How to prepare for your newborn photography studio session

newborn baby laying in grey blanket for newborn photography session in Maryland

Preparing for your newborn photography studio session can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Often new parents don’t know how soon they need to contact a newborn photographer, who to contact, what to wear, and what they need to bring to their newborn photography studio session. One thing parents do know, is capturing the essence of your baby’s first few weeks in the world is a precious memory to keep forever, and it starts with preparing for your newborn photography studio session. With the right preparation, you can make sure that your newborn photography studio session is a success, and you can walk away with images that you will treasure forever.

At the heart of any successful newborn photography studio session is the right preparation. Before you head to the studio, it’s important to think about what you want to capture and how you want to remember this special time. There are a few key things that you should consider when preparing for your newborn photography studio session to make sure that it goes smoothly and you end up with images that you will love for years to come.

newborn baby in teal bonnet and matching blanket for Annapolis photo session

First, it’s important to choose the right newborn photography studio for your needs. Some photographers focus on a more posed portrait of your newborn. Family members are carefully posed to give a classic polished photograph. These newborn photography sessions are often done in a studio, where lighting is controlled, and the photographer has backdrops available. Other newborn photography studio sessions offer a lifestyle approach. Lifestyle sessions can be done in a studio or your own home. Sessions are more baby led. Family members simply snuggle and love on the newest member of their family. Both newborn photography studio sessions can be beautiful, highlight the tiny details of your newborn baby and shoe the love that you and your family have your beautiful new child. Some studios, such as Raising Wild Ones Photography offer parents both options.

Regardless of which style you prefer, you want a photographer who has experience in newborn photography and who understands how to work with babies and their unique needs. Look for a photographer who is patient and kind, and who can help you feel comfortable and relaxed during the session.

boho baby in knit blanket in Kent Island newborn photography session

When preparing for your newborn photography studio session, it’s also important to think about what you want to wear. It can be a little exhausting planning outfits, not only for you, but also members of your family. You want to choose outfits that are comfortable and won’t take the focus away from your new baby, and family members. Consider choosing soft, neutral-colored outfits, in varying prints, textures, and colors for your newborn photography studio session. Neutrals do not have to only be khaki, and white. Not only can you choose in between shades of oatmeal, cream, and taupe. You can also wear maroon, rust, olive, deep greens, and some blues. To make this easier for you Raising Wild Ones Photography offers a client closet for mamas and children up to a 6T. You may also want to bring a special outfit or two that holds special significance for you, such as the outfit that your baby was brought home in.

newborn baby with older sisters for newborn photography session in neutral colors

Another important aspect of preparing for your newborn photography studio session is to plan ahead. While we have diapers and wipes in the studio, make sure that you have all the necessary items your baby may need. If you are breast feeding, and your baby is able to take a bottle, your newborn photography studio session can go a little faster, since we can see how much your baby is eating and they tend to  eat a little quicker. If you are bringing a bottle for your session, bring 2 times the amount of breast milk or formula that you think you need. A full baby is often a sleepy baby, and this helps us photograph your little one in all the adorable photos that you have seen. Even if you don’t plan on using a pacifier, it is a good idea to bring one, to help your little one settle. Using a pacifier for a few minutes for your newborn photography studio session won’t cause nipple confusion, and can be a good way to help your new baby drift off to sleep While our studio supplies wraps, bonnets, headbands, halos, and props, if there is a blanket, toy, or photography that is important to you, I encourage you to chat about your vision with your photographer, so they are able to incorporate some of your ideas into your newborn photography studio session.

boho baby in basket wearing cream colors for Maryland newborn photography session

Once you arrive at the studio, take some time to settle in and get comfortable. Lifestyle sessions often take an hour to 2 hours The newborn photography studio session with more posed images can take anywhere from two to four hours, so make sure that you have everything that you need to stay comfortable during that time. It’s also a good idea to feed your baby just before the session, so they are content and relaxed during the shoot.

baby wearing blue with pacifier in moses basket

During the newborn photography studio session, the photographer will take a variety of images, capturing different angles, using different drops and props, and will be posing your baby. This all helps to get beautiful images of your little one, highlighting not only your newborn, but also the small details that in time you may forget. It’s important to be patient and to let the photographer do their job, as they will know what works best for newborn photography.

newborn baby in photography prop bucket for newborn photography session in Maryland

After the newborn photography studio session is complete, you will have the opportunity to view the images. Some photographers will give you an online gallery where you download all of your images they have selected for your package. Other photographers will give you a gallery either in person, or online, where you select the images that come with your package, with the opportunity to purchase more if you like. Some photographers offer an even greater service, and help you choose the best way to showcase your new family and newborn photos. They will walk you step by step through the process, ensuring that your images don’t just stay on your computer or as a screen saver. This is an exciting moment, and you will want to take your time to select the images that best capture your baby’s innocence and beauty.

newborn baby with mom and dad in black photography backdrop for newborn photography session in Annapolis Maryland

In conclusion, preparing for your newborn photography studio session is an important step in capturing the essence of your baby’s first few weeks in the world. With the right preparation, you can make sure that your newborn photography studio session is a success, and you can walk away with images that you will treasure for a lifetime. From choosing the right newborn photography studio to thinking about what you want to wear, taking the time to plan ahead and be patient during the session, you can make sure that your newborn photography studio session is a memorable and special. When you are ready to choose your newborn photographer in the Annapolis Maryland area, please reach out to me on my contact form. While my studio is located on Kent Island Maryland,  I happily serve my clientele on both Maryland’s Eastern and Western Shore. I am happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your newborn photography studio session, and walk you through the process.