How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photography Session
Bringing your baby home is such a whirlwind of emotions-love, awe, exhaustion, and a thousand tiny moments you never want to forget. That’s exactly why your newborn session is so special.
It’s a calm, gentle pause in those early days-a chance to soak in just how perfect your new precious bundle is.
Here’s a little guide to help you prepare so your session runs smoothly and beautifully.
Timing Matters
The best time for newborn photography is typically within the first two weeks, when babies are still very sleepy and flexible for those curled-up dreamy poses. Ideally between day’s 5 and 10.
I realise you are very tired and sometimes still in some discomfort or pain in the first few weeks, but if you can manage it, we are much more likely to get the images you want and the session itself will be shorter if baby is still very sleepy.
Don’t worry if your baby is a little older - every baby is unique, and we can still capture stunning and heartfelt images.
Baby Prep
A warm room and a full tummy are the perfect recipe for a sleepy baby.
Before you arrive it’s important to try and keep them awake for a little bit with a little interaction. If your baby has slept soundly for the few hours before the session, they are less likely to stay in a deep sleep we need to achieve those sleepy posed images you seen my website. Of course open eyed shots are still gorgeous, but you can not pose an awake baby.
Clothing for Parents and Siblings Portraits.
Plain clothes and coordinating with family members always photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby. Avoid busy patterns or bright logos. Most importantly, choose something you feel comfortable and relaxed in - these photos are about connection, not perfection.
Trust the Process
Every session flows at your baby’s pace. Some drift off to sleep straight away; others need cuddles and top-ups before settling. That’s perfectly okay-we work around your little one’s needs at all times. If the session has to go over a little bit because baby needed extra feeds and cuddles, then that’s what we’ll do.
Newborn Safety
I’ve photographed hundreds of newborns over the past decade and have been trained in newborn safety, so your baby is in experienced, gentle hands.
Any newborn images that may look like the baby is hanging in a sling or placed on an object are completely safe. These illusions are created in Photoshop, or a parent’s hand is supporting the baby the entire time and carefully edited out afterwards. At no point is a baby ever placed in an unsafe situation
Relax and Enjoy It
Your session is a chance to slow down, breathe, and take in this fleeting stage. Let me take care of everything.
