**10 Essential Tips for a Successful Newborn Photography Session**
Investing in a professional newborn photoshoot is an exciting milestone, and selecting the perfect photographer is key to capturing those timeless, classic newborn poses and moments of your baby's early days. With the right planning, your session can go smoothly, ensuring you get beautiful photos to cherish forever. Newborn photography is a specialized art, and there are specific steps you can take to ensure a successful session. Here are the top 10 tips to help you prepare for your newborn photography session:
Keep Your Baby Awake Before the Session
You might be wondering how to keep your newborn awake before a photoshoot. It’s possible! Gently undress your baby down to their diaper (as long as the room isn’t too cold) and engage them by tickling their feet or gently stimulating them. Next, give your baby a bath. It's another great way to tire them out. While they may fuss a bit, this will help ensure your baby is sleepy and ready for posing when you arrive.
Feed Your Baby Before the Session
Make sure your baby is well-fed just before coming to the studio or as soon as you arrive. After a good feeding and some time in the car, your little one will likely be calm and content, making it easier to get those perfect shots.
Dress Your Baby in easy outfits for the Session
We often start with wrapped baby poses so its best to wear a zip-up sleeper so you can undress your baby without pulling a onesie over their head which could wake them up. Avoid tight socks and loosen the diaper to prevent any marks on your baby’s skin during the photos.
4. Timing After Circumcision
If your baby has recently undergone a circumcision, wait at least 5 days before scheduling the photoshoot. It’s important for your little one to be comfortable, and this short delay will help ensure your baby is in the best mood for their session.
5. Consider a Pacifier if Needed
If you’re not using a pacifier, you may want to consider introducing one just for the session if your baby is struggling to settle. It’s a helpful tool to calm them down quickly and shouldn’t interfere with breastfeeding.
6. If you are breast feeding, avoid caffine and gas causing foods. `
If you’re breastfeeding, try to avoid caffeine and gas-causing foods (such as onions, broccoli, and cauliflower) for at least 24 hours before the shoot. This will help prevent any tummy issues for your baby, ensuring they stay comfortable throughout the session.
7. Don’t Forget to Eat
New parents often forget to take care of themselves during a busy newborn session. Remember to eat before the session, as it can last 3 to 4 hours. While I provide drinks at the studio to keep you hydrated, I recommend bringing some snacks or lunch with you to ensure you stay energized throughout the shoot.
8. Prepare for a Warm Studio
Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature as well as older children and adults, so the studio will be kept at a comfortable 76-80°F to ensure your baby is cozy during the session. While the warmth is great for the little one, it can make the room quite warm for parents. I recommend wearing light, layered clothing such as short-sleeves with cardigan that can be removed.
9. Dress for Family Portraits
If you plan to be in the family portraits with your little one, coordinate outfits that are simple and cohesive. Solid-colored tops (white, grey, or neutral tones) work best for these photos and for newborn family portraits, it is okay to match. I like to do a neutral set of outfits and one with everyone in all white with backlighting for that soft angelic glow.
10. Expect your session to take a few hours. All Newborns have their own personalities with likes and dislikes. Getting a beautiful full session can take up to 4 hours. I recommend doing family portraits at the end of the session unless sibling are coming. If siblings are coming to the session, I recommend trusted person if they are not in portraits. The studio is hot and it’s a long time to expect small children to cooperate. If siblings are in portraits, I try and do family portraits first so that they may either leave and go eat with someone, or at least we have them done before they get too tired and do not want to be in the pictures.
There you have it. Follow these tips and you have a successful newborn session. Enjoy this special time, roll with it, and get amazing images!
10. Expect the Session to Take a Few Hours
Each newborn has their own temperament, and we take lots of breaks for feedings and cuddling baby so it’s important to be prepared for a session that can last up to 4 hours. For family portraits, I suggest doing these at the end of the session unless you have older siblings. If siblings are joining the shoot, we would do family portraits first. Sometimes its helpful having a trusted person available to watch them during their downtime (park, drive around the block, pickup snacks, etc) so you can relax. This ensures that the focus stays on your newborn, while siblings are kept happy and engaged.
By following these Top 10 Tips for a Successful Newborn Photoshoot, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable newborn photoshoot experience. Cherish these early moments and enjoy the process—before you know it, you'll have a collection of beautiful images to treasure forever!
Pamela Yool Photography specializes in Classic, Timeless Newborn and Family photos in the Toronto and GTA area.
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