5 Tips for Great Newborn Photos

Most people, when asked, will say that the most important photos you will ever have taken are your wedding photos. I want to challenge that. Although wedding photography is very important, weddings are not the only “once in a lifetime moment” you will experience… what about newborn photos? There is only this short window of time your baby will be this small, this precious, and just like a wedding it will fly by and you will have to rely on the images to remember what that time looked like.  Here are a few tips to help you get a great experience when planning and preparing for your newborn session.

1. Plan Your Session Before Baby Arrives – Once the baby gets here, it will be hard to plan outfits for yourself or think of important images you want covered. It may also be hard to get an appointment with your favorite photographer on short notice. We recommend planning your newborn session during your pregnancy – sitting down with your photographer to discuss what you are looking for and plan outfits and styling. Most photographers will “pencil you in” for around your due date so they can be sure there will be a session available.

2. New Babies Photograph Better – Babies are at their most flexible at 5-10 days new; this is the ideal time for a newborn session.  Once little ones reach 14 days and older, they lose flexibility and will not be able to do many of the poses you see in sweet, squishy, newborn photos. They will also be less likely to sleep during the session which can make the session more difficult. Talk with your photographer about precautionary measures they take with backdrops and props to ensure a sanitary environment for your new little one.

3. Keep It Simple – New babies are beautiful just the way they are! They don’t need three-piece-suits, slogan onesies, or frilly dresses to make them any cuter. We much prefer photographing babies naked, in diaper covers, or swaddle wraps rather than clothing.  Oftentimes outfits will be too large, or sit too close to the baby’s face and cause distraction more than anything. The simpler you keep their outfits and styling, the more the images will focus on all the tiny baby features.

4. Think About Yourself – It’s important that newborn photos include pictures with mom and dad.  Even if you aren’t feeling quite like yourself, it’s important to step in front of the camera for a few quick shots (your little one will be so grateful for these as they grow up!)  Your photographer can help you plan for flattering clothing that will focus on you and baby together.  Many new moms find it a confidence building experience to make a salon appointment before their session to get their hair and make-up done and have a chance to relax and be pampered.

5. Be Prepared – Sleepy, full, warm babies are the best babies to photograph. Your photographer will be in charge of preparing a warm, pleasant environment for the baby, and the best thing you can do to prepare is to bring baby with a full belly.  Newborn sessions can take 2-3 hours, so plan on feeding a second time and be sure to bring snacks along for yourself and any other children. Other good things to bring along: burp rag, pacifier, soft blanket (to keep toasty between shots if the baby will be naked), and backup clothing for baby and yourself.

If you have any questions about our newborn sessions and style, feel free to post them in the comments below, or email us at kaseyandben@yahoo.com .  We would love to hear from you!