How to Prepare for Your Studio Newborn Photography Session

Planning and preparing your family for your newborn photography session can be a bit stressful. As a Professional Newborn Photographer in the Minneapolis area, I want to help you prepare for your posed newborn photography session to get the best images together in the shortest amount of time with the least amount of stress possible. In this article, I’ll give you some tips on how to prepare for your studio newborn photography session.

The key to a successful studio newborn photography session is a sleepy newborn. You would think all newborns are always super sleepy, right? Well, not always. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to the baby being wide awake during what’s supposed to be this sleepier time in their life, and we want to make sure we address all of the issues to make this process go as smoothly as possible.

Keep in mind, some things are completely out of our control. The majority of newborns I see in my studio still have a bit of an immature digestive system, so gas, spit-ups, and acid reflux are not uncommon. Fear not! I’m pretty good at soothing these little people and working around any issues that may come up.

Tip #1: Plan to feed your baby a full feeding right before the start of the session.

First and foremost, we need a well-fed baby (like, milk drunk). This is most important for preparing for a posed newborn photography session. However you feed your baby, whether that be breastfed or bottle-fed, we need babies to have a nice full tummy to keep them dozing during their newborn photography session.

You can feed your baby at home if you have a shorter drive to the studio (like 10 minutes or less), or you can do that when you arrive at the studio.

Some babies tend to need to eat a bit more during newborn photography sessions. If you’re not comfortable with breastfeeding in public (although my studio is private – it will just be your family and me), I do have a private room in my studio where you can sit comfortably to feed your baby.

As a mom, I can tell you that all modesty goes right out the window after you have a baby. So usually by the time parents get to the studio, they’re pretty comfortable with breastfeeding in front of me. If you’re bottle-feeding, bring at least 2 extra full bottles so that you can feed the baby as needed. I also have an on-site bathroom if you just want to bring some powder formula and some spare bottles.

Tip #2: Skip caffeine, acidic foods, and “gassy” foods for 48 hours before your session.

If you’re breastfeeding your baby, it’s important to pay attention to what you’re eating and drinking for a few days before the newborn photography session. Remember, what you eat, your baby eats.

Food and beverages like caffeine, sugar, gassy foods (beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), and acidic foods (oranges and tomatoes) can have an impact on your baby’s maturing digestive system, leading to an upset tummy and gas. If you’re not sure, take a look at this article put out by WebMD about Foods to Eat or Avoid When Breastfeeding.

Tip #3: Bring a pacifier (even if your baby isn’t using one)

After the baby has a nice full feed, it’s helpful to have a pacifier on hand for the baby to suck on. We don’t want your baby to overeat, which could lead to them spitting up. Some babies just need something to suck on to keep themselves soothed while they go into a nice, deep sleep. If you don’t have one, I’ll have unopened spare pacifiers at the studio. You can even take it home with you after we’re done with your newborn portrait session.

Tip #4: Bring extra diapers.

I keep newborn diapers at the studio, but if you have a particular brand you prefer, bring some extras with you, along with wipes, which you probably already have in the diaper bag. Keeping babies in a nice, dry diaper is also key to keeping them comfortable so they can sleep during the session. Every baby is different, and some don’t mind sitting in a dirty diaper. But the last thing we want to encourage is a diaper rash. The session will last 2-3 hours, so we’ll change the baby as needed during the session.

Tip #5: Dress comfortably.

At my studio newborn photography sessions, I’m not only concerned about keeping the baby comfortable, but I want you to be comfortable, too. Keep in mind the session will last roughly 3 hours with family/parent photos, sibling photos, and photos of your newborn. The studio will be quite warm (around 75-80 degrees) to keep the baby warm, so dress accordingly. Feel free to bring a spare outfit to change into once we’re all done with family photos.

Tip #6: Eat a good breakfast!

As I’ve said before, the session will last about 3 hours. The first 30 minutes of the session, we’ll be taking family photos, sibling photos, and individual photos of mom with the baby and dad with the baby. I don’t want anyone passing out or fainting while holding the newborn baby! If you run out of time trying to make it to the studio, don’t worry. I keep Kind Breakfast Bars and bottled water on hand to hold you over until you can get a proper meal.

Breastfeeding mamas in particular need to stay hydrated and keep their energy levels up. You’ll burn a lot of calories simply by breastfeeding your baby. My newborn photography sessions typically start around 10 am, so that means the session could go until 1 pm. Rarely do they go longer than 3 hours, but if they do, it might be a good idea to bring extra snacks with you, run out to grab something to bring back to the studio, or have something delivered.

Often, one of the parents (usually dad) will run out and grab coffee or a meal after the family photos are done. My studio in Plymouth, MN, is close to many fast food restaurants and coffee shops in the area; all within a 5-10 minute drive.

Tip #7: Take advantage of the free time.

I remember as a new mom feeling like every minute of every day in those first few weeks after my son was born was completely dedicated to him. I barely had time to eat or shower, let alone do something relaxing for myself.

This is your time to relax a bit while I work with your newborn for a couple of hours. You may want to bring your laptop, iPad, or a book, so you can catch up on your emails, or finally get that novel finished!

It can even get a little boring for some parents while I’m working with the baby on their posed newborn photos. I try to work quickly, but if the baby is unsettled for any reason, the session may take a bit longer.

Tip #8: Pack your patience along with everything else in your diaper bag.

This is a process that cannot be rushed. My sessions are baby-led, meaning I take my cues from them. As I stated above, unsettled babies will take longer to fall asleep, stay asleep, and pose.

I strongly recommend that if you have a spouse or partner who gets too impatient to wait it out, have them drive separately to the session. That way they can take off once their part of the session is over (and we can hang out and have some girl talk!) This will ensure that we get all of the poses and as much variety out of your session as possible.

Remember, your newborn is only a newborn once. Following these tips will make the most of our newborn photography session together so that you end up with the most beautiful images of your baby that you’ll love and cherish forever!