Top Tips for Your Baby's Newborn Photo Session

Your baby's newborn photo session is one of the most beautiful and meaningful photo sessions of their life. They'll be this little for such a short time, and newborn photography is your magical save button to preserve a slice of this amazing stage forever. Many of the parents in my studio, though, are first-timers for newborn photos, and they aren’t sure what to expect or how to make the session go more smoothly. As Hickory's premier newborn photographer, I'm happy to help! These are my top tips for parents for your newborn photo session.

1. Be Strategic with the Sleep Schedule

If you love sleepy newborn photos (as nearly every parent does), you can help to make sure your baby drifts off to dreamland at just the right time. Try to keep them awake for a few hours before the session. Then, give them a nice big feeding just before the session. With that combo, those little eyelids will close before you know it and your baby will sleep soundly.

Of course, some babies want to see what's going on, and may be more difficult to get to sleep. That's okay! I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve for easing babies to sleep, and we'll get beautiful and precious portraits regardless.

2. Plan for Comfort

Newborn sessions can last for several hours because we let the baby lead the way, taking plenty of breaks for feeding, soothing, changing, and so on. For much of this time, you'll just be relaxing while I work my magic.

When you come to your session, bring items that will keep you comfortable and allow you to enjoy this rare break time. That could include a book to read, your latest knitting project, and so on.

Make sure you're also prepared to be in photos, though. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and your baby so it’s an excellent time for me to take portraits of you together during this beautiful time of life.

3. Trust Your Photographer’s Expertise

You've chosen your photographer for a reason: they're experienced in newborn photography, they have knowledge of newborn safety, and you love their work. Take advantage of that expertise.

If you have any questions about or leading up to your photo session, just ask your photographer. Communicate with them about what you hope to get from your session and then trust that they have all the details handled. Remember, the less stressed you feel, the more at ease your baby will feel too, and that makes for the best newborn photos.

4. Relax and Enjoy!

Your baby's newborn photo session isn't just something to check off the to-do list. This is a special, once-in-a-lifetime moment for your family and you don’t want to miss it. Throughout your baby's photo session, allow yourself to just relax your mind, be present, and take in the experience. The memories you have of this photo session will make the portraits that much more special.

Planning Your Newborn Photography Session

If you have a baby on the way, I would be honored to capture this monumental time for you and your growing family. For stunning newborn photos as well as an enjoyable, stress-free experience, contact Heidi Houser Photography today, your premier photographer serving Hickory, NC, and beyond.