Newborn Photoshoot At Home: How To Prepare Like a Pro
So you’ve booked your newborn photography session and you’re so excited to have beautiful imagery of your family and your brand new baby… but what are you supposed to do before the shoot?! The good news is, you don’t need to do much. Below are the main ideas I share with my newborn clients on how to best prepare for their newborn lifestyle session.
Mom’s clothing:
Figure out your clothing first. I recommend wearing something in which you feel a little polished (no T-shirts with milk spit-up) yet something that is comfortable enough to lie around cuddle your new baby in. Once you’ve figured out your clothing, your partner and any older siblings can be dressed in clothing that compliments what you are wearing. Avoid wearing very brightly colored or reflective tops as they can cast color shadows on baby’s skin (but subdued or darker versions of those colors are just fine). 💁♀️
Baby’s clothing:
Figure out what your baby will wear. Newborns photograph best in light, neutral colors - whites and off-whites, light grays and beiges. Simple graphic patterns on onesies or swaddle blankets can look nice but, avoid baby clothes with any text or large logos. Newborn baby skin is fair and already has a tendency to skew red so we don’t want any bold colors that will create color shadows. 👼
Self-Care:
On the morning of our shoot, take a shower. It might sound obvious but showering can feel like a real indulgence in those first days after baby’s arrival. A nice, hot shower and a reason to put on real clothes can make our session feel like the special event that it is. If you have capacity, give your hands and nails some love. Your hands will likely end up in some of the shots and dry skin or chipped nail polish can be a bit distracting. 🫶
Prepare your house:
This means clear away distracting clutter from the rooms with large windows as that’s where we’ll shoot. The level to which you ready your home should be a reflection of your aesthetic style and personality. That said, at most of my newborn sessions I am helping parents shove diaper boxes and unfolded laundry just out of shot. Please don’t put too much pressure on yourself to make everything look perfect. 😉
Feed Your Baby:
Just before I arrive, give baby a full feed so they are full and happy (at least for part of the shoot). 🍼
And that’s about it. After these steps, you can just be at the shoot, trusting me to capture your family and your new baby with realness and beauty and reverence. If you are expecting a new baby soon (or if you just had a baby), click the button below to learn more about what a newborn lifestyle session might look like for you.