, pour yourself a cup of your favourite beverage and take a few deep breaths. You may have had to work right up to your due date, and you may not have taken any time to slow down and coast. Sip and think about what you want for your baby photos. Do you want a lifestyle session at your home or do you want a few classic poses in a studio? Whatever you decide, it’s a good idea to communicate your expectations with your photographer ahead of time. Visit their website or Instagram feed and choose some of the poses or idea you gravitate to. Ask your photographer about their available colours and props.
You can also bring along some of your own outfits or special items you want to be included. If you are using ideas from Pinterest or other photographers’ work, keep in mind that your photographer will still modify and bring their own creativity and style to your photos.
Only feed you baby at their time to be fed. If you are feeding on demand and they need to be fed before you leave, then allow time for that. They may need to be fed as soon as you arrive at the session., and that’s okay too. Keeping you baby on its own feeding schedule will keep them more content and your session will be less stressful. All baby photographers allow for feedings during their photo shoots. That is just how it rolls with newborn babies!
If you are bottle feeding your time at a studio will likelybe btween 2 and 3 hours depending on the photographer. Breast feed babies feed frequently, so be prepared for a longer photo shoot. If your partner or children are planning on bei in some photos, check with your ohtographer, as some prefer the other to arrive and do pics with them first and then they can leave. Others prefer to do the photos of you and baby and then have the others join towards the end of the session.
Dress in layers as the studio will be keep extra warm for baby! You will get very warm.
Bring a water bottle and snack in case your photographer doesn’t provide them.
Bring extra onesies, receiving blanket, diapers and bottles, soothers etc.
Keep your clothing simple. a solid colour is best and lighter colours like cream, whites or beiges are usually more suitable next to newborn babies.
Remember to relax and enjoy the time with your baby. It can be fun to chat with your photographer and jsut focus on your new infant. Don’t feel like your baby has to be perfect adn not fuss or cry. Never apologize for that. Your photographer is a professional and knows this is all a part of being a newborn photographer. You will not be judged. This is your time to revel in the fascinating little miracle that is yours!
