With a new baby almost here I am about to start my maternity leave so I thought this was the perfect time to write something for all my fellow expecting moms. Whether you are hiring a photographer or taking the photos yourself, here are some tips for preparing for and taking photos of your newest family member.

Disclaimer- I am NOT an expert when it comes to newborn photography.

I know there are tons of people out there that specialize in newborn pictures and I am not one of them.

I am just a photographer that occasionally shoots newborns that wants to help you out capture those first sweet moments!

WHO

I always like to get the whole family involved in newborn pictures. Whether your family is mom and baby or 4 older siblings, it is always nice to have family photos of your new family along with photos of just your baby. I love getting photos of mom and baby, dad and baby, siblings and baby, etc. With that being said, planning for everyone does take some work, prep and bribery!

I would recommend letting the siblings practice holding baby before hand, feed everyone before the shoot and make sure everyone is well rested.

(easier said than done, I know.)

WHAT

In my years of doing pictures I have learned lots of things through trial and error. One of those things is that I really love natural, lifestyle newborn pictures but I really hate newborn pictures filled with props. The buckets, cutesy outfits and toys. It is all just a lot that distracts from your precious baby. I will occasionally do a few pictures with a prop, especially if it is something sentimental. But for the most part I just love the photos of baby snuggled in a blanket or being cuddled by mama.

WHERE

Most of my newborn sessions take place in a studio. This ensures beautiful, soft, natural light. This also makes it so you don't have to get your home clean with a brand new baby! There are some clients that want the photos in their home which I totally get. It is the first home your baby will ever know and that is so special. If this is your situation, you'll need a room with tons of natural light. Before booking the shoot I will have clients send me photos of the room they want to do the photos in at the time of day that it is the very brightest.

If you are doing the photos yourself, find that natural light and work with the space you have. Open the blinds, curtains and doors. Good lighting is the key to beautiful photos.

Another thing to consider is the temperature of the space you are doing the photos. If it is in a studio, I will make sure it is warm enough.

If the photos are taking place in your home, turn up the heat a couple hours before pictures so baby is nice and warm.

WHEN

I like to shoot newborn photos within the first 14 days of their little life. I know this is a crazy time full of lots of adjusting and you may not feel like you can get yourself, a baby and possibly other siblings all ready for pictures. Here is why I recommend doing them the soonest you can. When your baby is first born, you think "Wow! They are the best sleeper ever! They sleep through everything!" but that fades quickly as they start to adjust to their new home and life outside the womb. I like to catch them in that little period where they are sleeping all the time and won't wake up crying every time I move or wrap them. It will make photos go much smoother! After 2 weeks I will still do photos I just let parents know to expect more awake photos. These photos will probably have lots of silly faces and may not look like "newborn" photos. They will still be so sweet though!

WHY

I probably don't need to explain why newborn pictures are so important but I'm going to because they are really some of my favorites. My favorite moments of this tiny baby so fresh from heaven. Their features change so fast and they are only a "newborn" for such a short period. I just love getting to see proud older siblings snuggling and kissing their new baby and capturing all the smirks, yawns and scowls. Whether you are hiring me or another photographer or doing the photos yourself, JUST DO THE PHOTOS.

You'll be so glad you have a record of that crazy, sweet time in your life and the life of your child.

& SOME EXTRAS

Just a few bonus pointers-

  • Bring baby in just their diaper so you don't have lines from clothes, socks, hats, etc.

Instead of clothes just bundle them in all the blankets so they stay warm in their carseat.

  • Instead of lots of outfits, bring one outfit (my favorite are LOU LOU & CO) and then just a few stretchy blankets
  • Don't forget the pacifier! Even if your baby isn't taking one yet, it still helps.
  • If you are nursing, wear something nursing friendly JUST IN CASE.
  • If you aren't nursing, bring a bottle ready to go.
  • Wear as much white or light colors as you can.

This helps keep the photos bright and the light that reflect off your clothes onto their face it will be a white glow.