So, you’ve not been home with your gorgeous new babe for long and the newborn session you’ve booked is fast coming round… what do you need to do to prepare for it? Don’t stress, I’m here to assist you in making the experience a wonderful one.

Have A Consultation With Your Newborn Photographer!

This one sounds simple, but it’s so vital to ensuring your session goes as smoothly as possible. Personally, I love to see inspiration images from my families too, so if there’s anything you’ve seen online/of a photographer’s work, do ask if it’s okay to send it over. During the consultation you should discuss the ideal time to arrive (with a hungry baby, then feed when you arrive), and how long the session should take (around 1.5 - 2 hours).
I have experience with my own boys at newborns, plus over 20 families have trusted me with their gorgeous new babes!

Prepare Outfits

If you are working with a photographer that offers newborn wardrobe as part of the package, ask them for a catalogue of what they have on offer and choose 2-3 of your favourite outfits. These could range from rompers, to simple knitted vests, to bonnets + shorts. Some of the most beautiful newborn photographs I’ve captured are just simply babe wrapped in a white wrap (which I provide!).
If your photographer doesn’t have a wardrobe available, then opt for white/cream/grey simple outfits with no logos or patterns. Similarly, if you and your partner (and any siblings!) will be included, try to compliment each other’s outfits, rather than match them.
I have an outfit inspiration highlight on my Instagram here and a guide on my journal here.

Have Supplies Ready

Whether you’re travelling to a studio, or have opted for an at-home newborn session, ensure you have bottles/boob ready to go, nappies + wipes to hand and some muslins to wipe any milky spillages! In my studio I have nappies and wipes, plus a white noise machine + a little fan heater to keep babe warm.

Consider Any Siblings / Family Members

Usually, newborn sessions are mainly about celebrating your new little human, but it’s lovely to include parents, siblings, pets or even grandparents in towards the end of the session. If you’re including siblings then it may be worth one parent coming to the studio / your home a little later with any older siblings (especially if they are toddlers) OR having snacks, books, favourite toy, iPad available as I usually spend the first 30 minutes with just newborn babe. I’ve learnt that toddlers especially can struggle with the attention being distracted from them already, so making a big fuss of them and giving them responsibilities with their baby brother/sister can help to ease any grumps.

Send Across Example Images

As mentioned above, I LOVE seeing my client’s vision so I can ensure to have everything prepared for the session (or communicate what may not be possible!). You can use Instagram or Pinterest and just screenshot images you love :)

Think About How You’ll Showcase Images

I adore seeing client’s memories in print and I work with 2-3 incredibly high quality and UK based suppliers to offer a range of products, from canvases, to frames, to fine art albums. Many of my clients order a 30x30” collage frame which includes 9 images. I’m here to help with any recommendations or offer advice!

Hope that eases those worries! Is there a question I haven’t yet answered? Please do post in the comment section below.

If you’re looking for a newborn photographer I offer a free no-obligation consultation call to better explain how I work and what the benefits are of booking with me. Contact me here.

More Helpful Advice Posts