So, you’ve booked your newborn session, and you’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one! But do you know everything you need to do to prepare for getting those dreamy first photos of your new baby? If you have any questions about your session, I’d love to talk to you! But to make you feel a little more prepared, here are some basic tips to help you make the most of your newborn session.
Know the Right Time to Schedule
Your newborn session should take place when your baby is between seven and 21 days old. Any older, and your little one will be more challenging to pose and less likely to snooze happily for most of the shoot. And don’t worry if your newborn arrives later or earlier than expected! Your session date is flexible, and we’ll be sure to fit you in.
Be Aware of Where To Go
My Studio is located in the same shopping center as the new Liberty Union Bar and Grill in Kimberton, Pa, directly off of route 113. The address for your GPS is 523 Kimberton Rd, Suite 11-B 1RR, Phoenixville, Pa 19460. I am located in the very rear of the shopping center behind All About Eyes.
Choose Baby’s Outfit and Accessories
What is the perfect wardrobe for a newborn you ask? Nothing! You want your images to capture those tiny fingers and toes, sweet little rolls of fat, and soft baby skin. But be sure to dress your newborn in an outfit that’s easy to take off and put on again. You may also want to bring along some accessories or sentimental items that hold special meaning for you and your family, like a blanket that’s been in your family for generations or a toy from your childhood. Items like this are a great way to add personal detail to your images. My studio has absolutely everything else we need for the shoot. I have wraps, headbands, outfits, bonnets, props and even dresses for mom to wear! About 99% of the items your see on my site are from my studio! It makes your session that much easier not having to buy or pick out new outfits for the shoot 🙂
Determine Your Own Look
Even though the photos will mostly be of your little one, you’ll want photos of the whole family as well! Take some time to choose your own wardrobe—go for something simple and comfortable. For dad’s simple is definitely the best. A plain white t-shirt or polo can be perfect, so don’t overthink it. Makeup is not required, but definitely recommended and a little touching up can help you feel fresh and at east in front of the camera. It also helps to use a few basic hair products to keep strays in place. But don’t worry too much about your appearance. After all, the focus will be on your adorable new addition! We also have our full line of maternity gowns available that double as post-partum dresses as well if you feel like you have nothing to wear for your session, or want the ease of having a dress provided for you.
Don’t Change Your Routine
To keep your little one happy, don’t change their diet or daily routine before your session. Continue with your regular feedings, and don’t forget to pack plenty of bottles for the shoot if you formula-feed.
Be Prepared for a Warm Studio
I keep the heat on high—around 80 degrees—to make sure your newborn is warm and comfortable, but it may be a little toasty for you! Be sure to dress comfortably or wear layers you can easily remove.
Talk to Older Siblings
If you have older children, it can be so much fun to include them in the newborn session! Just be sure to talk to them beforehand about listening to the photographer and behaving during the shoot. And don’t forget to pack some non-messy snacks as well!
What to Pack
Not sure what you need to bring to your newborn session? I’ve put together this checklist to help you pack everything you need in your diaper bag!
- Pacifiers: This is the most important item I want you to bring! Don’t be surprised if baby gets a little fussy between shots, so bring along some pacifiers.
- Plenty of diapers and wipes: Accidents happen, and you’ll want to be prepared.
- Extra outfits for you and baby: Again, it’s best to be prepared!
- Bring extra clothes for you and your little one, just in case there’s an accident and you need a change.
- Bottles: Be sure to bring enough bottles and formula for three to four feedings throughout your session. And if you’re nursing, it doesn’t hurt to bring some supplementary bottles just in case!
- Snacks for you: Parents get hungry too! Pack some granola bars and water for you and the rest of the family to snack on.
- Sentimental items: Don’t forget to pack your old baby toy, a family heirloom blanket, or any other items that are special to you.
These mementos make great additions to your images!
Choosing Your Images
This is the best part! Depending on your session type, we will meet either immediately after your session or a week or two following to review and select your images. At this part in the process, I will show what we photographed at the shoot, and we will go through them together and discuss how you want to print them! Most parents cry at how beautiful their images are of their baby, and it is such a joy for me to be a part of that process. Once we have narrowed down your selections or you’ve decided you want to purchase them all, we will settle your payment via check/cash/credit card, and your products will arrive in 4-6 weeks. We do offer digital files for the images that you purchase, they are printable up to 8x10inches. After that, we wait for your 6 month session to see each other and do it all over again!
