Capturing the Magic: A Guide to Preparing for Your Newborn Photography Session
A blog post full of tips and quidelines, to help new parents prepare for their newborn photography session in my studio. Including how to plan the session, what to do on the day before arriving and what to expect once the session is underway.
As a new parent, preparing for a newborn photography session can be overwhelming. However, with a little planning and preparation, your session can be a stress-free and enjoyable experience. In this post, I’ll go over some tips and guidelines to help you get ready for your upcoming newborn session.
Plan Your Session Accordingly
Prior to your session we will take time to discuss your vision, including style, colours, preferred setups and poses. Each session is completely customised to your tastes, this way I can ensure that you’ll have a gallery of images that you’ll fall in love with and beautiful artwork to display in your home.
Let me know ahead of time if you, or siblings, plan on being photographed with your newborn. This will allow me to plan your session accordingly. I ask that young children be brought to the session at the beginning, as they may become restless and need to go off with a parent/grandparent after this. Alternatively, they are welcome to stay in my play room to colour, play with the copious amounts of toys, or entertain themselves in their own quiet space.
Prepare Ahead of Time
I understand that leaving the house with a newborn can be a daunting task. To make things easier, try to pack everything you need the night before. This will ensure that you don’t have to rush before your session. Additionally, make sure you’re familiar with the studios location as sat-nav isn’t always reliable. While parking directly outside the studio is advisable, it can often be busy on week days. Therefore, I suggest using the space in front of the green metal fencing, which is also free and not time-restricted.
Keep Baby Awake Before the Session
To help your newborn sleep soundly once you’ve arrived, it’s a good idea to keep them awake in the hour leading up to the session. You can do this by changing their nappy, bathing them, or letting them kick about on a playmat. This will tire them out and ensure that they are ready to be fed and have a nice big, deep sleep.
Feed Baby Before the Session
Newborns sleep best with a nice full, settled tummy. Therefore, it’s best to feed your baby before you leave the house if you live less than 20 minutes away. If you’re traveling from further afield, please feed your baby at the studio on arrival. I recommend dressing your baby in a babygrow with no vest, so that I can transition from car seat/carrier to naked as easily as possible.
Bring Essential Items
Make sure to bring along two bottles (if bottle-fed), nappies, wipes, and a dummy, even if they don’t usually have one. While any routine may go out of the window during the session, having these items on hand will help keep your baby comfortable and settled. I provide everything else we will need for your baby, all you need to do is arrive at my warm cosy studio and I'll take care of the rest.
The studio has toilets and a kitchen where you can make yourselves a tea or coffee, there’s also a microwave and fridge if needed. Sometimes I even have biscuits in too!
Safety is a Top Priority
With the poses I do, a sleeping baby is required. While this may take some patience, your baby’s safety and comfort is the most important thing to me. I will never place your baby in an unsafe position just to get a pose, and I’ll never force a pose that your baby is not in the mood to do.
As soon as your baby falls asleep, I will ask that you allow me to take over. I have gained invaluable experience over the years and attended numerous training workshops with some of the best teachers in the UK, so you can be certain that your baby is in the safest of hands.
As an extra peace of mind, I am a fully insured photographer with an enhanced check DBS.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a newborn photography session doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure that your session is an enjoyable experience for you all. Remember, your baby’s safety and comfort are my top priorities, but I also want you to come away from the session with images you will cherish forever.