Baby has arrived, everyone is home and its time for newborn photos in home! You’ve already scheduled the photographer ahead of time, clothes are picked out, and the photographer is coming your house! What are the last minute things you need to do?
This is my quick list of tips for newborn photoshoot day for parents:
Tips for Newborn Photoshoot Day for Parents:
Hey! I’m Alison, lifestyle photographer, recovering homeschool mama of 4 boys circus and USMC family.
I’ve been photographing families for 12 years. One thing I’ve learned: photos never lose their value.
But the thought of dealing with 3 hour studio photoshoot is just too much.
Not only do you have to worry about getting everyone dressed and to the studio on time, but spaces can be cramped and uncomfortable – and take forever!
In home newborn photos are half the time and capture the intimate details that studios simply can’t.
How Newborn Photos Work
- We book your due date. I only take 2 families per week to leave plenty of wiggle room. Baby’s gonna do what baby’s gonna do! We get wardrobe set before delivery.
2. After baby arrives and everyone is home, we set the actual photo session day. Newborn sessions are weekday mornings usually around 10am and last up 90 minutes and are easy and painless.
3. Two to three weeks after photo day we gather again virtually for your Gallery Reveal & Order appointment! Buy only what you love. Digital files come with the print products.
6 Tips for Newborn Photoshoot for Parents
Feed baby just before the session
We want baby to be content and happy during her photos, even if she’s awake. One perk to doing lifestyle photos is that we don’t need baby to be asleep! Its nice to see her eyes sometimes
Steam your clothes
Steaming your clothes in the dryer will let all the wrinkles fall out without ironing. Make sure Dad’s shirt and Mom’s dress don’t have packaging lines if they’re new!
To steam clothes in the dryer, just toss in a damp cloth with your clothes for about 15 minutes.
Warm the house
A cold baby is a mad baby. Their little fingers and toes will turn slightly blue or purple and that will show up in photos! Warm the house a few degrees so that baby is comfortable without a sleeper or swaddle while we shoot.
Turn the thermostat up at least 30 minutes before shoot time
Start with an all white onsie
We’ve already done the run down on what to wear for newborn photos , but start baby off in a quality white onsie – one that doesn’t show the diaper designs! Lace edges for girls is a nice touch but not required.
Any other special or heirloom outfit will come later, if baby is easy going!
Use solid color solid swaddle or crib sheet
Both the sheet and the swaddle don’t HAVE to be solid, but they can’t both be printed! Its just too busy.
We’ll photograph baby in the crib either swaddled or not, depending on her preference. If your sheets are printed, have a simple white swaddle ready. If you have solid sheets, a printed swaddle could work. As always, I’ll totally give you direction.
Walk the dog
If we’re including the family pup, walk that sucker! I mean a good long walk or run so he’s puckered out before photos. He’ll be more compliant and lazy which is exactly how we want him!
Drop your email here to get it delivered to your inbox now!
More Tips for Newborn Photoshoot
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
Alison's Process
contact Alison
