10 Tips for Parents for a Great Newborn Photo Shoot | Calgary Maternity and Newborn Photographer

10 Tips for the Best Studio Newborn Photos

Newborn photography is amazing and capturing the first precious moments of your babies life is so important. I’ve prepared some helpful tips/suggestions that can help things go smoothly.

  1. Book your session ahead of time - Do your best to research and book with an experienced, professional newborn photographer while you are still pregnant. This way you will avoid the possibility of the photographer being fully booked. Also, the last thing you’ll probably feel like doing with a brand new baby is trying to find a newborn photographer. Look for someone experienced, with a portfolio you love, who takes newborn safety seriously, who you can communicate well with, and who offers exceptional customer service.

  2. Schedule within the first 2 weeks of birth - If possible, schedule your newborn photo session within the first 2 weeks of birth. This is when your baby will be the most sleepy and easiest to work with. Also, this is when babies are the most flexible and easy to curl up into those adorable newborn poses. Newborn photography is definitely possible when the baby is older but it can be a lot more challenging.

  3. Circumcision - If you are planning to have your baby boy circumcised please schedule it after the photo session. If this is not possible allow 4-5 days between the circumcision and newborn photos. The area can be red, swollen, and uncomfortable for the baby immediately after and does not make for a relaxed baby when trying to pose him on his tummy or without a diaper.

  4. Feeding - Your photographer will generally have recommendations for the best feeding schedule for your newborn photo session. Generally, a full baby is a sleepy baby which is what we are hoping for for newborn photos.

    Breastfeeding- avoid spicy food and caffeine for 24 hours before your session. This cuts down on tummy troubles caused by gas. You’ll generally be asked to feed the baby immediately before the session and top up the baby as needed during the session

    Bottle Feeding-Feed the baby prior to the session and bring at least one extra bottle of formula to the session.

  5. Clothing - Dress your baby in an outfit that doesn’t go over the head (choose a button down or zippered onesie instead). This makes it less likely to upset and wake up the baby when he/she arrives at the studio and is being undressed for the photos.

  6. Loose diaper - If you want some naked pictures of the baby, change their diaper before leaving the house and then put a new diaper on loosely. This will prevent red marks on their skin. If the baby will be clothed or wearing a diaper cover this tip can be disregarded.

  7. Soother - If your baby takes a soother please bring it. This helps settle the baby during posing. Even if your baby doesn’t normally take a soother consider bringing/using one just for the session.

  8. Siblings - Newborn photography generally requires a lot of time. Most photographers take anywhere from 2-4 hours for the session. This is usually way too long for siblings to sit though. Most photographers will advise doing the family portion of the session first and then having Dad or another family member take the sibling(s) home. Also, be realistic about what your toddler can handle. If they are having trouble adjusting to the new baby you may not get the “picture perfect” image that you dreamed of. With patience (and possibly some bribes) you will still get a lovely picture documenting this moment.

  9. Parents Wardrobe - Your photographer will likely have suggestions on what to wear depending on their style. In general, choose neutral plain colored shirts without logos. The photographer will have the room warm as this is best for photographing babies so you may want to dress in layers or bring something cool to change into once the family photography portion is finished.

  10. Allow Extra Time and Relax - Don’t book anything after your newborn photography session. If the baby is a bit fussy you may need to stay longer than expected. Try your best to relax. Even if your baby is not “cooperating” try to stay calm as babies are incredibly tuned into their parents emotions. Your photographer will have many techniques to calm fussy babies such as white noise, heat, wrapping/swaddling and will be able to take amazing pictures. If all else fails, and your photographer is not able to obtain a full gallery of images, you may be asked to return another day. Babies can have bad days just like us!

Hope these tips help!  Interested in booking a newborn session?  I'd love to chat to help you book a session or answer any questions.  Contact me!

Too see more newborn photography please click here

Copyright for these photographs belongs solely to Suzie Broadbent. Images may not be copied, downloaded, or used in any way without the express, written permission of the photographer.

You can also check out this article on the Pixpa website for more newborn photography tips:

 Newborn Photography - Creative Ideas and Posing with Props


Source: www.windrushimages.com