HELLO AND WELCOME | HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION - FROM A ST. LOUIS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
As a St. Louis Newborn Photographer, I’m often asked by parents what they need to do to get ready for their newborn photography session. Booking a newborn photography session is an exciting time for families, but it can also raise a lot of questions and concerns, especially for new parents.
To make sure families are ready, I provide a "Newborn Session Preparation Guide" to everyone who books a newborn photography session with me. This guide has helpful tips to make the session comfy for both parents and baby. Today, I'm sharing some general tips here on my blog to help you prepare for a successful newborn photography session, even if you haven't booked with me yet!
Before we dive into my newborn photography session tips, let's talk about the importance of booking ahead of time. Seasoned newborn photographers will tell you that scheduling your session before your baby arrives is vital to ensuring that you’re able secure a spot with your preferred photographer. Many photographers like to capture babies when they're 4-14 days old, so if you wait until after your baby is born to start looking for a photographer it can be a rush to coordinate and schedule your session. As an experienced St. Louis Newborn Photographer, I try to be a bit more flexible and I'm comfortable doing newborn poses with babies up to 6 weeks old . I also have experience working with premature babies, who have had extended NICU stays, that were unable to have their newborn photography session until they were a couple months old.
The best time to start looking for a photographer is during your third trimester. This gives you time to find a photographer whose style you love and book a session. Some parents even book during the second trimester. This is the route I suggest as it provides you assurance in case you go into labor early. Ultimately, you decide when, but booking ahead makes the process smoother once your baby arrives.
Now, let's get into my 5 tips for preparing your baby for a newborn photography session.
GIVE BABY A WARM BATH | HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION - FROM A ST. LOUIS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
First, let's discuss how a soothing bath can prepare your baby for their upcoming newborn photography session. A warm bath not only helps your baby feel snug and serene but also plays a vital role in ensuring a fuss-free and comfortable experience during the session.
Furthermore, giving your baby a warm bath before the photography session can become a cherished bonding moment for both you and your little one. This closeness fosters a sense of security, which, in turn, encourages your baby to cooperate during the shoot. It's an opportunity to create heartwarming memories even before the photographer starts capturing those precious moments.
Beyond its calming effects, a warm bath can work wonders for your baby's skin, enhancing their appearance in the photographs. It effectively removes dry skin and dirt, leaving their skin feeling soft and velvety. Moreover, a comfortable baby is more likely to display those heart-melting smiles and adorable poses we all adore. So, giving your baby a warm bath prior to their newborn photography session not only contributes to their well-being but also aids in capturing the perfect shot!
FEEDING YOUR BABY | HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION - FROM A ST. LOUIS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
Let's delve into another essential tip for preparing your baby for a successful newborn photography session – ensuring they're well-fed. We've all experienced the post-meal 'food coma,' and it's no different for newborns! After a satisfying feed, babies often drift into a deep slumber. Feeding your baby shortly before the session is a smart move as it leaves them feeling content and primed for a peaceful nap during the photography session.
Newborn photography sessions can be quite lengthy, spanning approximately 2-3 hours. During this time, it's perfectly normal to take a few additional feeding breaks. There's no need to worry; this is all part of the plan. These feeding intermissions provide an opportunity for you to cuddle with your baby, ensure their comfort, and meet their needs. They also offer a precious chance to capture heartwarming moments as you bond with your little one.
WHAT TO WEAR BEFORE AND DURING | HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION - FROM A ST. LOUIS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
As a St. Louis Newborn Photographer, some of the most common questions asked by moms getting ready for their newborn photography session, revolve around what the baby and the rest of the family should wear.
Before the session, you should dress your baby in clothing with a bit of room to spare. Many newborn outfits come with snug waistbands, tight sleeve ends, and pant leg cuffs, which can sometimes leave noticeable red marks on the baby's delicate skin. Opting for looser-fitting clothes is an effective way to prevent these marks, ensuring your baby is comfortable and ready for their big session. This attention to detail in preventing skin marks is an essential part of preparing your baby for a newborn photography session.
For the session itself, I highly recommend keeping things as uncomplicated as possible. A onesie in a solid, light neutral color is consistently a wise pick. Choose outfits that fit closely and have minimal fancy details while allowing those cute baby feet to be on display. Being an experienced St. Louis Newborn Photographer, I have an assortment of newborn baby clothing readily available for the session. These outfits are carefully selected to ensure a comfortable fit for newborns while producing delightful photographs.
If you happen to be unsure about what to dress your baby in, remember that swaddled poses and diaper-less newborn poses are well-liked. If you're not entirely at ease with the idea of diaper-less photos, we can use wraps and layers during the session to ensure the baby remains appropriately covered in poses that might otherwise reveal their lower half.
SIT BACK AND RELAX | HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION - FROM A ST. LOUIS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
Another critical aspect of getting ready for a newborn photography session is maintaining a sense of calm and relaxation. In my role as a professional St. Louis Newborn Photographer, I take steps to ensure that the entire process is as stress-free as possible for you and your family.
The session typically kicks off with family poses, followed by individual shots of the baby. This structured approach is designed so that once the family poses are completed, you can unwind and truly relax. In my comfortable in-home studio, I provide refreshments, snacks, and Wi-Fi to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. If you've chosen a more lifestyle-oriented newborn session, you'll have the added advantage of being in the comfort of your own home, which often makes relaxing even easier compared to being in a studio setting.
BABIES WILL BE BABIES | HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION - FROM A ST. LOUIS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
One valuable lesson I learned early in my career as a St. Louis Newborn Photographer is that when it comes to these sessions, it's the babies who hold the reins. There will inevitably be moments when a baby fusses or needs extra time to settle down, and that's completely normal. That's why having essential baby supplies such as extra food, pacifiers, swaddles, and diapers on hand can be a real lifesaver during these instances.
Occasionally, babies have their own agenda for the session and might require a little gentle encouragement to drift off to sleep or remain calm enough for posing. This is where swaddles and wraps become valuable tools for cooperation. Depending on the baby's mood and temperament, we might need to incorporate more wrapped poses than initially planned. It's important to remember that in the world of newborn photography, it's the newborns themselves who set the pace and determine the course of the session.
MY FINAL THOUGHTS | HOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION - FROM A ST. LOUIS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER
Preparing your baby for a newborn photography session might initially feel like a big task, particularly for first-time parents. Nevertheless, with a bit of forethought and readiness, it can turn into a seamless and delightful experience for all involved. Here's a helpful recap: Ensure your baby is fed just before the session, plan their outfits, opt for comfy clothing, and above all, relax and trust your St. Louis Newborn Photographer to care for your little one. It's crucial to remember that babies will be, well, babies. They may shed a tear, require a meal, or even have a minor mishap, and that's entirely expected and part of the journey. Ultimately, what truly matters is capturing those exquisite, timeless snapshots of your newborn - memories you'll hold dear for a lifetime.
If you wish to book a session with Fauna and Flora Photography please click HERE and fill out the form!
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