6 things you need to know before you book your newborn photo shoot.
Bringing a new baby into the world is a very special and busy occasion. Between the hospital appointments and getting your home, car, and everything else ready it all might feel a little overwhelming, and you might take a back seat on organising a newborn shoot.
However, capturing those early days through photography is a beautiful way to preserve those precious memories. Your newborn session is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture your baby’s tiny features and the joy your family is experiencing.
With a bit of planning and research, a newborn photoshoot might be the first time you’ll be able to relax and appreciate your new baby as you watch him or her being photographed.
To help you navigate the world of newborn photography and ensure a seamless and memorable experience, I’ve put together a short guide for expecting parents:
1. Research the right style for you
Take some time to think about the style you want for your baby’s session. Do you prefer classic, posed shots, or are you more inclined towards lifestyle and candid photography?
Instagram and Pinterest are usually the best place to start. You’ll be exposed to a bunch of different ideas and probably find your favourite photographers on one of these platforms.
It’s always a good idea to think about the use of props and colours. If you prefer a more neutral look, best not to go with a photographer whose work is based in colourful palettes and vice versa. Or if you like props, make sure your photographer has prop shots on their portfolio.
The idea here is to create a short list of your ideal photographer and go from there.
2. Get in touch
Once you have your short list ready, make sure you contact the photographers in advance and ask all the questions you might have. Newborn photographers can only take a very limited number of bookings per month, so they tend to be booked up well in advance of the due dates.
At this point you’ll be able to find out a bit more about how the photographer works (ie. Do they do home or studio sessions? Do they include photos with parents and siblings? How long will the session last? What type of printed products do they offer? What’s included in the packages? etc.).
Every professional has their own way of conducting a photo shoot and presenting their work at the end of the process so it’s always good to understand all of these in advance.
However, the most important part of this initial contact is to find out if your photographer has the right training in newborn photography. Which is my next point…
3. Safety First
Although very popular around the world, newborn photography is still not regulated and anyone with a camera could start doing it as a profession so safety is paramount when it comes to finding the perfect photographer for your baby’s session.
Don’t let this news take you aback on your journey. There are a few details that can really help you determine the capacity of the photographer:
- experience
- how much training they’ve done
- if they were recommended by a friend/family member
- if they’re members of any professional photography association
- and watching behind the scenes videos of the photographer working (a lot of professionals would have content behind the scenes posted on their social media accounts.)
Choose a photographer with experience in handling and posing infants safely. A seasoned professional will know how to create those enchanting poses while ensuring your baby is comfortable and secure at all times. Not to mention they know how to create a great variety of images in the least amount of time.
4. Book in advance
Now that you have found the perfect photographer for you and you’re all excited about what the final images will look like, don’t forget to book in advance.
Newborn sessions are usually done within the first 2 weeks after baby’s arrival. During this period, babies are sleepier and more likely to curl up in those adorable poses. For that reason, most photographers have their diaries filled way in advance so make sure you get in while you’re still pregnant.
After that, you’re all set. All you need to do is to contact your photographer as soon as your little one arrives to schedule day and time for the newborn session.
5. The Photo Shoot
Your photographer should be able to give you the best instructions on how to get ready for your newborn session, including what to bring and what to wear.
Generally a well-fed and content baby is more likely to cooperate during the session. Feed your baby just before the shoot to ensure they’re calm and sleepy. Bring extra bottles, nappies, and a soother to keep them comfortable throughout the session.
Whether the shoot takes place in a studio or your home, the environment should be warm and comfortable. That means while your newborn will feel cozy and snug, you will probably feel too hot so it’s always a good idea to wear layers during the shoot, as you can remove them to adjust the temperature to your liking.
Talking about clothes.. styling outfits for the photo session can be hard but your photographer should be able to guide you on that.
Generally speaking, neutral colours are the best option to keep the focus of the images on you and on your family, instead of getting distracted with what you’re wearing. That doesn’t mean that you need to go all black or white. Beige, navy and most muted colours are perfect to give a bit of personality to the final shots.
6. What to expect after the newborn shoot
You had your newborn shoot and everything went great, now what? Well, make sure to communicate with your photographer what the waiting time is and how you’ll be able to see your final images.
Each photographer has their own turnaround but usually 2-6 weeks is the average depending on the time of the year. Some studios deliver their images via online gallery and you can choose them at your time, others prefer a more personalised service where they’ll meet you again (via Zoom or in person) to go through the images and products options.
At this point you probably had enough time to think about how you’re going to display your beautiful images in your home. Whether you prefer an heirloom album or gorgeous frames, I highly recommend purchasing professional printed products from your photographer. They’ll be able to offer you the best quality prints, frames and albums that should last you for a lifetime.
Bringing the essence of a newborn’s arrival to life through photography is an exceptional way to cherish the early moments. This guide helps expecting parents with insights on organising a newborn photo shoot, making the process easier.
As the anticipation builds, taking proactive steps to select a photographer, communicate preferences, and plan the session’s style it’s a great way to start. By prioritising safety through a seasoned photographer experienced in handling infants, parents can feel assured that their baby’s comfort remains paramount.
Don’t forget the importance of booking the newborn shoot in advance prior to you baby’s birth. This will optimise the opportunity to capture those cherished, sleepy poses in the first couple of weeks. With practical tips on pre-session preparation, outfit choices, and environment considerations, parents can ensure a relaxing atmosphere for their newborn and themselves.