How to Prepare for a Successful Newborn Photo Session

Newborn photography is something many new parents want to participate in – and for a good reason. There is nothing more beautiful than having a way to capture all those precious moments. In the end, your little one won’t be so little by a blink of an eye!

So you have everything arranged and the date is set – but as the day is coming near, you’re probably realizing that this might not be such an easy task as you’ve imagined. Your little bundle of joy can behave in unpredictable ways – and not all of them are photogenic.

While it’s true that you’ll need some luck for all those dream-like photos you’ve imagined, there are also a few tricks. We’ll give you top 7 tips to prepare for a successful newborn photo session that never fail.

Sure, you’ll love and cherish all photos as they represent your baby, but why not make everything a bit easier for you and your photographer?

Here’s what you can do:

1. Plan in Advance

While you don’t have a lot of time before your little one is too old for a newborn photoshoot, you still need to plan everything in advance.

If you don’t have precise ideas in mind, Google a bit and try to find the best theme for you and your baby. Of course, we don’t have to say how important it is to find the right photographer for a job.

Talk with a photographer and see what kinds of props they have and what would you need to bring. This might be a good way to decide between the two professionals, if you’re having second thoughts.

Also, by planning everything ahead you’ll have enough time to think about all the essentials you need to bring. Not just that, but you can monitor your newborn a bit more closely so you can find a way to ensure they are calm and sleepy when the time arrives.

2. Choose the Right Age and Time

Most parents would prefer having a sleepy baby on their photos. While most babies will sleep most of the time, it seems that they sleep the most when they are between 5 and 14 days old. Anything younger than that might be unsafe, while babies older than two weeks might be a bit grumpier.

Also, we would advise you have the photoshoot in the mornings. This is the time when babies are at their happiest. Still, it’s important to note that not all babies have the same rhythm. Try to find out when your little one is at their calmest.

3. Don’t Let Your Baby Sleep Beforehand

The best way to have a sleepy baby is to prevent them from sleeping for a little while before their photo session. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t let them sleep at all.

Try keeping them awake for about an hour before the photo session. This will increase the chances of having a peaceful, sleepy baby. Not that there is anything wrong with having a grumpy baby, but this is far from fairy-tale-like photos you’re probably expecting.

4. Feed them Right before the Session

Another thing that might cause your newborn to cry is their cravings for milk. Babies are hungry most of the time, and they’ll let you know this the only way they can – by frantically crying.

You don’t want to give your baby a full meal too much in advance. If you do, they might be hungry in a matter of just a few hours.

Similarly, you don’t want to feed them too close to the photoshoot. Ideally, you’d want to feed them about half an hour before the photographer arrives. This is just enough time for the baby to burp and do their business if necessary.

As a result, the baby will be sleepy, full, and happy – just like you want them to be for the photoshoot.

5. Choose the Adequate Clothes

First things first, your baby should be in clean diapers. This goes without saying. However, if your photographer wants them to be naked, remove their onesie right before or after the photographer arrives. You want to do this before your baby falls asleep, so you don’t wake them up right before the shoot.

Also, while we’re certain your little baby girl looks amazing in fuscia colors, most photographers prefer nudes and whites. Shades such as white, cream, or pastels will make sure the focus is on your little one.

Of course, you don’t want your newborn to be cold. Keep them swaddled until the photographer arrives.

6. Bring All the Essentials

While the photographer will likely bring all the essentials for the photoshoot, you need to bring all the baby items with you. Whether that be a bottle of breast milk or a bottle of formula, your newborn will probably want a snack mid-way through.

Bathroom emergencies might always happen, so make sure you have wet wipes and spare diapers, just in case. Don’t worry, most photographers won’t mind. They are used to working with babies.

Finally, if there’s an item you’d like to photograph with your little one, or if they have their favorite blanket or toy, make sure to bring them, as well. This will give photos that personal touch.

7. Make Sure Your Little One Is Warm

Babies love when they are warm! Not only is this healthy for the little ones, but it will help them feel more comfortable – especially if you don’t plan on dressing them up too much for the photoshoot.

The room doesn’t need to be too warm. In general, the preferred temperature should be 72 to 75 degrees. The best way to achieve this is to have a heater with a fan, if possible.

Just make sure to monitor your newborn. Babies can overheat! If they are wrapped or swaddled it’s perfectly fine to turn the heater of.