Preparing For A Newborn Baby Photography Session

March 29, 2022

by Virginie Jarmon

Booking and Timings

After the birth of your baby, it’s a very joyful but also very exhausting time of your life. And events take over. So I recommend that you do your research and book your newborn session during a quiet time of your pregnancy. It’s not a concern that you do not know your baby’s birth date with any certainty at this stage (the exception is elective cesarean births, of course). I am thrilled to accept an advanced temporary booking, knowing that the date might shift nearer the time.

In capturing the classic sleepy, curled up, and scrunchy newborn photos, the sweet spot for the photography session is 4 – 10 days after the birth. It is still attainable to achieve adorable baby photos with a “newborn feel” for up to 3 weeks, but many babies start to learn stretching capabilities after ten days!

Pre-Consultation and Planning

Again, try to speak to me about the session before the birth. I appreciate knowing what style of photography the parents love the most and their general anticipations about outcomes. Also, speak to your partner about whether, for example, you would like creative “skin on skin” shots with your baby (it’s best if you understand each other’s desires and expectations before the day of the shoot).

I have a range of newborn props, but you might want to consider also bringing personal accessories such as a special cuddly toy, blanket, or hairband. You may want to try various outfits, though the baby is likely to be essentially naked (with wraps) for many photos.

Another consideration is whether you want to involve the newborn’s sibling(s) in the session. One possibility is to involve the sibling in the final 20-30 minutes so that the first part of the session allows for low volume when the baby is sleepy.

And finally, if you would like some family portraits, plan your clothes, which should ideally be neutral, comfy, and relatively light (the studio will be warm for the baby’s benefit). Avoid pure blacks/whites and distracting patterns and logos, if possible. Sometimes accidents occur, so bringing a spare outfit for both parents is often sensible!

The Day of the Shoot

Before coming to the studio, loosen up the baby’s nappy to minimize skin marks. You may also gently clean away any flaky skin and eye boogers with a washcloth when you arrive.

The key to a good session is to arrive relaxed and go with the flow (remember they will be lovely photos whatever happens, and I can be flexible with timings). But the photography does work best for newborns if the baby is well fed and in a deep sleep at the beginning. I’ll arrange for a warm and quiet atmosphere in the studio to help with this (remember the plans for the siblings). Without worsening your sleep deprivation, try to arrange things so that the baby is slightly exhausted coming into the studio.

I’ll ask you to work closely with me, trust me, and remain patient.