Over the years, I’ve had the joy of working with countless families to photograph the timeless magic of their newborns. In that time, I’ve witnessed firsthand the importance of a well-thought-out session. Given the hectic nature of those early weeks, leaving the comfort of your home for a studio newborn photoshoot can feel a little overwhelming. However, with adequate preparation, you can sidestep potential snags and focus on being in the moment with your little one. Planning the details helps you ensure your session flows smoothly and your photos reflect that natural ease. Below is everything you need to know to have a relaxed effortless experience. Let’s dive right in! 

Location

Working with a lot of families over the years has given me a window into the unique location requirements for a studio newborn photoshoot. Inside my bright and airy studio space, you’ll find cozy seating for relaxing with coffee, tea or sparkling water while I capture your sweet, natural newborn portraits. A changing room stocked with diapers and wipes? Of course. Finally, you’ll find a comfortable dressing room for trying on the postpartum-friendly, gorgeous gowns from my high-end client closet.

Does your newborn has older siblings? They’re welcome to join!  I’ve got toys and a couple of activities to keep them engaged while we take pictures. The studio also has light snacks and refreshments to keep everyone satisfied in the meantime.

Babies can be very unpredictable, so you have to be prepared for anything they may throw at you. Fortunately, while you’re fussing over your newborn, I’m fussing over you. In my studio, you don’t have to worry if your child needs to be fed or needs a clean diaper. Once you arrive at my studio, you will have enough time to make sure both you and the baby are comfortable and relaxed.

Choosing Outfits For A Studio Newborn Photoshoot

One of the usual questions I get from moms preparing for their studio newborn photoshoot is; “what should I wear?”

I understand that picking an outfit might be quite a hassle when you’re trying to feel and look your best in front of the camera. To help you eliminate that pressure, I offer a curated client closet full of beautiful dresses of different styles designed to fit and flatter moms. However, ultimately the ball is in your court, you can come with your own dresses or choose from the studio closet. My job is to make you feel as confident and comfortable as possible.

Removing all the hassle from planning your outfits is one key way you can prepare to make beautiful memories with your newborn. Check out this article on what to wear to a newborn photo session. If you are looking for some places to find outfits, I love Reverie Threads and Colored Organics.

Preparing the Family, aka the Kids, for a Studio Newborn Photoshoot

Studio newborn photoshoots with the family are just as much about preparation as much as the moments we capture on the camera. As a parent, it’s only natural that you want your children to enjoy the session as this makes things easier for both you and the photographer. The more relaxed and comfortable everyone feels, the better the pictures will turn out.

Talking to Your Kids About the Session

A big part of a successful family photo shoot is setting the stage for your kids. It’s important that you explain to them what to expect. This will make a huge difference in how they react once they get in the studio. So, I recommend that you have a moment with them to discuss the session and also talk about the photographer who will be taking cute pictures of them and their new sibling. Let them know how fun the session will be and why they should anticipate it.

If your kids are nervous around new faces or in new places, it might help that you talk to them about where they’re going. You can show them photos of the location and introduce the photographer as the new friend who will be helping you use their “special camera” to take beautiful pictures of the family and the new baby.

I’m a very hospitable person and I have my way with kids, so you can be rest assured I’ll do my best to make everyone enjoy the moment even if it takes being a little goofy with the kids. This makes it easier for them to cooperate and also enjoy every moment in the studio.

Bring Snacks and Toys for Comfort

Taking a few of your kids’ favorite snacks along could help keep them happy and get those quick energy boosts between shots. However, you should avoid any chocolate-based or sticky snacks to prevent getting stains on your kids’ outfits. Consider light snacks like crackers and other non-sticky treats instead, so we can keep things as clean and smooth as possible.

Bringing a couple of toys along could also be of great help. These should be the toys they’re most familiar with such as stuffed animals, action figures, and (dare I say) a tablet. This stops them from getting bored and to make things even better, the toys can appear in the pictures, so you have nothing to worry about if they feel reluctant to drop the toys.

Use Positive Reinforcement

One of the best ways to keep children motivated during a studio newborn photoshoot is to let them know that there’s something in it for them. You can simply tell them you’ll take them to their favorite spot or get them treats after the session. As long as it’s something they love, they will be more than happy to cooperate.

Scheduling Around Naps

If you are lucky and your younger kids take naps, I was not that lucky lol, timing is very important. Scheduling the session outside of the period when kids often take naps is crucial because a cranky and tired child would most likely feel impatient and overwhelmed and that will affect the photoshoot. I recommend you take this into consideration and set the session for a time when the kids have more energy, especially later in the morning or in the afternoon depending on your routine.

You have to keep in mind that kids will always be kids. Sometimes, they might have their own – unique – ideas and that’s fine. If you need a moment, we can always take a break. I have worked with enough children to know that patience is key and it could go a long way in helping make the shoot a success.

Preparing Mom

Let’s move on to you – mom! You deserve to feel as radiant as the love you’re celebrating. I’m here to support you not just as a photographer, but as someone who understands how much effort goes into preparing for a special day like this. This is especially important when you also have to make sure everyone else is well prepared and ready. Here are some tips you can implement to make sure you have a good experience.

Give Yourself Some Extra Time to Get Ready

Preparing for this session means creating a bit of space in your day where you make yourself the priority. Getting your hair or makeup done could be a huge confidence booster and make you feel more comfortable doing this. However, I encourage you to do what you feel is best for you, whether it’s going natural or taking things up a notch with makeup.

If you’re not sure where to begin, I’m happy to give recommendations for artists who are very good at what they do and can help you create a look that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful. If you prefer to do things yourself, you can take your time to get ready at home and come into the studio with that confident aura.

Try on Your Outfit in Advance

One of the best steps you can take in preparation for a smooth session is to try on your outfit a few days before the shoot. This allows you to make sure that everything is comfortable and fits well. This will also give you more confidence because you will already have a clear idea of what you want and how you’ll look before the shoot day. It’s also important that you pick out undergarments that work well with the outfit you choose. Paying attention to little details like this helps you make sure there are no surprises later on. If you plan to pick something from the client closet, I offer wardrobe consultation to help you make sure you get something that’s right for you regardless of style or size. 

Choose Comfort and Confidence

I’ve mentioned this a couple of times but that just points to how important a factor it is. This typically has a huge impact on the results you get from the studio session.

Always choose comfort. It can be very easy to get carried away trying to make everybody else look perfect, but you shouldn’t forget to also make yourself a priority. You have to feel confident and at ease while holding your baby and interacting with family. So, try as much as possible to choose something that feels like you.

Plan For Everyone’s Outfits in Advance

There’s a lot of changes happening once baby arrives, so to relieve the pressure of choosing outfits for your family, try to do it before baby arrives. If you are like me and always wait until the last minute, it would be advisable that you check everyone’s outfits about 48 hours ahead of schedule. Go over everything from dresses to shoes and make sure they all fit properly. This also allows you to fix minor issues that could be a problem later on. 

Rushing could make it easy to overlook things that could be important, but preparing ahead fixes this and helps you know that you have everything in place. That way, you can arrive ready to get right into it rather than scrambling to fix things at the last minute.

Above all, remember that this is just as much about you as it is about capturing memories with your baby. It is a day where you also get celebrated, so take a deep breath, believe everything is good, and feel proud of yourself and the memories we’re about to create together.

Day Of Session Tips

On the day of your studio newborn photoshoot, you will probably feel a mix of excitement and nervousness and that’s completely fine. To help you manage, I have come up with a few tips to get you through the day and help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Arrive On Time

It’s important that you aim for punctuality when coming for your session, but I understand things don’t always go as planned, especially with babies, so I allow some flexibility in my schedule. All you have to do is let me know if something comes up and we’ll make adjustments. I’m ready to work as soon as you arrive.

Feeding Baby

When you arrive at the studio, I will swaddle baby in a wrap and hand them back to you for a feeding or a top off.  This gets baby relaxed and sleepy.  Feeding baby right before the session is not necessary unless baby is hungry.  Your photo session will work with your baby and their needs.

Dress Baby in Comfy Clothes

You shouldn’t forget to dress your baby in clothes that they’re comfortable in and can be easily removed. Usually, a simple white onesie is the best option for the occasion. It makes it easier to change your newborn into the different outfits and wraps that we’ll use during the session without disturbing them.

Notably, I have a collection of wraps, blankets, and outfits available in my studio. This way, you don’t have to worry about bringing extra outfits unless you have something specific in mind.

During The Session

Your focus should be on relaxing and enjoying the moment once you get to the studio. It might be easier said than done, especially when you have a baby and probably other kids with you. However, the calmer you are, the easier this will be for everyone. 

Stay Relaxed

I can’t lay enough emphasis on how important it is for you to remain cool-headed during the studio session. Newborns are very sensitive to the energy around them and if you feel tense or stressed, your baby might pick up on that. Now, you don’t want that, so you must keep a positive energy throughout. When you’re calm and collected, your baby will most likely be calm too and that will be very helpful for both of you.

You should know that it is okay if your baby makes a fuss anyway. Babies are babies and all you can do at times is be patient. T

Be Flexible

While we may come up with specific poses for the pictures, beautiful pictures can also come from unplanned moments. The quick interactions with the kids or dad are also part of what makes this beautiful, so be open to these moments. Whether it’s a quick snuggle, that tiny yawn from the baby, or a kiss from a sibling, embrace it and know you don’t always have to stay in character.

What to expect after a studio newborn photoshoot

Once the session is over, you can breathe a sigh of relief. Everything has gone well, and it’s time to receive the beautiful pictures you have taken. Like many families, you’re probably eager to see the results. However, it’s important to know how this works and what exactly to expect in the days and weeks after your session.

Gallery Delivery Timeframe

As your photographer, I am just as excited to share your photos as you are to receive them. Personally, I take my time to edit all images to make sure they come out even better than you might have expected. This takes two weeks to complete during which I retouch and put the best moments from the studio session together. Once your gallery is ready, I’ll send you a link where you can view the final images and you’ll get to relive all the most lovely moments from the session.

Reviewing Products and Artwork

After your gallery is delivered, it’s time to start thinking about what the best way to showcase your photos would be. I have a range of products that can help with this depending on your style. 

You can create aesthetic wall art, an album, or even smaller prints to share with family. Whatever you decide, I have got you covered. While you don’t have to make any decisions right away, I encourage you to review the products and pricing ahead of time. This will help you decide which option is the best way to showcase your pictures as well as what fits into your budget. 

If you need advice on the type of products that will match the aesthetic of your home or what’s best for the type of pictures you have, I am here to help. My goal is to make sure you get artwork that makes you smile whenever you look at it.

Finally, you also have to pick what pictures from your gallery you want to put into print. This can be a tough decision because you’ll have a lot of beautiful pictures to choose from. If you can’t decide, we can work together to pick the best from the bunch.

Conclusion: Preparing for Your Studio Newborn Photoshoot

From making sure everyone is prepared to picking the right outfits and making sure you’re calm and collected, every little detail matters. If you want to get the best results and still have a great time, be sure to pay attention to each step.

Once the session is over, you can walk out of the studio with a sense of fulfillment knowing that you have just had a lovely experience that’ll live in your heart for a long time.