STUDIO NEWBORN SESSION PREP GUIDE

What you need to know before your little baby’s studio photo shoot.

Congratulations on the newest addition to your sweet family! These first few days & weeks are just so magical and it is such an honor to capture your little babe during this special time. Here are some tips & tricks I’ve found to be super helpful in preparing for your newborn session so it can be as fun, stress free and enjoyable as possible.

A newborn baby boy sleeps peacefully, swaddled in a soft white blanket, surrounded by an all-white backdrop.

Please read the following prep guide carefully for a smooth and successful session.

One of the most important things to keep in mind during the session is to go with the flow. Your baby will be in charge, and I will always prioritize their comfort and happiness. I’ve developed a posing routine that ensures your baby stays safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Overloading the session with too many prop requests or outfit changes can actually cause your baby to become overstimulated and overtired.

I have all the props you’ll need for the session, but if you’d like to bring a special sentimental item, feel free to limit it to one or two props. My goal is for you to relax, sit back, and enjoy watching your precious baby, while I take care of the rest. I absolutely love what I do, and your baby will always be treated with the utmost respect and care.

A DAY BEFORE THE SESSION:

Please avoid foods that can cause gas a few days before your session if you are nursing.

Please avoid caffeine if at all possible the morning of your session if you are nursing.

Trim your little one’s nails before the session, as babies tend to touch their faces, and I want to prevent any scratches.

If you can't bathe your baby on the day of the session, it's best to do so the day before. If the umbilical cord hasn't fallen off yet, you can give a soak bath instead. A bath helps relax the baby, leading to a smoother and more successful session.

ON THE DAY OF THE SESSION:

Stimulate & keep baby awake for an hour or two before the session. This helps make babe extra sleepy for the session & when baby can get in a deeper sleep, it makes posing & going from one set to another easier. A warm bath is a great way to do this as well as talking & interacting with baby while keeping he or she in just their diaper.

Feed baby right before the session. A full belly makes for a happy, sleepy baby. Feel free to come a little early to the studio to feed baby right before, especially if you have a longer car ride. Also, feeding baby as much as possible in the 12 hours leading up to the session will allow for baby to sleep as deeply and as long as possible.

I recommend being able to have your older children leave once their photos are finished. I do family & siblings first. Sessions can last anywhere from 1.5-3 hours which can be a long time for siblings to wait, especially when the studio needs to be somewhat quiet. Have Dad drive separate or Grandma meet at the studio to take siblings.

The studio will be warm. Baby’s like being warm and having the heat cranked up (no matter the time of year), helps babe stay settled and sleepy. You are more than welcome to bring drinks and a change of clothes to change out of if you think you’ll get hot.

When baby needs a break, we’ll take a break. Don’t stress if baby gets fussy. If baby needs to stop to eat or have their diaper changed, we most definitely will. Most babies need to eat at least once during their session. It’s hard work looking that cute.

Please dress your baby in a sleeper that zips or snaps in the front (not something that has to be stretched over baby’s head). This is easiest to take off and less disturbing to your baby if he/she is already sleeping upon arrival.

WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR SESSION:

If you are okay with baby using one, bring a pacifier, even if baby doesn’t seem to take to it. Sucking is a soothing mechanism & can really help with settling baby once I have them in place for photos, even if I have to hold the pacifier for a bit to help.

There is no need to bring anything for baby to wear. I provide all the wraps, headbands, hats, clothes & props. Unless there is something special you want to bring for your newborn’s photos, don’t worry about outfits. If there is something special you want to bring, be sure to let me know so I can work a set around it.

A soft hair brush to tame delicate, wispy hairs for a sleek appearance

If you are nursing and pumping, please bring a couple of bottles of expressed milk. If you are using formula, please bring extra formula! More than you think you will need! Babies tend to feed more than usual at the session.

You are always welcome to bring a snack or lunch since the session will take place during lunch hours. I will provide water and snacks if you like.

I have everything to style your session at my studio. However, if you have some props / items that you would like to incorporate into your photos, you are welcome to bring them. I ask that you keep props to a minimum, or just bring items that are of sentimental value.

Baby essentials: Burp Cloth, Diaper, Bottle Warmer, Cozy Blanket etc

WHAT TO WEAR FOR PARENTS AND SIBLING PHOTOS:

Go simple for family’s wardrobe. When planning your outfits for the family & sibling shots, stick with soft, neutral colors like grey or cream as the dominate colors. This keeps the focus on baby and the family connection.

Avoid neon colors. Vibrant, neon colors cast onto skin changing the color and tint of your skin.

For siblings, I recommend a classic, timeless outfit. Steer clear of logos and shirts with writing. Those can be distracting in photos as the eye immediately goes to the words or picture on the shirt instead of the sweet sibling moment.

I am more than happy to help! If you have any questions or want some inspiration for wardrobe or other help, please shoot me an email.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the session! I know it sounds a little cheesy, but this precious time passes so quickly—so take it all in. I want you to have fun watching your little one’s first photo session. It’s going to be amazing, and I can’t wait!

Newborn sessions typically last around 1-3 hours, sometimes longer if the baby is a light sleeper or needs frequent feeding breaks. The best way to keep your baby sleepy and content is by being open to nursing or bottle-feeding as needed. Your baby’s usual feeding schedule may be a bit disrupted on session day, as newborns tend to be hungrier due to the extra movement during the session.

I understand that some parents are working on establishing a feeding routine, but please keep in mind that flexibility is key. The extra activity may make your baby hungrier, and I ask that you be willing to adjust feedings as needed. If a baby is showing signs of hunger and distress due to a withheld feeding, I will have to discontinue the session.

For a smooth and successful session, please be open to feeding on demand during our time together. My top priority is always your baby’s health, safety, and comfort.

( Masks are no longer required in the studio. However, if you’d prefer me to wear a mask while handling your baby, just let me know—I’m happy to do whatever makes you most comfortable! )