Planning for your Newborn Session

Studio Address: 1320 Vermillion Street. Hastings, MN

I LOVE photographing Newborns! Thank you for choosing me to capture this wonderful time in your life. Below are a few tips to help ensure that we have a successful session together! Please make sure to read all of the tips as they are all equally important to getting the photos that you will cherish for years to come!

SCHEDULING:

Once your baby arrives, please contact me within the first few days to set up a firm date for your session. The sooner you can let me know that your baby is here, the better we can guarantee a date within the ideal timeframe for newborn photos. Newborn sessions typically take place weekday mornings so please take this into consideration with work and school schedules. Siblings photos will take place in the beginning of the session so that they can head off to school or daycare once their portion is complete.

WHAT SHOULD BABY WEAR?

I will provide everything we need for baby during this session. Please have baby in a zip-up outfit that can be easily removed (NOT something that will go over baby’s head) when you arrive. This will allow me to wrap/swaddle him or her without too much disturbance. If there is a special outfit you’d like your baby photographed in, please arrange that with me in advance.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

If your packages includes family photos, the most important thing to consider when planning family outfits is that you will have just had a baby and you will want to be comfortable. You will also want to feel confident in whatever you are wearing, so something that flatters the postpartum body is highly recommended. I suggest planning your outfit first and then coordinating everyone else around yours. Click here for my styling guide.

Neutrals are always a win as they will allow the photos to be less “busy” and over crowded by too many colors. They’ll match the scenery instead of complicate it. I always recommend a white or solid light colored dress, make it super flowy, and of course lace photographs really beautifully too.

FLATTERING YOUR FEATURES

In my experience, every woman (regardless of her size or shape) has an area of her body that she’s self conscious about. Recognizing the areas that you are self conscious about when selecting your outfits is key. Choosing flattering silhouettes and colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure that you’ll love the way you look in your photos. Three-quarter length sleeves create an awesome slimming effect on all arms, so be on the lookout for an option with a longer length sleeve. If your dress has shorter sleeves (or no sleeves) consider bringing a cute jacket, blazer, cardigan etc to incorporate into your look. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera. For most women, skinny straps actually make arms look BIGGER. So I recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is slimmer-looking arms.

DRESSING YOUR KIDDOS

As you’re coordinating your outfit with your child(ren), keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, I recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.

If you have multiple children, don’t feel like you need to put them all in the same type of outfit. For example, if one of your daughters wears a dress, the other can wear a skirt or leggings, if that’s more of her style. If one of your sons wears a bowtie, the other can wear suspenders. Mixing up the wardrobe pieces will bring even more visual interest to the photos.

PACIFIER:

Please consider bringing one to your session. Between posing, props and prodding, baby may become a bit fussy. It is crucial to minimize this and maximize baby’s comfort, and that is why I always recommend and encourage a pacifier – even if it is the only time you will ever use one. It will help make the shoot go much more smoothly.

PREPARING SIBLINGS (if applicable):

If you have booked a session that includes siblings, here are some planning tips for them! I like to try to get siblings done right away in the beginning of the session. Please let me know in advance if you do not think your child will do well with going first and if you think they will need more time to warm up. I recommend that dad or someone else be able to take siblings back home, to school or daycare, a nearby park or restaurant, etc. after the family part is finished as it sometimes can take a while for baby’s alone photos.

SETTING EXPECTATIONS BEFORE THE SESSION IS THE KEY TO GREAT PHOTOS AND HAPPY KIDS. 

Before your session, pack a bag with anything you might need for the car ride, session, and back home. If your kiddos is too young to follow directions, bring any objects that you think might help me get their attention (like small toys or stuffed animals) when it’s time for them to look at the camera. 

If your little ones are old enough to understand you, it’s a good idea to prepare them for what’s to come before the session starts. Explain how much the photos mean to you so they know to be on their best behavior. A lot of families pick something fun to do –– as a treat after the session –– if their kiddos are good listeners. Like lunch or dinner at their favorite pizza place or an ice cream cone! 

It also helps if your kids’ bellies are full and they’ve had some good rest before the session. After you do your best to prepare them, give yourself (and them) some grace! I have a lot of experience working with kids, so if they’re “in a mood” or aren’t cooperating perfectly for some reason, rest assured that we’re not judging you (or them). I’ve seen it all and know how to get great photos no matter what! My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you! This season of life feels long right now, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s short. So even if things don’t go exactly as planned or as you’d hoped in terms of your kids’ behavior, one day, you’ll be so glad you took these photos. 

Did I miss something? Do you have a more specific question that was not answered in this prep guide? Simply send me a message or text me 612.440.3031.

I look forward to working with you and your new arrival!