Hooray, you’re pregnant! Now it is time to get ready for your newborn session. Newborn shoots are one of the longest lasting sessions of all the photo shoots that I do. They normally last 2-3 hours. Don’t let this scare you! Below are some helpful tips on getting ready for your newborn shoot!
1. Let me know once your little one has arrived. Just send me an email before you head home from the hospital. The sooner that you let the photographer know, the sooner you will be able to plan a time for your pictures. Newborn pictures are best done within the first two weeks of birth. This is when newborns are more sleepy and “womb-like”. They will cooperate better for pictures and poses, and plus they will be super tiny and cute!
2. Don’t stress about having props for your newborn session. I will come fully equipped with swaddle wraps, blankets, bows, and hats! If there is anything speck that you want, feel free to have it for your session. If you are having a little girl, there is an endless amount of cute bows and hats that are perfect to use during newborn shoots that you can find on websites like www.etsy.com. Props are definitely not a MUST, but they can be cute when used sparingly and appropriately. We can use any of my props or the props you have, but remember- your little one will be the main focus of the photos, so we don’t want anything that will be too distracting or “trendy”. You want to look back at these photos when your little one is a senior in high school and not be like, “What were we thinking putting that on our newborn baby!” Simple is timeless… and that is always what I strive for. Family heirloom items can also be a great thing to use in pictures!
3. How to get your house ready for your session: Gather all of your blankets/props and have them out and ready. Turn the heat up a little bit in the house so it is nice and warm. Tidy up the baby’s nursery and your bedroom for the lifestyle/candid photos {or wherever you may want pictures to be taken}. Make sure and have plenty of spit-up rags and diapers/wipes handy- because there will be messes!
4. Right before I arrive, have your little one down to a diaper/blanket and feed them so that hopefully they will be asleep when I get there.
5. When I first arrive to your house {all newborn shoots are done at the home of the newborn} I will find a place with a lot of natural light. This is where we will do the newborn posed photos. Depending on whether your wee one has fallen asleep yet, we will either do the lifestyle shots or the newborn poses {see #6}.
6. I normally have 2 parts to my newborn shoots: There is the lifestyle portion when you get to snuggle with your little one wherever you feel most comfortable and I get to capture those precious moments. The other portion is the posed newborn shots. During this part you can just sit back and relax, your little one is in good hands! I will bring all of my newborn swaddle wraps, blankets, baskets, and other props.
7. Just relax! This is the best advice I can give for your newborn shoot. Wear something comfortable (make sure that is doesn’t have too many crazy patterns/designs, we want the focus to be on your new little one). Lighter colors on mom and dad look great in newborn sessions. Try not to wear shorts or low cut shirts, which can be distracting during the up-close shots with your new baby. You and your sweet baby will do great; you are already a rockstar for bringing this little one into the world. Seriously, I think that anyone that gives birth deserves a gold medal!
