Newborn session prep guide
What you need to know before your little one’s photo shoot
Congratulations on the newest addition to your sweet family! These first few days & weeks are just so magical and it is such an honor to capture your little one during this special time. Here are some tips & tricks I’ve found to be super helpful in preparing for your newborn session so it can be as fun, stress free and enjoyable as possible.
Location, Location, Location!
Newborn sessions take place in my home studio in Deer Park, TX. It’s a custom design private studio which holds everything needed for your bundle of joy and other session types!
When to Get in Touch to Schedule the Session:
Essentially, as soon as you know your due date. Once things settle down, please send me a message before your baby is here so we can get a spot reserved for them!
Sessions take place between newborn and 12 days old. The sooner you can let me know baby has arrived, the sooner we can make sure you have some date options to choose from during that age range.
Work around baby’s schedule. Most newborns are sleepy & content in the day. Depending on the day, sessions can start between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m, and late afternoon’s. Because my weekends fill up with other types of sessions months in advance, it would be best to reserve a spot once you book your maternity session as well..
Let me know if there is a certain set up or prop you would love me to use. Feel free to take a look at my website, Facebook or Instagram account & if you see something you want me to try, shoot me an email so I can have it ready.
On the Day of the Session:
Stimulate & keep baby awake for an hour or so before the session. This helps make baby extra sleepy for the session & when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing & going from one set to another easier. A warm bath is a great way to do this as well as talking & interacting with baby while keeping he or she in just their diaper.
Feed baby right before the session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. Be sure to bring plenty of bottles/formula to feed baby during any breaks if needed.
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. Once you arrive, I’ll turn the A/C and fans off for the baby. Baby’s like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), helps baby stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks if you think you’ll get hot.
When baby needs a break, we’ll take a break. Don’t stress if baby gets fussy. 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. It’s hard work looking that cute.
CHECK LIST!
Diapers
Wipes
Pacifier
Bottle or formula
Extra clothes for baby
Something special you’d like for baby to take their pictures with. For example outfit, wedding rings, ultrasound picture, etc…