How to Make the Most of Your Newborn Photography Session

Welcoming a newborn into your family is a moment of pure joy and wonder. Those early days are filled with sleepless nights, endless cuddles, and a sense of awe at the tiny human you’ve brought into the world. Time, however, has a way of moving too quickly during this phase, and before you know it, your baby will outgrow their newborn stage. This is why capturing these fleeting moments with a professional newborn photography session is so special. To help you make the most of your session, we’ve put together some tips to ensure your experience is as stress-free and memorable as possible.

1. Schedule Your Session Early

Newborns are best photographed within the first two weeks of life, ideally between 5-14 days old. During this time, babies are still very sleepy and naturally curl up in those adorable womb-like poses that make newborn photography so magical. To ensure you get a spot during this brief window, it’s important to schedule your session while you’re still pregnant, ideally during your second trimester. This way, you can relax knowing everything is arranged well in advance.

2. Keep Your Baby Comfortable

A happy, comfortable baby is the key to a successful newborn photography session. In the days leading up to the shoot, try to establish a feeding and sleeping routine, but don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly—newborns are unpredictable, and we’re more than prepared to adapt to your baby’s needs. On the day of the session, keep your baby’s nappy a little loose to avoid any red marks on their skin, and dress them in something easy to remove. The studio will be kept warm and cosy to ensure your baby feels safe and content throughout the session.

3. Prepare for the Session

Before your session, I’ll provide you with detailed information about what to expect and how to prepare. It’s a good idea to have a feed just before the session begins so your baby is full and sleepy. I always allow plenty of time for feeding breaks, nappy changes, and cuddles, so there’s no need to feel rushed. If you have older siblings joining the session, bring along some snacks and quiet activities to keep them entertained.

4. Consider Your Wardrobe

While the focus will be on your beautiful newborn, it’s important to consider what you’ll wear as well. For parents, I recommend wearing neutral, soft tones that complement the natural, timeless look of newborn photography. Avoid bright colours, busy patterns, or logos, as they can be distracting in the final images. Simplicity is key, as it allows the emotional connection between you and your baby to shine through. If siblings are joining, coordinate their outfits with yours to create a harmonious look.

5. Trust the Process

As a specialist in newborn photography, I’ve handled many sessions with babies of all temperaments. Whether your little one is peacefully asleep or a bit fussy, rest assured that we’ll get beautiful shots. Sometimes, the best images come from those unplanned moments, like a yawn or a little stretch. Trust in the process, and know that I’ll work patiently with your baby to capture those precious moments in the most natural and safe way possible.

6. Bring Personal Touches

If you have special items you’d like to include in the shoot, such as a handmade blanket, a favourite toy, or a family heirloom, feel free to bring them along. These personal touches can add an extra layer of meaning to your photos and create images that are truly unique to your family. We can discuss any ideas you have beforehand to ensure everything is seamlessly integrated into the session.

7. Relax and Enjoy the Experience

The most important thing to remember is to relax and enjoy the experience. Your newborn’s first photography session is not just about the photos themselves, but about creating memories of this special time in your family’s life. Take this time to soak in the moments, whether it’s watching your baby peacefully sleep, seeing their tiny features captured on camera, or snuggling them close for family shots. These are the moments that you’ll look back on with fondness for years to come.

Conclusion

A newborn photography session is a beautiful way to capture the earliest days of your baby’s life. By planning ahead, keeping your baby comfortable, and trusting the process, you’ll be able to relax and fully enjoy this special experience. At Little Gems Photography, I’m dedicated to creating timeless, heartfelt images that you’ll treasure forever. If you’re ready to book your newborn session or have any questions, please feel free to reach out—I’m here to help you every step of the way.