August 1, 2024
How to prepare for your newborn’s first photoshoot
3 Simple tips to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot from a Photographer and a mother
Are you pregnant or about to give birth? You’ve come to the right place!
Having a newborn baby is one of the most magical, yet exhausting experiences you’ll have (I’m not gonna lie). After all the checkups, scans and kicks, it’s nearly time for you to give birth. Let’s be honest, family or baby photo’s are probably the last thing on your mind to prioritise but from one mother to another, there is no better investment than making sure a professional has captured your baby in it’s most transitional and awe-inspiring moment – as a newborn.
This phase really does pass by so quickly and as a photographer who has invested in newborn photographs by another fantastic photographer, I look at those photo’s every single day hanging on my wall and it makes me feel incredibly proud and and connected to my boys ❤️.
After having helped plenty of families feel that same joy, here are my top tips to prepare you and your baby for feeling prepared for your newborn photoshoot.
1. Time the Photoshoot Perfectly
Babies are incredibly unpredictable, and unsurprisingly they don’t always adhere to our schedule. This is why I’m always super flexible and go at the pace of the baby during your shoot. Saying that, there are a few things we can do to make sure your baby is well prepared for photoshoot success. We want your baby to be as happy and peaceful as possible so try to schedule the photoshoot at a time that works best for your baby’s sleep and feeding schedule. If possible, it’s best to schedule the shoot in the first two weeks after birth when your newborn is still very sleepy, curled up and less easy to disturb. Don’t worry if you miss this window; babies grow quickly, and you can still capture beautiful photos up to 12 weeks after birth but it just takes on a different style and approach.
2. Plan Your Outfits in Advance
The last thing you want is to be rushing around looking for the right outfit just before the photoshoot. Coordinate outfits for you, your partner, and your baby in advance to make the day go as smoothly as possible. Simple, light, and neutral-coloured clothing works best because it focuses the attention your baby’s unique characteristics rather than the outfit. It’s always wise to prepare a few extra outfits for you and your baby just in case there are any accidents or spills during the shoot.
3. Set Up a Comfortable and Warm Environment
Babies love a warm and cozy space, especially when they’re being photographed. To ensure that your baby is comfortable, I’ll make sure that the room is warm and cozy with soft lighting to keep your baby comfortable and calm. It’s always best to have a few extra blankets, nappies, and wipes on hand, just in case. I like to photograph newborns at home to reduce any extra stress for you and your baby, so you’ve got everything you need on hand as a new mother and don’t have to worry about travelling around.
Capturing photos of your newborn is by far the best investment that you can make, and it’s something that you’ll get to enjoy for the rest of their lives. By following these three tips, we can make sure that your photoshoot runs smoothly, and you come out with the most beautiful photo’s possible. Make sure you also relax, have fun, and enjoy the time together and taking things slow. After all, they grow up too quickly so make sure you don’t miss it!
