Top Tips for a Successful Newborn Photography Session

Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of the most joyous life occasions, and capturing those precious early moments with professional photography is a wonderful way to preserve these memories forever. As a newborn photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless families, and I’ve learned a few key tips that can help ensure a smooth and successful photoshoot. Here are my top tips for preparing for your newborn photography session:

1. Pre-Book your Photoshoot

Newborns are best photographed within the first three weeks of life, ideally between days 5 and 21. During this time, babies are usually sleepier and more likely to curl up into those adorable poses. Be sure to schedule your session well in advance, preferably during your pregnancy, to secure your spot. This will mean that you are not searching for a prefered photographer that is also available during the right timescale whilst also enjoying the very early days with your brand new baby.

2. Keep Your Baby Comfortable

A comfortable baby is a happy baby. Make sure your baby is well-fed just before the session begins. If you live quite some way from the studio, try to schdule the feed just as you arrive at the studio to try and make sure that babies most content sleep is during the photoshoot time. The studio should be warm to help keep your baby cozy and content, so don’t be surprised if we crank up the heat a bit in the studio. I also recommend that parents dress themselves in layers to ensure their comfort in the studio. It would also be wise to bring an extra top to change into incase of any accidents while holding a naked or semi naked baby.

3. Plan for Breaks

Newborn sessions can take about 2 hours, this is because we often need to take breaks for feeding, changing, and comforting the baby. Patience is key, and it’s important to go with the flow to capture the best moments. Once your baby is happy and sleepy the posing is much easier and a variety of poses can be captured.

4. Dress Your Baby Simply

During the newborn photoshoot you baby tends to be naked and tastefully posed and/or with simple wraps drapped over them. So when getting your baby ready simple is best, avoid outfits, and try to pick something that is very easily removed. Just a sleepsuit without a bodysuit underneath would be ideal (weather dependent). Using blankets to keep your baby snug and warm will hopefully keep your baby stay asleep when removing the outer layers when you arrive at the studio and will be able to go straight into posing.

5. Trust Your Photographer

As an experienced newborn photographer, we know how to handle and pose your baby safely. Trust us to guide the session, and please don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as planned. We’re here to capture the beauty of your baby, no matter what. White noise will be playing as background noise to disguise sudden noises or movements. Sometimes we have to go with the baby’s mood and temperament on the day, which could dictate the poses that are possible to achieve. Please don’t worry if this happens, and try to go with the flow, afterall the final gallery of images will still blow your mind with adorableness of your little one. Sometimes the order of capturing poses and setups might seem not to your preference, but these are done in a certain way to ensure you have many images in your gallery of a content baby, which also allows your baby to fall into an even deeper sleep meaning trickier poses may be more likely towards the end of the session.

6. Relax and Enjoy the Moment

Lastly, remember to relax and enjoy this special time. Your baby will only be this tiny once, and these photos will be cherished keepsakes for years to come. We’re here to make the experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for you and your family. I generally don’t require any help at soothing the baby and posing, but will definately be aware of your babies needs and hand them back for feeding or special mum/dad cuddles if needed. This is because often the baby will be soothed or settled in a specific position that will then make them easier to pose when placed down, meaning less disruption and then additional soothing is required.