How to prepare for a newborn session

How to prepare for a Newborn Session

 

Your newest addition will be here before you know it! You are crossing off all of your ‘to-do’s’ before their arrival, including setting up the nursery, finalizing your birthing plan, and scheduling your Michigan newborn photography portraits with your favorite photographer. 
But what’s next? so many clients reach out with the question of “how do I prepare for a newborn photo session? When do I come into the studio? What do I need to bring with me?” 
Which is why I’ve compiled a list of tips on how to best prepare for your newborn photo session.

What should I expect before my newborn session?
Before booking your photographer make sure to discuss your vision and what you’re hoping to get out of your session. I have a consultation with every client to go over session details and expectations, wardrobe, posing, safety, and more.
You may see some newborn poses you’d like recreated for your own session, keep in every newborn is different and have their own personality. As a photographer it is my job to keep baby comfortable and safe, this sometimes means we will have to skip certain poses if that means that it is best for baby. 
My studio is filled with everything needed for baby’s session including bows, bonnets, props, outfits, wraps, etc. which we touch base on during your consultation

When should I book my newborn session? 
I highly recommend getting on the calendar sooner than later, I typically tell clients to book 3-6 months before their due date. This ensures availability for your session and gives time to prepare for your session.

When do I bring my newborn in for photos?
So you’ve booked your session and wondering when to bring baby in? Yay! I am so excited to work with your family and capture these sweet little details and memories. Once baby arrives, I ask that you contact me to confirm a date and time for your session. Newborn portraits are typically done within 5-14 days after birth. This is when babies tend to be sleepiest and comfortable for them to get into those squishy poses we all love.
Is your 3 or 4 week old too old for newborn portraits? No! If you missed that 2 week window it doesn’t mean you are out of luck. Talk with your photographer about your newborn session for older babies, often times we can still get you into the studio and get some gorgeous portraits of your new addition. 

What should I wear for my newborn photo session?
When arriving to the studio I recommend wearing layers, and bringing a change of clothing for family portraits. I typically keep the studio between 75-80 degrees during the newborn portion of the session to keep baby warm and comfortable.
When choosing outfits for your portraits I recommend natural, neutral, and muted tones in different textures. These always photograph beautifully. I don’t suggest heavy patterns or bright colors as these take away from the overall aesthetic and feel. 
Shoes or no shoes? When picking shoes, I recommend neutral colored closed toe shoes. Bright colored tennishoes, crocs, and flip flops tend to stand out in the way we don’t want. When in doubt, barefoot is always a great option for your portraits!
I understand choosing wardrobe for your session can be stressful, and it’s probably the last thing you want to think about after delivery a baby. This is why I have a style guide to help. Enter code WILDSTYLE and fill out the short questionairre to see a variety of coordinating outfit options. I also offer high end wardrobe for moms, girls to size 8, and boys to size 4. We can go over wardrobe options during our consultation. My goal is for your session to be as stress free as possible.

What time will my newborn photoshoot be?
I find that baby’s tend to be sleepiest mid morning, I typically start sessions around 10:30am after baby is fed. When booking your photographer make sure to touch base on timeline of your photo session. Newborn sessions can last up to 3 hours and may interfere with sibling naps. Some of my clients choose to have dad bring siblings toward the end of the session so that they do not have to wait in the studio the entire time. 

What do I need to bring for my session?
When booking your portrait session, check to see what the studio might have available. My luxury studio is stocked with snacks and beverages including water, tea, coffee, and soda. I provide everything needed for baby and even have diapers and wipes on hand if needed. The client vanity is stocked with qtips, hair brushes, and a blow dryer. I offer a variety of high end wardrobe with my client closet. My goal is for you to step into the studio and RELAX. 

A few things to consider bringing with you for your newborn session:
* I do have some toys available, but if siblings are joining it sometimes helps having a tablet or other form of entertainment 
* For moms using my client wardrobe, I recommend dressing in nude and strapless undergarments. I also recommend the family dresses in layers and the studio does get very warm 
* Formula or breastmilk for baby – I typically ask that you feed baby as soon as you arrive at the studio, sometimes newborns will want to snack throughout the session so I recommend bringing enough for a couple full feedings.
* Pacifier for baby -I understand that many mothers are trying to avoid a pacifier during this critical time of learning to breastfeed. But I hope you’ll consider that pacifiers are so useful in soothing fussy babies back to sleep during the 3 hours we’re together
What are some helpful tips to do before my newborn session?
My biggest ask is to keep baby awake before your newborn session. I know this is hard, so all I ask is that you try your best. Some tricks to keep your baby awake are giving the baby a bath, getting baby naked, tickling baby’s feet, and lightly wetting baby’s feet. We will get amazing images if your baby sleeps through the session.
If you have any questions about your newborn session or the process don’t hesitate to reach out to your photographer. I am happy to help answer any questions you may have! Check out my full newborn prep guide for a full list on what to do before your session. Check out my NEWBORN GALLERY for more