Studio Newborn Session Prep Guide

Congratulations on your newborn to your sweet family! It is such an honor to capture your newborn during this special time. Here are some tips & tricks you need to know and prepare for your newborn session so it can be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.


On the Day of the Session:
~Stimulate & keep baby awake for an hour or so before the session. This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session & when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing & going from one set to another easier. 

~Feed baby right before the session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. Also, feeding baby as much as possible in the 12 hours leading up to the session will allow for baby to sleep as deeply and as long as possible.


(In-Studio Sessions) What to bring:
~You shall bring at least two bottles for feeding or supplies for nursing, some diapers & wipes. 

~ If you are okay with baby using one, bring a pacifier, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it. Sucking is a soothing mechanism & can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos, even if I have to hold the pacifier for a bit to help.

~ The studio will be warm. Baby’s like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), helps babe stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks and a change of clothes to change out of if you think you’ll get hot.

~There is no need to bring anything for baby to wear. I provide all the wraps, headbands, hats, clothes & props. Unless there is something special you want to bring for your newborn’s photos, don’t worry about outfits. If there is something special you want to bring, be sure to let me know so I can work a set around it.

~ I recommend being able to have your older children leave once their photos are finished. I do family & siblings first. Sessions can last anywhere from 1.5-3 hours which can be a long time for siblings to wait, especially when the studio needs to be somewhat quiet. Have Dad drive separate or Grandma meet at the studio to take siblings.

~ If baby needs to stop to eat or have their diaper changed, we most definitely will. Most babies need to eat at least once during their session. 


What to Wear:
~ Go simple for family’s wardrobe. When planning your outfits for the family & sibling shots, stick with soft, neutral colors like grey or cream as the dominate colors. This keeps the focus on baby and the family connection.

~ Avoid neon colors. Vibrant, neon colors cast onto skin changing the color and tint of your skin.

~ For siblings, I recommend a classic, timeless outfit. Steer clear of logos and shirts with writing. Those can be distracting in photos as the eye immediately goes to the words or picture on the shirt instead of the sweet sibling moment.

~ I am more than happy to help! If you have any questions or want some inspiration for wardrobe or other help, please contact me. 

~ Sit back & enjoy the session. I want you to have fun watching your new little one’s first photo session. It’s going to be fun & fantastic! I can’t wait to capture your little one's sweet moments. 


For those who booked with our In-Home Newborn Photo Sessions, please read: 
~ We bring backdrops, lighting, baby clothes, and props to photograph newborn images in the style seen in our gallery.

~ We need about 6’ x 8’ of space in your home but please don’t stress if the house is a mess. we can always move furniture around and place it back at the end of the session. 


~On the Day of the Session, stimulate & keep baby awake for an hour or so before the session. This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session & when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing & going from one set to another easier.

~Feed baby right before the session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. Also, feeding baby as much as possible in the 12 hours leading up to the session will allow for baby to sleep as deeply and as long as possible.

~I also recommend keeping your home a bit warmer than normal during our session, especially if you are interested in a few bare skin shots of your newborn. Turn off the AC or crank the heat to about 75-80° a half hour before to ensure baby is warm and snuggly throughout our time together.

~ If you are okay with baby using one, prepare a pacifier, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it. Sucking is a soothing mechanism & can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos, even if I have to hold the pacifier for a bit to help.

~ There is no need to prepare anything for baby to wear. I provide all the wraps, headbands, hats, clothes & props. Unless there is something special you want to it in your newborn’s photos, 

~ If baby needs to stop to eat or have their diaper changed, we most definitely will. Most babies need to eat at least once during their session.