February 1, 2023

Preparing for a Newborn Photography Session

Newborn Photography, Baby Photography

When is the ideal time to photograph newborns?


The ideal time for a Newborn Session is between 5 to 14 days however can be done as late as 6 weeks. Boys & circumcision: Schedule at least 5 days after procedure.


Nutrition Guide


Ideally, moms should avoid these foods if breast feeding two days prior to the session to not upset the baby’s tummy.


Acidic foods, such as lemons, oranges, berries, pizza, spaghetti, chili, and tomato products.

Gassy vegetables such as asparagus, onions, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower

Foods that should be restricted, such as soda, coffee, and beer.


Keep your baby awake before the session


It’s no secret that infants sleep a lot. But sometimes, their sleep patterns don’t cooperate with our plans. If you want your little one sacked out during the photo session, so you can get those adorable sleepy newborn poses, keep them up before your photo session.


Making sure you keep your baby awake prior to a session is a great way to guarantee they will sleep through most of it. That will lead to peaceful pictures, instead of ones where they look enraged or red-faced from crying.

Feed your baby 20-30 minutes before your session


What’s cuter than a milk-drunk infant? (Hint: the answer is nothing!).

Newborns are some of the hungriest creatures on this Earth. You don’t want their photo session disrupted by their frantic cries for milk. Feeding and burping your infant right before your newborn photo session begins means less crying, better sleep, and relaxed parents (and photographer!).

Avoid giving them a full meal in the one to two hours before your session. If they seem hungry, try to give them a small snack to get them through. Then, slightly before your session, you can feed them a full meal and expect a happy, tired baby in return.


Most photo sessions last around two hours, which leaves plenty of time to refuel if your child wakes up expecting a snack. Just make sure to have an extra bottle on hand if you use formula.


Undress to Impress


The studio will be warm to accommodate the baby. Please dress in layers. Also, about 30 minutes before the session, change your baby’s diaper into a loose (but not too loose), clean diaper and swaddle them. Since most photographers prefer babies to be naked during their session, undressing them beforehand is a timesaver. It also means you won’t disrupt their sleep cycle by trying to get their onesie off. A loose diaper is best because it will avoid creating diaper marks around their waist. A great way to do this without waking them up once they’ve fallen asleep is to change their diaper, swaddle, and then feed them. You’ll be taking care of everything at once. By breastfeeding (or bottle-feeding), they’ll be able

to calm down quickly, and most likely fall asleep immediately after (if not during) their eating time.




 


What You Need to Know


To prepare for fussy moments, you’ll want to have a few things ready — a pacifier, a bottle of formula/breastmilk, a swaddling blanket, and a few clean diapers. If nothing seems to be working to calm your bundle of joy, ask for a break in your session while you try to get things under control.


A few other things you should keep in mind when it comes to your baby’s newborn session are:

• Most photographers include props, but if there is something in particular you want your photographer to include, let them know.


• Try to keep the volume down to maintain a calm environment. When you get overwhelmed, you and your baby can both feel it. Staying relaxed and quiet will ensure a calm atmosphere.


• Make sure you come prepared to be in a few of the photos. You may not be feeling like a supermodel quite yet, but getting in the photos with your infant will create some lasting memories you’ll both treasure.


• Wear neutral colors like creams, mild tones, and soft hues for intimate portraits.


• It’s best to avoid chunky jewelry and watches, which can be distracting elements and will look dated years from now. Strive for timeless photos that will be staples in your home for decades to come.


• If you want to capture your entire family with your newest addition, the best time to do so is toward the end of the session. Consider having the rest of your family show up at the end, so the noise level from the extra people doesn’t disturb your baby.

Drink it In


It can be tough for moms to relinquish their caregiver role, even for an hour or two as newborn photos are being taken. However, take advantage of this time. It’s a much-needed mini-break for you. Unlike a maternity photo session, your newborn photo op is all about your baby. You can spend it watching an expert who excels at their craft, and possibly learn some photography tips while you’re at it.


Years from now, when your son towers over you, or your daughter raids your closet, your keepsake photos will remind you of those precious days when they were still little enough for you to carry in your arms.


Note: Artistic Soup serves the Greater St. Louis Area & Metro East including but not limited to Creve Coeur, MO; Ladue, MO; Town & Country, MO; Kirkwood, MO; Glendale, MO; Huntleigh, MO; Olivette, MO, St. Louis City & St. Louis County.