Preparing for your newborn photo session can feel stressful, but I’m here to help you make it easier. One of the keys to feeling prepared can be prepping for it before baby comes. Those weeks after bringing a new baby into the world are full of transitions. Those transitions can include siblings who are learning how to be the big sister or bother, parents transitioning to caring for a new baby or an additional baby, baby is learning to be in the real world instead of that safe cocoon they’ve been in, sleep (well, we won’t talk about sleep or the lack thereof) and so much more.
If you can prepare for the session before baby arrives, you’ll feel much less stressed for the big day. But don’t worry, if baby is already here and your session is around the corner, you can still do some of these tips!
How to Prepare for your Newborn Photo Session
- Book your photographer and newborn photo session before baby comes. Many people don’t realize that newborn sessions happen in the first 2 to 3 weeks of baby’s life. They think they can book after baby arrives but remember all that transition we talked about? It’s hard to choose and book a photographer during all that transition. Find the photographer that fits your vision and book a couple months before your due date.
- Decide what to wear before baby comes. I know, I know…how do you do that when nothing fits because you are in maternity clothes and you don’t know what will fit after? Check out the photographer’s gallery with family images to get an idea of what works for those family photos. For my family, I like to pick colors first and then I pick my outfit (or several different ones). Based on those outfits you have then you can pick what your family is going to wear. That way, the only thing you have to worry about is which outfit you choose for yourself once baby has arrived.
- Prepare the siblings! I tell my clients to “practice taking pictures just like Miss Tonya is going to take pictures when baby comes.” Have them snuggle a baby doll all wrapped up and then practice your favorite poses from my newborn siblings gallery. It’s so much easier for little ones to come in during that crazy season of transition when they’ve been prepared for the pictures. Often the big sibs will come in SO excited because they know they have been practicing and it’s their time to shine with baby brother/sister.
- Enlist a helper. Decide if you need a helper the day of the session. I’ve had many grandmas or grandpas and even aunties come in the session to help. They will bring the siblings home when the family portion is done so parents can relax and baby can be the center of attention.
- Fill out your questionnaire before the session! I send out a questionnaire filled with questions so I can get an idea of what my clients are drawn to. I also ask them to send their favorite images from my gallery so I can really get an idea of what they love the most.
Preparing for your newborn session doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful. Remember to reach out to your photographer with any questions you have and be in the moment. Leave your anxiety about whether or not siblings are going to cooperate or baby is going to sleep at the door and have confidence that your newborn photo session is going to be amazing!
Check out this SESSION that features beautiful gray tones!
