HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT

WHAT AGE IS GOOD FOR THE NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT

You are expecting your baby soon. You want to have nice photos of your newborn baby and you may even want to make a photobook as a gift for grandparents. Then, when do you want to schedule the photoshoot for your newborn baby? 

When babies are just born, their eyes are not fully developed and they are less responsive to the environment. They spend most of time sleeping and eating. Once they become more aware of environment, there is a higher chance that they may start crying when they see a stranger other than mom or just a little bit of change in their environment can make them to cry. For that reason, it has been a known "rule" to do newborn photoshoot within 2 weeks after birth. Personally, I tried not to do the photoshoot earlier than 10 days since I thought that it might be better for mom and baby to have some rest and adjustment time after birth. I have done photoshoots when babies are 3-weeks-old and it was also fine. Sometimes a baby can cry more often that others but you just need to have breaks during the photoshoot to calm down the baby.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT

So, you scheduled the photoshoot for your baby. Then what?

For newborn photoshoots, I have always done it at clients' home. It is the most comfortable place for both baby and mom. Before I make an appointment with clients, I ask them what the best time is for the photoshoot. And I ask mom to feed the baby once I arrive their place while setting up my equipment. Babies tend to fall asleep after their belly is full, so it is easier to do the photoshoot. Please be prepared to feed the baby again in the middle of photoshoot if necessary. Newborn photoshoot requires a lot of patience since you never know when the baby cries again because they are hungry or their diapers need to be changed. It is good to keep a pacifier around since it may be able to calm down the baby when they start crying. 

WHAT TO PREPARE FOR THE NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT

Since the photoshoot is done at the clients' home, it is often not an ideal studio setting. Ideally, a room with a large window will be a good place for the photoshoot with a plenty of natural light. Even if you don't have such a room at home, don't worry. We can also use lighting equipment as an extra light source. If you have a comfy large blanket or a bed sheet, it helps to make a clean background for the photoshoot. The colors can be preferentially white or pastel (It is my own style. Other photographers may prefer different styles).

If you have a cute baby hat or cute dolls, they can be used as a nice prop for the photoshoot. Sometimes, I also bring some props with me just in case if clients do not have any.

If you have a nice basket where the baby can fit in or a nice Bean bag, that can be a good prop for the photoshoot. Just make sure that your baby can fit in there comfortably.

I always make sure that I do not make the baby to be in uncomfortable or unnatural poses. Baby's safety is always the number one priority.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE NEWBORN PHOTOSHOOT

I personally like to have white or pastel looks for my newborn photoshoots. So, I ask my clients to wear white, pastel or similar non-flashy colors (also for the baby, of course). If the room is warm enough, babies can be posed without clothes, but partially covered with a blanket. Please make sure if the room is nice and warm for the baby in that case.

PHOTOSHOOT TOGETHER WITH MOM AND DAD

After finishing the session with the baby, I always try to have a photoshoot session with mom and dad too as long as they want it. I take some photos with baby and mom only, followed by the photoshoot with baby and dad only. At the end, the whole family pictures, baby and parents. 

ENDING REMARKS

I usually try not to exceed total two hours for the photoshoot including the setup time, feeding and breaks to calm down the baby. The baby might be already tired after a lot of things happening around.

Would you like to make an appointment for your own newborn photoshoot? Please contact me via the contact form in this website.