Preparing your newborn for their shoot

For many new parents, the trip out for their newborn photography session is the first time they have left the house, and can be quite scary – trying to be somewhere for a specific time, with a brand new baby in tow! I completely understand, and once you are booked in with me, I aim to send you as much information and guidance before your session, to make this seem not as daunting when the day arrives. Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare as much as possible for a smooth running and relaxing photographic experience at this special time.

A few days before

• Try not to change your baby’s milk upto 48 hours before your planned photography session. It can take their little bodies time to adjust to new milk and can cause disruption to their tummies, making them uncomfortable for a short time. An unsettled baby is not going to want their photographs taken!
• If you are breastfeeding, avoid acidic and spicy foods for up to 48 hours before your photography session. Again, these can unsettle your baby’s tummy, so a plain diet is very much advised for the days leading up to the big day.

On the day

For Your Baby:

• I always ask parent to arrive at the studio with a hungry baby (don’t starve them though!) I plan my morning newborn sessions for 9.30am, so as soon as you arrive, you can undress baby down to their nappy and then offer them a full feed, with the aim of starting taking photographs around 10am.
• All outfits for your newborn are provided, so please bring baby in a sleepsuit or something that is easy to remove with minimal disturbance (preferably nothing over the head). Also avoid tight socks – we don’t want sock marks on their little legs! 
•  Bring plenty of nappies and wipes – just in case! I have a changing unit available for use in the studio.
• Bring extra milk than you would normally need. When babies get warm they will want to drink more. The studio will be around 26 degrees in order to keep your newborn settled in a relaxed, comfortable sleep. I have a bottle warmer available for use at the studio.

•  If you choose to have parent/family photographs taken, you may with to bring a change of clothes. These photographs are usually taken at the end of the session once your baby is starting to stir for their next feed. With the studio being so warm, you might want to change into fresh clothes just before you’re up!
• If you are having photographs taken, avoid large patterns and bright colours. I find that neutral colours always work best and remain timeless for years to come.
• Dress what you feel comfortable in, smart casual is always advised.
• There will be drinks and snacks available at the studio for you, but feel free to bring your own, especially if you have any dietary requirements.

For Siblings:

• A 2 hour session can be an extremely long time for little people who are usually on the go! If possible, arrange for a parent or grandparent to be able to bring them along for the last 30 minutes of the session to be included in the photographs. If this isn’t possible, a walk along the river with Mummy/Daddy is often a favourite with clients, it’s just 2 minutes away from the studio. 
• I do have little activity packs which I gift to big brothers and sisters upon arrival, but it’s always a good idea to bring other entertainment too! 
• Please dress siblings in either neutral colours, or the colours you have requested for your photography session. I do not hold outfits for older children at this time. 
• Snacks and drinks are available, however feel free to bring your own too!