Newborn Session Prep Guide
Newborn sessions are so sweet. I love documenting this time for my clients. Here are some simple tips, what to expect, and how to prepare.
First off, my goal is to keep newborn sessions as simple and relaxed as possible. The last thing I want to do is wear anyone out! We take our time, and go at the pace of the baby.
If we’re shooting in your home - it does not need to be perfectly clean! I just suggest removing some clutter from nightstands, coffee tables, and near where we might be shooting. We will mostly be shooting in the living room, your bedroom, and the nursery. If your house is "messy", it's just real life, and to be expected!
Having a sleeping baby during the shoot is not necessary at all, but we do want them to be nice and settled. This is far more for you than me. I love settling a fussy baby, and I do NOT expect an infant to be perfectly content. I just want you to be able to relax, and a sleepy/well fed infant will help. It is most important to not allow your infant to be overtired. Please be aware of your feeding/sleep “schedule” when we set a time for your shoot! That way you know what to expect around the time your session starts.
Before we start the shoot, I will just ask that the baby has a clean diaper, and has just been fed. I love capturing breastfeeding photos, if you're a breastfeeding mom. If you do not want that, I completely understand! Just let me know if you want nursing photos. I respect whatever you choose.
For clothing, I have more tips below! For moms, a flowy dress or something cozy is ideal. You want to be comfortable!
For baby - I love simple clothing for newborns. Basic onesies are my favorite, in muted tones: white/cream, olive, blush pink, wine red, mustered yellow, etc. I have a couple outfits I bring just in case they're needed. We'll mostly have the baby in a onesies, naked (with a diaper), and swaddled. For swaddling, I will assist with this. Sometimes your typical swaddle just doesn't work for photos. I will help wrap the baby in a way that will work well for photos. You can help by having your favorite swaddle blankets ready. I have a few of my own, too.
Here is my Pinterest board for more ideas of what to wear! https://www.pinterest.com/briannebellphotography/what-to-wear-newborn-session/
What’s in my client closet?
Rompers, rompers, and more rompers! One pieces are some of my favorites for sessions, because they are simple and no fuss! Sizes are 3 months-18 months
White newborn onesie
LovedBaby kimono onesies - newborn size
Kate Quinn baby bonnets - 0-3 months
Crocheted baby bonnets - newborn
I have a moses basket for newborn + milestone sessions.
Woman’s peach dress
Woman’s white dress
Woman’s burnt orange dress
Toddler 18-24m white dress
Toddler 3T dress
Baby swaddles, floral blankets, and more
For more examples of what is in my client closet, feel free to ask! Also, I always bring onesies, blankets, bonnets, and my Moses basket to every session. If you would like me to bring any of my outfits for toddlers or the adult womens’ dresses, please let me know!
What not to wear
One of the first things I say to clients when they ask me for outfit suggestions is to avoid neon colors! They tend to reflect off the skin, and it's almost impossible to edit out of an image.
Graphic tees/anything with writing.
Too many patterns - I think less is more when it comes to photos! If one person is wearing plaid or heavy patterns, try to keep it just to that one person. Although, I suggest avoiding plaid. It’s a very common choice, and I just think it looks better to not wear plaid for newborn photos. It seems more fitting for outdoor photos, in my opinion! HOWEVER, I have seen plaid work well, it all just depends on the pattern.
No baseball caps! They block the light on your face, and it makes it hard to see you.
Try to limit the amount of blue denim everyone is wearing. I would suggest having no more than one person in denim. Break it up by having some wear dresses, linen, a black denim, etc.
What to wear
Dresses are always a great choice!
Neutrals and earth tones photograph SO beautifully. Linen shirts and dresses are amazing. See my Pinterest board for more ideas on neutral clothing!
Demin pants and a white or neutral colored top.
Button up shirts for men and a dark pair of denim or other pants are always a great option.
More ideas on my Pinterest board! Click here
FAQ’s
“How soon after baby is born do you schedule the shoot?”
I have found that the earlier the session is done the easier it is. Anywhere from 5-10 days old, or within the first two weeks of birth. I have and will always do newborn sessions after 2 weeks old, I just find that the babies are more content when they are under 2 weeks of age.
“Can we get photos with our older children?”
I don’t actually get this question a lot, because if you look at my portfolio you will see that my newborn photos are lifestyle. We always do photos of just baby, each parent with baby, parents together with baby, sibling photos, and the whole family. There is a lot of variety!
“What should we wear? What should the baby wear?”
Great question, and I love helping with outfits! You will read above my outfit suggestions, as well as my dos and don’ts. If you want additional help, please reach out! I WANT to help!
“What if the baby is fussy?”
Clearly we cannot predict if a baby or children will be happy or not during a photo shoot. We take as much time as needed to soothe baby. You take feeding breaks as needed, time to walk around and bounce, and anything else that is needed.
You know your baby best, but when my clients are comfortable, I always like a chance to soothe baby. It is honestly one of my favorite parts! Getting to rock a baby to sleep is the absolute best. Sometimes you just need a moment to breathe and let someone else hold baby.
Basically, we take our time, swaddle or un-swaddle, feed, bounce, sing, etc. Please don’t feel stressed about the “what if”!
