How To Prepare For Your Newborn Session

So, you’ve not been home with your gorgeous new babe for long and the newborn session you’ve booked is fast coming round… what do you need to do to prepare for it? Don’t stress, I’m here to assist you in making the experience a wonderful one.

Have A Consultation With Your Newborn Photographer!

This one sounds simple, but it’s so vital to ensuring your session goes as smoothly as possible. Personally, I love to see inspiration images from my families too, so if there’s anything you’ve seen online/of a photographer’s work, do ask if it’s okay to send it over. During the consultation you should discuss the ideal time to do the session (start with a hungry baby, then feed when I arrive for some beautiful feeding moments, whether breast or bottle, and then babe usually sleeps straight after!), and how long the session should take (around 1 - 1.5 hours).
I have experience with my own boys at newborns, plus over 20 families have trusted me with their gorgeous new babes!

Prepare Outfits

If you are working with a photographer that offers newborn wardrobe as part of the package, ask them for a catalogue of what they have on offer and choose 2-3 of your favourite outfits. These could range from rompers, to simple knitted vests, to bonnets + shorts. Some of the most beautiful newborn photographs I’ve captured are just simply babe wrapped in a white wrap (which I provide!).
If your photographer doesn’t have a wardrobe available, then opt for white/cream/grey simple outfits with no logos or patterns. Similarly, if you and your partner (and any siblings!) will be included, try to compliment each other’s outfits, rather than match them.
I have a guide on my journal here.

Have Supplies Ready

For an at-home or on-location newborn session, it helps to have bottles or boob ready to go, nappies and wipes close by, and a few muslins on hand for any little milky spillages. Keeping the essentials within reach means we can pause and settle your baby quickly, without breaking the relaxed flow of the session.

Consider Any Siblings or Family Members

Although newborn sessions are mainly about celebrating your newest arrival, it is always lovely to include parents, siblings, pets, or even grandparents towards the end. If older siblings are joining, especially toddlers, it can work well for one parent to bring them in a little later, once we have spent some quiet time with the baby first. Snacks, books, favourite toys, or a tablet can also help to keep them occupied.

I have found that toddlers sometimes feel unsettled when the attention shifts, so making a fuss of them, giving them little “helper” jobs with their baby brother or sister, and celebrating their new role can make all the difference. Many of the best moments happen naturally — an older sibling feeding the baby, “reading” them a story, or proudly showing them their toys. These little interactions often make for the most beautiful, heartfelt photographs.

Send Across Example Images

As mentioned above, I LOVE seeing my client’s vision so I can ensure to have everything prepared for the session (or communicate what may not be possible!). You can use Instagram or Pinterest and just screenshot images you love :)

Think About How You’ll Showcase Images

I adore seeing client’s memories in print and I work with 2-3 incredibly high quality and UK based suppliers to offer a range of products, from canvases, to frames, to fine art albums. Many of my clients order a 30x30” collage frame which includes 9 images. I’m here to help with any recommendations or offer advice!

Hope that eases those worries! Is there a question I haven’t yet answered? Please do post in the comment section below.

If you’re looking for a newborn photographer I offer a free no-obligation consultation call to better explain how I work and what the benefits are of booking with me. Contact me here.

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