Over the course of 8 years taking newborn photos, as well as becoming a mother myself in 2019, I have picked up a few tricks along the way. Here are my 7 tips for a successful newborn photoshoot!
Pro Tip #1
Have them dressed in your favorite outfit or swaddle before I arrive. If they are milk drunk and cozy, the last thing we want to do is wake them, to dress them.
Of course we don’t want them to spit up on the cute outfit/onesie, so cover them with a swaddle or large enough burp cloth to protect their clothing, until we are ready to start shooting. If they have a blowout diaper… there isn’t much we can do about that! So we will just roll with it. :) The good news is, they will look so cute in just about anything!
2: Make Sure the Room is Warm Enough
We want them to feel warm and cozy, even when you place them down for some solo pictures. If your body is nice and warm, and the room has a chill, it will be more likely to disturb them. If it is the winter time it could be good to use a space heater in the room you plan on shooting in. You want it to be warm enough that you are comfortable/warm in just a t-shirt. If you are worried about it being too cold, let me know and I can bring a heater.
3: Choose Just Two-Three Outfits for Baby
Newborns don’t seem to like to be changed over and over. Changing diapers, or outfits can disturb them, and it can be hard to get them relaxed again. So the less outfit changes the better.
Also, when choosing your clothing options, less is more. A simple onesie, diaper, or swaddle is often best. Shoes, overalls, and fluffy dresses are cute on toddlers, but they will coverup a newborn, be likely to scrunch up, and it wont look great in photos.
Clothing Tips: Avoid wording, logos, busy patterns, and lots of bold colors (This goes for clothing for the whole family, not just baby.) Neutral colors will help baby stand out, and make for a more timeless look.
4: Be Prepared for Baby to be More Hungry Than Ever!
I have no idea why, but we are always shocked at how often baby wants to feed during a photoshoot. I guess being a model is just hard work! Newborn shoots are extra long to allow a slow pace and to let them have plenty of milk breaks.
This doesn’t always mean less photos. Whether you are nursing or bottle feeding, it’s a special bond that I am happy to photograph as well.
5: Choose the Best Room (or Rooms) for Photos
Notice the light in your home, and move any clutter from the room you hope to take pictures in.
We can take all of the photos in one room, or use many rooms of your home. Nice window light is key! The nursery is often a great place. Also, on the parent’s bed and in the living room. For more of a lifestyle/editorial shoot, the kitchen can be the best place to capture those authentic family moments.
I will of course help you decide what room to start in or focus on when I arrive for our shoot! :)
6: Don’t Be Sorry!!!
Don’t stress, I know having a newborn is a lot to handle. So if there are dishes in the sink, laundry on the floor, and breast pump parts on the coffee table, cool! There should be! :) I have been there! I get it.
If your little one is crying and we are having a tough time getting them to settle… don’t be sorry. This all comes with the territory. I got you!
7: Have a Basket or Two on Hand
As you might know I don’t use “props”, (signs and backdrops or oversized toys). But a basket is a beautiful way to capture newborns. I can always bring my Moses Basket, and I have some special pillows that will help us support baby, and make him/her nice and cozy. If you have some baskets at home, or want to pick one up at the store Target and Homegoods have some good finds.
Have more Questions?
Check out my FAQ page! :) General questions at the top, and newborn specific questions at the bottom of the page.