21 Feb Tips for Making the Most of your Newborn Photography Session

As a new parent, you know that every moment with your little one is precious. From the first time you hold them in your arms to the moment you hear their first laugh, every milestone is a memory that you’ll cherish forever. That’s why newborn photography is so important. It allows you to capture those fleeting moments and freeze them in time.

But let’s face it, getting that perfect shot of your newborn can be quite a challenge. Between feeding, nappy changes, and endless naps, finding the time and energy to plan and execute a newborn photo session can be overwhelming. That’s where I come in.

In this blog post, I’ll share my top tips for making the most of your newborn photography session. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right time for the session to preparing yourself and your baby for the shoot. We’ll also discuss how to work with your photographer to plan the session, deciding on colours and style for your session, staying relaxed during the shoot, and reviewing and selecting the best photos.

So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive into the wonderful world of newborn photography. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be sure to capture those precious moments with your little one that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Choosing the right time for your Newborn Session

Choosing the right time for your newborn photography session is so important in capturing those precious first moments of your baby’s life. As a new parent, it can be overwhelming to plan for everything, but scheduling your session at the right time can make a big difference in the outcome of your photos.

Firstly, the ideal time for a newborn session is within the first 2-3 weeks of your baby’s life. This is when they’re most sleepy and still have that newborn curl, making it easier for the photographer to pose them for those adorable shots. After this time, babies tend to be more alert and less likely to stay in those sleepy poses.

To ensure your session can take place within this time, I recommend booking ahead of time. During the second trimester is an ideal time to research photographers and secure a booking. Every photographer has their own process, but upon booking I pencil in a date around 2 weeks from your due date. If your baby arrives early or later than their due date (as they quite often do), we alter your booking to suit.

Additionally, I like to photograph babies in the morning as I find that they are usually well-rested and this generally works equally well for young siblings who may tire as the day goes on. 

Ultimately, choosing the right time for your newborn session ensures that your baby is comfortable, happy, and cooperative, resulting in beautiful photos.

Preparing Baby for their Newborn Session

Preparing your baby for a newborn photography session is essential to ensure that everything runs smoothly. A little bit of planning can make all the difference.

Begin by ensuring that your baby is well-rested and fed before the session. A well-fed and well-rested baby is more likely to be cooperative and content during the session, which will make it easier for the photographer to capture those perfect shots. I will ask that you feed baby on arrival to the studio.

It’s also important to dress your baby in comfortable clothing that won’t leave marks on their skin. Opt for loose-fitting outfits that won’t irritate their delicate skin. Avoid clothing that needs to be taken off over baby’s head, button down suits are a great option.

Lastly, make sure to bring any special items that you want to use during the session. This could include a special blanket, teddy or sentimental item that you want to include in your photos.

By preparing your baby for the session, you’ll be able to ensure that they’re comfortable and happy for their newborn photos.

Communicating with your photographer

It is important to communicate with your newborn photographer before your session to ensure that everyone is on the same page. This is your opportunity to discuss your vision for the session and any specific shots or ideas that you have in mind.

By communicating with your photographer, you can also get a better sense of their style and approach, which will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the session. It’s also important to discuss any concerns or questions that you have beforehand, so that you feel fully prepared and informed.

Leading up to my Newborn sessions I email information packs which provide guidance on what to expect during the session, and offer tips on how to best prepare your baby and yourself. 

Open and clear communication with your newborn photographer can help ensure that you have a positive and stress-free experience, and your photos turn out to be everything you imagined and more.

Staying relaxed during your Newborn Session

Babies can pick up on their parents’ energy, so it’s really important to stay relaxed, to make it easier for your little one to settle into their newborn session.

Remember that the session is meant to be enjoyable, and not a source of stress or anxiety. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that your photographer is there to guide you through the process and make it as comfortable as possible.

If you’re calm and at ease, your baby is more likely to be calm and content as well.

Staying relaxed during the session can help you be more present in the moment and enjoy the experience. This is a special time that you’ll want to look back on with fond memories, so try to let go of any stress or worries and focus on enjoying the time with your little one.

Participating in the session

Participating in your baby’s newborn photography session is an important way to capture those precious early moments. It’s a chance to bond with your baby and create beautiful photos that you will cherish for years to come.

One of the most important tips for participating in the session is to be present and engaged with your baby. Your photographer will guide you through the process and provide suggestions for poses and shots, but your baby’s comfort and safety should always be the top priority.

It’s also important to be patient and flexible during the session. Newborns can be unpredictable, so be prepared to take breaks and adjust the session as needed to accommodate your baby’s needs.

Another tip is to wear comfortable clothing and choose clothing colours that compliment the overall style and tones you are aiming for with your photos. This will ensure a cohesive end result, especially when choosing photos to print for your home.

Ultimately, participating in your baby’s newborn photography session is a special opportunity to create memories and capture those early moments with your little one. By being present, patient, and open to the experience, you can help create beautiful photos that you will treasure for a lifetime.

Reviewing and Selecting you photos

After your baby’s newborn photography session, it’s important to take the time to review and select the best photos to preserve those precious memories. These photos will be a reflection of this special time and will be valued for years to come, so it’s important to choose the ones that capture the essence of your little one and your family.

One of the best parts of reviewing and selecting your photos is that it allows you to relive the experience and remember the special moments that were captured during the session. You can choose the photos that best represent your family and your baby’s personality, and create a beautiful album or wall display to enjoy well into the future.

It’s also important to involve your partner or family members in the selection process. This can be a fun way to reminisce about the session and choose the photos that best represent your family dynamic.

Reviewing and selecting the best photos after your baby’s newborn photography session is an important way to preserve those special memories and create a lasting tribute to this magical time in your family’s life. Your photos will be a beautiful reminder of this special moment for you all.

A newborn photography session is a special and fleeting time for your family that deserves to be captured and preserved. By following these tips, you can ensure that you make the most of the experience and create beautiful memories that will be enjoyed by your family and future generations for many years to come.