The arrival of your little one marks a momentous occasion in your life – a brief, magical period filled with soft sighs, tiny toes, and a love so overwhelming it defies description. Yet, as precious as they are, these newborn days are fleeting, passing by in what seems like the blink of an eye.

Newborn photos are so important because they can pause time, transforming these transient moments into enduring memories. Newborn photography encapsulates the delicate innocence of your baby’s early days, creating keepsakes you’ll cherish forever. This blog will help you prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

This Special Day Is Like No Other!

Your newborn photography session deserves a day all to itself, one where time stands still, and distractions are set aside. Imagine it as a quiet celebration, an intimate event where you pay homage to this beautiful new life that has become part of your world. It’s a day to immerse yourself in the wonder of your newborn, where you tune out the constant buzz of the outside world. It’s not just another day – it’s a special day.

Put away your phone, turn off the television, and clear your schedule. In this fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to let these precious moments become lost in the bustle of daily life. But remember, these tiny fingers and toes won’t stay this little for long, these soft whimpers and coos will soon give way to words, and the baby you cradle now will quickly grow. Each passing day takes you one step further from the magic of this newborn stage.

So make this day one to remember. Treat your newborn’s photography session as a celebrated occasion because it is just that – a celebration of their life, their arrival, and the infinite love they brought with them. Let us create memories that, years down the line, will whisk you back to these precious early days. Your baby will only be this small once, so let’s capture it right – with all the attention, dedication, and love it deserves.

What to Wear

Choosing what to wear for your newborn’s photoshoot is integral to the preparation process. Aim for timeless elegance. Dress yourself and your family in soft neutrals or gentle, muted tones. These colors not only exude calmness and tranquility, but also create a perfect palette against which your newborn’s features will shine.

Avoid bright, loud colors or busy patterns. These can become distractions in your photographs and detract from the central focus – your baby’s adorable face and unique features. When the attire is simple and understated, your newborn becomes the star of the show. You want to remember their tiny fingers, delicate lashes, and sweet smiles!

If you’re planning family photographs during the session, consider coordinating your outfits in the same color family. This doesn’t mean that everyone should be dressed identically; instead, harmonizing the tones will bring a pleasing unity and balance to your photos.

Remember, the goal is to create a timeless keepsake that beautifully captures the love and bond of your family at this momentous time. By selecting your outfits with this in mind, you’ll ensure the images stand the test of time, allowing you to cherish this fleeting stage of your newborn’s life for many years.

Baby Prep Before The Session

Here are some easy ways to ensure your baby’s first photo shoot goes great!

First and foremost, don’t change the baby’s sleeping schedule for the session. An overtired baby is less likely to be comfortable and cooperative during the photoshoot.

Our sessions are typically scheduled for mid-afternoon, a time when most babies are naturally tired. To help ensure a sleepy, relaxed baby, try to keep them awake as much as possible in the morning. This doesn’t mean pushing your baby beyond its limits, but simply encouraging more active time.

Give your baby a gentle bath before the session. Not only will this help your little one feel fresh and clean, but the warm water can also help make them sleepy. Take a few moments to clean out any eye boogers or crusties. While minor skin imperfections and flakes can be edited out in post-production, avoid using Vaseline or similar products on flaky skin as it can reflect light and make editing more difficult.

For your newborn photo shoot outfit, dress your baby in something easy to remove and loose-fitting. A soft, simple onesie usually works well. Clothing that’s too tight can leave indentations on their skin, which could show up in the photos.

A pacifier can be a lifesaver during your session if your baby is accustomed to one. It can soothe and comfort your baby, making the session go more smoothly.

If you’re breastfeeding, consider avoiding spicy foods and caffeine on the day of the shoot, as these can sometimes affect your baby. A comfortable baby is a happy baby, and a happy baby makes for the best photos!

Finally, don’t worry about any messes during the session! It’s perfectly normal for babies to poop or pee during the shoot. We’re used to it and fully prepared! Just make sure to have some extra clothes at the ready. Remember, newborn photography is all about capturing natural, authentic moments – and sometimes, that includes a little bit of life’s messy side.

If You’re Having a Newborn Photography Studio Session

In preparation for your studio session, it’s essential to know what to expect. To avoid any stress or rushing, give yourself plenty of time to get to the studio. After all, you’re here to create beautiful memories with your little one, and I want this experience to be as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.

The photography studio is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before your arrival. We prioritize your baby’s safety and adhere strictly to all hygiene and safety protocols.

The studio will be kept warm and cozy to ensure your baby’s comfort during the shoot. Little ones often doze off in the warmth, making for some adorable sleepy shots. Remember to dress in layers yourself so you can stay comfortable in a warmer environment.

If you have any personal props we’ve discussed before the session, please bring them along. They can add a unique and personal touch to your baby’s photos!

Make sure to pack some essentials, including plenty of food and diapers. All the necessities will keep your baby happy and content throughout the session.

I encourage you to come up with ideas and share any visions you might have for your baby’s photos. That being said, part of my role as your photographer is to guide the shoot and capture the best images of your precious little one. So bring your ideas, but also trust in the process and let me do my thing!

Your baby’s safety is always paramount, and I assure you that each pose and set-up will be designed with this in mind. Depending on the poses and set-ups, an assistant may be available to act as a baby spotter. Alternatively, I may ask parents to assist in ensuring the baby’s safety. Remember, we’re in this together, and our ultimate goal is to capture this special time in your lives beautifully and safely!

If You’re Having a Newborn Photography In-Home Session

Choosing to have your newborn photography session in your home can be incredibly personal. Your home is where your family’s story begins, and it can add an extra layer of meaning to your photos. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an at-home photography session:

Firstly, ensure that your home is comfortably warm. Babies love a cozy environment; a warm home will help them stay comfortable and relaxed throughout the session.

Clean and organize any areas you want to be included in the photographs. These might include the nursery, parents’ bedroom, living room, or any other space that holds significance for you. While the focus will always be on your little one and the bond you share, a clean and tidy background can enhance the overall aesthetic of your photos.

Have any personal props ready. These could be heirloom blankets, sentimental toys, or anything else you’d like incorporated into the photos. Personal props can add a touch of uniqueness and intimacy to your images.

Lighting is key to beautiful photography, and natural light is the best. Ideal spots for the shoot are places where there’s plenty of natural light. This could be near windows or doors or under a skylight.

If you wish to include pets in some of your images, make sure they’re well-groomed and calm before the session. Having them familiarize themselves with the baby (under supervision) prior to the shoot can be beneficial. During the session, ensure you or another adult can focus solely on managing the pet while the baby is being photographed.

While I will bring essential equipment such as baby beanbags, newborn photo shoot props, and wraps, it’s important to ensure ample space in your chosen areas for us to set up and work. Clearing a bit of room will help the session run more smoothly and allow us to create the best possible images.

Remember, the aim of an at-home session is to capture your newborn in the most personal, meaningful way possible. While preparation is important, the most crucial element is the love and connection you and your family share. After all, that’s what we’re really here to document!

Siblings and Family Photos During the Session

Sibling and family photos during a newborn session are truly something special. These images capture the bond that is starting to form between your newborn and their siblings and encapsulate the joy and love of your family as a whole at this momentous time. These are the pictures you’ll look back on and treasure as you remember these early days as a growing family.

My approach is designed to ensure the smoothest possible experience for everyone involved. We typically start with sibling photos. This allows older brothers or sisters to interact with the baby while they’re still fresh and excited. This can often result in some truly heartwarming and fun photos!

Next, we move on to family photos. These portraits are a beautiful way to celebrate the addition of your newest member. They show the love and connection that exist between each of you in a relaxed and easy manner that you will love. These are the photos that will become some of your favorite photos and memories! 

Finally, we focus on the newborn photos. This is when we capture those adorable individual shots of your baby, showcasing their tiny features and precious expressions.

To ensure a relaxing and distraction-free environment for the newborn photos, it’s often helpful if a family member, grandparent, or babysitter can take the older kids away from the session once their part is complete. This allows them to unwind and enjoy some downtime, allowing you to focus on your newborn and savor their photo session. 

Ultimately, each photo taken during this session serves a purpose: to encapsulate the love and joy of your expanding family during this incredible time. The images we capture will be a testament to your family’s story at this moment.

Newborn Photography in Orlando

Preparing for a newborn photo session might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance and a touch of planning, it can be a memorable and joyous experience. It’s all about celebrating the arrival of your little one and capturing these fleeting moments before they pass.

Remember, this is not just a photo session; it’s a celebration of life, of love, and of the beginning of a new chapter in your family’s story. I hope each picture will become a treasure, an heirloom that reminds you of the love your baby brought into your life.

So take a deep breath, embrace the moment, and get ready for a beautiful experience that will be captured forever in your heart and in your photos. Let’s make magic together with your tiny miracle at the heart of it all!