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Newborn photography is a beautiful way to capture the first few weeks of life. But before you head out to your photoshoot, there are some things you should know!
One of the most important parts of preparing for your newborn session is making sure the baby is comfortable. To help with that, keep reading for some tips and tricks!
What to Wear
Newborn photography is an important part of capturing the precious moments of your new family. It’s a great opportunity to capture your baby’s tiny features and details, allowing you to remember these special memories for years to come.
One of the most common questions that comes up about newborn photography is what to wear. This can be an overwhelming task, especially if you’re not a fashion person or don’t know much about newborn photography. However, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your newborn photo session.
First, you want to choose a neutral color for all of your outfits. Neutrals are classic and timeless, leaving your photos looking fresh and beautiful for years to come. They also help the focus of the photographs remain on your sweet newborn baby and not on your wardrobe.
Secondly, you can’t go wrong with soft fabrics. Chiffon, lace and silk are all great options for these pictures as they’re lightweight and delicate.
You can also add a bit of texture with your clothes by choosing a fabric with detail work. This can be as simple as a neckline or sleeves.
Finally, you should avoid any large or complicated patterns that can be distracting. Patterned shirts or sweaters can look nice but too many can be overpowering and may not mesh well with your skin tone or the backdrop of your newborn photography session.
Another tip is to leave the chunky jewelry at home and opt for smaller, more delicate pieces. These can add a bit of sparkle and make your outfit pop, but not overpower the focus of your newborn baby photography images.
It’s also important to consider the light at your shoot. If your room isn’t properly lit, you’ll likely end up with grainy, blurry photos of your newborn baby.
If you’re working with a newborn photographer, they may have recommendations for which type of lighting is best for your baby and family photos. It’s best to follow their advice and don’t be afraid to ask for more light if you’re not satisfied with the images from your newborn photo session.
What to Feed
If you want to capture those adorable, sleepy poses that everyone loves, you'll need a baby who's comfortable and well-fed. This will make your session go smoothly and ensure that your baby is happy, relaxed and able to capture those sweet moments you've been hoping for.
Newborns are often sensitive little bundles of joy. They have a lot to learn about the world and it's important to give them all of the help they need to get ready for their photo shoot.
The first thing you should do is make sure that your baby is fed, especially before the session. Some parents might object to this, but babies are more likely to relax and cooperate if they've had a full tummy before their session starts.
Breastfeeding works great for this. However, bottle feeding is also an option, if your baby prefers to do this. You can have them take a sip or two from the bottle before they're ready for their session.
A hungry baby will be restless and more difficult to pose than a satisfied one. So it's very important to feed your baby as much and as frequently as possible in the 10-12 hours leading up to the session.
Another tip for a successful newborn photo shoot is to keep the temperature in the room comfortable. Keeping the room warm will help your baby to fall asleep and be more content during the shoot.
In addition, you can dress your baby in soft clothing to make the most of their beautiful skin and hair. Neutral colors are usually ideal for this.
You can use a variety of props in your session, such as blankets or baskets to add some texture to the photos. Some photographers have a wide selection of newborn-friendly props, but you can also bring your own if you want.
It's a good idea to have diapers, pacifiers and formula/breastmilk in the studio for fussy moments. If you can't find any props that will work, you may need to break the session up so your baby has time to relax and settle.
What to Bring
A newborn shoot can be a wonderful experience for everyone involved. However, it is also an unpredictable one. Luckily, there are several things that photographers can do to help the session go smoothly.
Whether you’re shooting in your home or at a studio, there are several items that you need to bring with you. These will ensure you are prepared for a successful photo session and that your client’s baby gets the best possible photos.
You’ll need blankets, hats and props that will help your baby look comfortable in the photos. These can be anything from a blanket, a basket, a hat or a headband.
Make sure you have a variety of different blankets for your newborn. Neutral-colored blankets without shine – think white, cream or grey – are ideal.
Another important item to bring is a pacifier. It can help soothe your baby into certain poses and prevent them from fussing during the shoot, says Marleau.
It’s also a good idea to have a diaper nearby in case your baby decides to have a bowel movement while you’re posing them. This can be messy and time-consuming, so keep a pack of extra diapers on hand to quickly put over your baby.
You’ll also want to have a few toys and props on hand for your little model. These can include a stuffed animal, special blanket or a family memento.
When choosing the props you need for your photo session, think about how you can use them to create a unique and timeless look. For example, a shallow basket can hold a baby in a squishy pose while a hat or a fluffy blanket can be positioned on top of it for an adorable look.
If you’re using a flash, try to avoid the flash directly in your newborn’s face. Instead, bouncing the light off of the ceiling or wall can produce even lighting and soften the effects of the flash.
Newborns can get cold easily, so it’s best to have a warm room with good natural lighting during the photo session. You can even bring in an electric blanket to add a warm touch.
Preparing Your Home
In-home newborn shoots are an excellent way to capture those itty bitty baby details. They are also a lot more natural than traditional newborn portraits and can truly be a glimpse of what life is like for you right now as a family.
There are a few things you should do to prepare for your in-home session, including planning your wardrobe and getting your home ready. These tips will help you make the most of your newborn photo shoot and ensure that everything goes smoothly.
One of the most important things to consider is the lighting in your home. You want your room to be well-lit so that your newborn will look their best. Open the curtains and blinds to allow in as much natural light as possible before your session.
Keeping the room warm is also an important factor to consider. Babies love to be cozy and will be more comfortable in a warm room. You may want to turn up the heat a few minutes before your shoot so that your baby can feel their warmest.
It’s not necessary to get your house perfectly clean before a session, but it helps if you keep the space as tidy as possible. This will prevent the baby from waking up or becoming agitated during your session, and will help to keep them asleep.
Once you’ve gotten the baby in their sleepy, fed state, change them into something that’s comfortable and doesn’t make them move around too much, such as a snap up or a sleeper. This makes it easier to position them for their pictures without having to change them again afterwards.
Newborn photography sessions usually last between 60-90 minutes, so plan accordingly. This will give you time to feed the baby, change their diaper and take any necessary bathroom breaks if needed.
In-home newborn photography sessions are safe, easy and fun. It’s a perfect way to celebrate this incredible time in your life.
Before the session, be sure to discuss with your photographer the type of photos you would like to have and what kind of look you are going for. For example, if you want a more casual, relaxed feel to the session, you may choose more neutral colors. On the other hand, if you’re looking for more traditional and posed portraits, you might choose lighter, more colorful clothing.