Prep Guide for Newborn Family Photography

How old should my baby be for a newborn shoot?

Having a baby is A LOT. If you’re feeling up for having someone inside your home right away, and want those teensy first moments documented, you might opt for a photoshoot right away. Often though, it takes a month or more for birthing parents to want to sit up, walk around, do their hair and even brush their teeth (: Below are some baseline markers, but these are your images, so please decide on what feels best in your world.

NEW NEW: 7-14 days after baby is born; If you want to mold & shape your baby & likely have them sleeping throughout. They only look like this in the very beginning.

TINY INFANT: 14-30 days old; their cheeks start to fill in a little bit & their new eyes will be open for a handful of images. Parents often start to feel a little more like themselves at this point.

INFANT: 1-2 months; your baby will look a lot more like a human & is often already on a little bit of a sleeping & eating schedule, so you can plan a bit better! Sometimes babies experience a little bit of baby acne and fussiness during this time – it’s usually fleeting and we can reschedule if it doesn’t feel right.

BABY: 2-4 months; your baby may be smiling, watching you attentively and responding to sounds with facial expressions and body movements. Cradle cap can make their hair fall out or appear extra flakey, but this is a very sweet time to shoot.

When should we shoot?

Now let’s talk time of day. For softer imagery, we love bright and indirect sunlight. We’ll want to use the ambient light and avoid direct sunlight shining in the room at the time of the session. Take a look at your favorite rooms and note when it’s the brightest time of day without direct sun in the room. The most flattering lighting is soft and indirect from big windows! For newborn photography, I often suggest staying inside, as it feels safest and is a part of your immediate routine at this point. Read below though if you’d like to combo an indoor/outdoor session.

We also want to take into consideration your babe! Right after nap time with some warm milk is ideal! I’d love to photograph you nursing or bottle feeling if you’d like that documented, so we can plan to start around the end of nap time. In general, and if there is no real rhythm yet, mornings are often best for all parties.

Where should we shoot?

Indoor or outdoor can both work great! If you’re excited about doing an in-home session, it’s a great way to document your space as a part of your story. I always love looking back at the changes in design and style from older family photos. Newborn babies, and postpartum mamas are typically more comfortable in a home, then as your babe gets chubbier, and you’re more vertical, outside places can be more manageable and fun!

Many families want to visit their favorite park or do a playful activity: finger painting, baking, swimming, a trip to the aquarium, making dinner, visiting the zoo…!

Timing wise, I like to shoot 2 hours before sunset or the hour after sunrise if outside. For moodier imagery direct light is fine and we can play with shadows and backlighting. If inside, it’s usually the middle of the day that gets us the best light in your space.

What about props?

Props are totally fun and a personal preference. If you’d like to add something fun, below are some fun additions to get you thinking!

NEWBORN PROPS:

– Pets
– Family heirlooms
– Items of personal interests (books, musical instruments, sports’ balls or memorabilia…)
– Basket/Bassinet
– Stuffed animals
– Letter blocks
– Nostalgic items from your hometown/favorite teams
– Swaddles and blankets
– Arts and crafts supplies
– Florals
– Framed pictures of important people/family

MATERNITY PROPS:

– Pets
– Newborn clothing (Shoes, pacifiers, onesies)
– Flowy or sheer gown
– Ultrasound picture
– Florals (Loose bouquets or floral crowns)
– Baby book(s) or toys
– Foods mama is craving! (:
– Fruit/objects (To show the size of babe in belly)
– Handwritten signs (Date + coming soon, babe’s name)
– Framed baby pictures of you!

What should we wear?

I’d love for you to be comfortable & also feel GREAT.  Many couples have a professional hair, nails and/or makeup appointment before the shoot. Some put together their outfits to coordinate and it’s best to do this with a theme or a palette instead of matching completely. See my Pinterest boards for inspiration! Black and darker colors often have a silhouetting affect and can feel more formal. Brighter colors can imprint seasonal nostalgia and feel fun. Lighter colors and neutrals often feel balanced and clean. 

For Maternity shoots, get sexy!  Feeling good in your skin while carrying a babe in your belly is no easy feat for many pregnant people, and for others, you’re absolutely glowing throughout pregnancy!  Spend a little time thinking on what makes you feel great; fabric, coverage, tightness, sheerness, etc!  Stripes accentuate the bump beautifully especially if they’re tight right around the belly! Prints can be feminine and fun!  A-line cut dresses and tops hit at the perfect place, flattering your potentially larger bust as well as popping tummy!  Flowy tops and dresses can soften your beautiful curvy features while tighter fits can highlight your growing bod! Heels will elongate your legs and push the booty up nicely, and slippers or bare feet can be intimate and cozy. 

Overall, we want the focus to be on you and your connection with one another, the outfits can help you feel present and pretty, but are secondary.