HOW TO PREP FOR THE PERFECT NEWBORN SESSION
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR PREGNANCY
(OR YOUR NEW BUNDLE OF JOY IF YOUR BABA HAS ALREADY ARRIVED EARTH SIDE)
So, it’s time to start thinking about prepping for your Newborn Photo Shoot, right? I mean lets face it, these images are some of the most important images you’re going to ever have taken - (aside from maybe your wedding, but i’d go as far to say these are as-important-as) but you never get these opportunities again when your baby is so small and squishy. Lets prepare for it and do everything we can to make sure we nail this shoot and your baby remains nice and calm throughout.
Newborn sessions take place when the baby is between 4-21 days old for best results.
1) BOOK YOUR SESSION WELL IN ADVANCE
You need to be booking your session around the same time as your 20 week scan to guarantee availability. I am fully aware that babies very rarely make their due date - don’t worry I have that covered. I reserve you a date around a week from your due date and then re-jig your appointment should your baby arrive early or late. I only take on a certain amount of newborn clients per month to allow wriggle time so it’s always worth booking before they’re born to ensure you get one of my appointment slots.
2) LET ME KNOW OF ANY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Should you have anything that you wish for me to try and achieve at your newborn session, you should let me know in advance so I can ensure I can incorporate this into your session. Is there any specific colours that you want me to incorporate? any heirloom props that you’re going to be bringing with you on the day? What colours do you have in your home, we should try and match your decor? Is there anything you definitely don’t want? If you have seen any of my previous work and want me to try capture something similar at your session, why not send me a screenshot of a couple of your favourite images so I can refer to them for inspiration during your session (please only screenshot and send me my own work though).
3) WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
Everything but the kitchen sink.. (or at least that’s what it seems like leaving the house with a baby right? haha!)
- Nappy Changing Bag - with a change of clothes for baby incase of poonami situation (I do have spare wipes and nappies for emergencies but bring plenty of your own as well)
- Muslin Cloths - because they’re just the best things in the entire world aren’t they. Baby sick? grab a muslin. Spilt ya drink? grab a muslin. Need to stop my nice new top being splattered in spag bol? grab a muslin.
- Milk - Wether it’s on tap and you’re breast feeding or wether you’re bottle feeding, ensure you’ve got everything you need to feed that baby if we need to. i.e. if you’re using nipple shields, bring them. If your baby takes Infacol with their bottle, bring that. I do not have a prep machine or bottle warmer, however I can provide boiling water or cooled water to get your bottle to the right temperature.
- Dummy - The D Word. The Controversial D word. Now, I’ll never force a dummy on you/your child, however wether you’re using one or not in those early days please just pop one in the changing bag so that it is there as a last resort should we really need it. Sometimes babies want to suckle and aren’t necessarily hungry, so a dummy can help to pacify that for them.
- Change of clothes for parents/siblings - Let’s face it, when you’re new parents or parents to a new baby you’re often covered in something.. so it’s always worth having a spare set of clothes with you, even if you just leave it in the car. Babies spend a portion of the shoot naked, and I can’t promise they won’t do a tinkle on you.. or worse.
- Sibling entertainment - BRING THE IPAD, bring the colouring books, bring the lego, bring the life size cut out of peppa pig if you need to. Bring whatever you can to ensure your child doesn’t get bored. Bring them a packed lunch as well and lots to drink. Another option (if you’re local enough), let’s get all the sibling and family images done straight away so that a grand-parent or dad can whiz the sibling(s) off to the local park or something, then they really won’t get bored.
- Baby Hair Brush - If your baby has been born with hair and you realise now why you were popping Gaviscon like sweets for the last 12 weeks.
4) GIVE BABY A REALLY GOOD FEED JUST BEFORE THE SHOOT
So that when you arrive for your session your baby should have just dropped off to sleep or is on the way to dropping off to sleep and will be heading into that really deep sleep and dreaming milky dreams. Posing, especially the nakey poses, are SO much easier when baby is asleep. When they’re awake, they’re more alert and aware and there are certain poses that I wouldn’t do when baby is awake as these little newborns can often have very strong necks and I wouldn’t want them to ever be in a position where their safety is at risk.
5) WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
The most asked question. Be comfortable. Newborn sessions can be up to a lengthy 3 hours, so don’t come in anything that you’re not going to be comfortable in (unless you’re getting changed). Think about wearing something breastfeeding friendly, if you’re breastfeeding, as we need easy access to the nips. Both parents and siblings should wear outfits that compliment each other, you should try stick to the same colour pallet. I would advise picking a colour or two (as a family) and wearing different tones of this colour(s). Avoid slogan tee’s and heavily patterned clothing, these will date.. and in 10 years time, when you’ve decided you no longer support Leeds United or you don’t listen to ACDC who were plastered all over your t-shirt, you’ll be gutted. Please try and ensure that your 3 year old doesn’t come covered in temporary tattoos.
6) SIT BACK AND RELAX
Wether you’re first time parents, or 4th time parents - your newborn photoshoot with myself, Emily Green Photography, is supposed to be a calming and enjoyable experience and by no means stressful. Sit back, enjoy a cuppa whilst it’s hot, grab a snack and get comfy. You don’t get these little opportunities again so soak up every minute.
I do ask that you don’t take any photographs in the studio on your mobile phones unless I am physically in them and it is a ‘behind the scenes’ photograph - thank you!
I can’t wait to meet your little ones for lots of snuggles and to capture some beautiful imagery that will be displayed in your homes as gorgeous wall art for years and years to come.
The best time to book is around the time of your 20 week scan and the best age to capture newborn babies is between 4-21 days of age.