The best tips to prepare for your newborn session.

You have a new baby and you’re ready to take the time to plan for your newborn session, but where to begin?

I’ve got you on this one-here are some tips to answer all of your questions and help you prepare for a relaxing and meaningful session.

What should we wear for our newborn session?

My best advice is to wear what you feel comfortable in.  We are going for an in-home cozy vibe so comfortable clothing goes hand in hand.

A few things to keep in mind, we want the focus to be on your baby, your faces and the connection.  So, forgo the bright colors and patterns as they tend to draw attention away from what we want to focus on the most, which is your family.

Neutral colors are flattering and they work well while holding your newborn.

Consider removing your watch.  Just a thought. I find that a watch can be a bit distracting against the tiny newborn.

Make sure to choose a shirt or dress that doesn’t slip down and show your bra or bra strap when you hold your baby. You’ll grow tired of adjusting for every shot.

Mama, if you feel comfortable changing at the end into a black tank top, we can do a few shots of just you and your baby.  I love the look of baby skin up against the black top and your bare arm.

When it comes to in home sessions, bare feet are my jam.  They add to the casual cozy feel we’re going for. If you’re comfortable with it, take those sock off!

What should the baby wear for the newborn photo session?

 This is easy.  Keep it simple.  A basic onesie with short sleeves, it can be white or a neutral color, if you prefer. This allows us to see the tiny fingers and toes with ease.

Have a cute swaddle or cozy blanket handy to wrap the baby in or to lay the baby on for the solo shots.

A little beanie can be a fun look as well.

And my favorite look-just a diaper.  There’s nothing like a new baby and their beautiful skin.

Avoid any kind of bulky clothes as they tend to bunch up. Headbands although cute, tend to slide down and leave marks on the head. If you want to do a headband, save those shots for the end.

Whatever you choose, just know that we can change it up as we go.

What should the siblings wear for the newborn photo session?

Choose muted and soft color tones that compliement what you and the baby are wearing.

Stay away from bright colors, they will cast color onto the faces. Don’t wear large patterns and logos. We want the focus to be on the people, not an article of clothing.

Don’t choose bulky clothes, it might make it hard for them to hold the baby and it just adds extra bulk.

If your daughter wears a dress, don’t forget the diaper cover, tights or shorts. There will be lots of cuddling and you don’t want underwear showing.

Where should we take the photos for our newborn session?

Don’t worry about this part, you can leave this up to me. I will be looking for the best light. I’m not talking about inside lights.  In fact we will be turning off the lights.  I am talking about window light.  

When I get to your home we will walk around together and decided on the best room or rooms.  Some homes have many good options whereas some only have one room to work with.  It doesn’t matter the size of the home, I have done many sessions in small homes and large homes, no matter what, we’ll make it work. Good light is the key piece we are looking for. 

And you may be surprised at how many newborn shoots I have done all in one room with the light of only one window.

Typical places to do the session- The livingroom, baby’s room and the primary bederoom.

Can we include our pet in the newborn session?

Of course! We may not want the pet in all the shots, but we most certainly can include them. The nice part is that we can easily put them in the other room when we are done.

How to prepare your home for your newborn session

Don’t feel like you have to have a perfectly clean home.  You just had a baby, trust me I remember how that felt!  But there a few things to consider. 

Remove any clutter from night stands, coffee tables the floor etc. 

If you have patterned bedding consider putting a light colored neutral blanket over it.  Another option is to just use the sheets.  This goes back to keeping the focus on the people, not the surroundings.

Open up the blinds and curtains-Let the light come in

How to prepare yourselves for a newborn session

A few final thoughts- Make sure your baby is fed and changed before I get there. Have the baby in the outfit that he or she will be wearing. If your house is on the chilly side consider turning up the heat to keep the baby comfortable.

Even with the preparations I know that we will be working on newborn time.  No worries if we need to take time for a feeding, a new diaper, or extra cuddles.  I have had 5 babies, I remember what it feels like to have a newborn.

And last but certainly not least, relax. I am going to guide and direct you the whole way through.

  I want this to be a calm experience, so let go of expectations and we’ll just let it unfold.

I promise we’ll get some lovely images of this magical time in your lives.

How to prepare your older children for a newborn session

Make sure the kids are fed and not rushed. Keep the morning low key. Tell them that a really nice photograher is going to come over to take some pictures of the family. Tell them that it is going to be fun. Tell them that they can show me their toys.

Don’t set high expectations on them. Be okay with it if they don’t want to particiapate at first. Kids come around.

Act like everthing they are doing is the cutest thing. Don’t discipline them or tell them to look at the camera. Instead have fun with them.

I will give them a lot of attention so that they feel special and I’ll do things to keep them involved.

And no worries if they need a break or a snack. Thats the joy of an in-home session. Everthing you might need it right there.