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Newborn Photography Session Tips for Parents

By Ashleigh Cropper

May 9^th, 2023

Welcoming a new little one is so exciting! It is also very, very overwhelming. I have two little boys so I have been there in the thick of it all!

I am saying this as a mother, DO NOT pass up a newborn photography session! It is so worth making a session happen to capture those first few days. Cliché as it sounds, it will fly by and suddenly you have a very different looking, chunky, cute baby that isn't your small, itty-bitty newborn anymore.

I recommend reaching out to a photographer a couple months before you are due to start the booking process. Then once the baby arrives, send a quick text or email to let them know the baby is here! I photograph lifestyle in-home newborn sessions about 8-15 days after the baby has arrived. Just the right amount of time to adjust into your new life!

As a mother and a lifestyle newborn photographer, I have put together five tips that will not only make your session go much smoother, but also be a really lovely, wonderful, and dear experience for everyone.

Newborn Photography Session Tips for Parents

Wear Neutral Clothing

My biggest tip is for the whole family to wear neutral clothing! I cannot express how important this is with a newborn who will be photographed. Neutral clothing can be anything below (with a couple exceptions):

Neutrals: greys, browns, olive greens, dark blues, creams, black.
Others that may not be considered neutral but work well within the combination of neutrals are: light pinks, pastel blues.
"Earth Tones:" when in doubt, if the colors of clothing are Earth tones, they will work well together.

The reason for this is because brighter colors (and other colors even if not bright) will reflect onto your skin. I like to use the example of the color red. Imagine wearing a red sweater. That red color will reflect onto your face and change your tone with red highlights. If you are snuggling a baby with delicate skin, that especially will reflect onto the baby as well.

Other note on clothing, I do not recommend any logos, illustrations, busy patterns, or items that could take away from the image. They can be a very big distraction (especially a logo) when the little one is the focus of the images.

Feeding + Wake Time

Try to keep the baby awake about an hour before the photographer arrives. We hope to get them sleepy but not grumpy.

Then about 20-30 minutes into that wake window before the photographer arrives, do a really good feed with them.

Having a "milk-drunk" and sleepy one that then can be swaddled and happy to relax for photos is perfect.

Outfit Changes

Blow outs are inevitable! And somehow, especially when I show up, it seems to be the perfect time for one before the photography session. Then there may also be spit up on clothes and the list goes on!

I recommend having 1-2 outfit changes ready for the parents. Then 2-3 outfit changes ready for the baby.

That way if anything happens, you can switch quickly into something new without stressing about what to wear.

No Stress!

I am saying this as a parent and as a photographer, I realize the stress that can go into doing a photography session, especially with a newborn. Please do not stress!

If you are working with me then I always say we will not rush through the session, take our time, stop for feedings if needed and work together to have a wonderful experience.

Whomever does your newborn photos hopefully they are very well experienced because it takes quite a bit of work! The photographer should create a relaxed and comfortable session that will feel like a lovely time enjoying the new little one.

In-Home Tips

Having your newborn session at home with a more lifestyle approach is wonderful! Here is one example, and another example of my work doing lifestyle newborn sessions.

It highlights the excitement of welcoming the new addition. It also creates for a more relaxed environment that is already familiar to the baby. Here are a few tips if you go in this direction:

Clean up the baby's nursery, your own room (especially bed area and hide all the cords!), as well as living room. Then when the photographer arrives, they can jump in quickly to get the session started right away with a "milk-drunk" sleepy baby. I realize it takes a little bit of work but worth being ready to go!
Have another set of helping hands at the session such as a grandparent. That way if there is an area that still needs to be cleaned up, or an item is needed, we can ask for that help while still continuing the session.
I highly recommend warming the house up a few degrees. That will keep the baby very happy and comfortable.

BONUS: Newborn Clothing Recommendations

There are so many great baby clothing stores but here are a few that have neutral outfit options and won't break the bank! (Side note, I love asking my friends if they have little newborn outfits I can borrow. Babies grow so fast! Do not feel that you have to get something new.)

H&M (so many different combinations you can do with there clothing!)
Zara (always a bit more of an investment but these clothes are so cute!)
Carters (this is where I personally go for my baby's clothes. They have an "organics" line that photographs really well and sales run often here.)
Old Navy + Gap (since they are technically under one umbrella company I put them together. This is a great option if you have a store near you to run into real fast to grab something!)