How to prepare for an in-home Lifestyle Newborn Photography Session

Calgary Newborn Photographer's top tips to prepare for your newborn session!

Let me start with: Don't stress! Remember you hired me to catch a glimpse of this fleeting time, just as you and your house are. Your gallery is there to recall the precious and also chaotic moments of Newborn-ness!

1. Prepare 1-2 rooms for your photographer

I do make a small request that a room or two in your home that are filled with the brightest natural light, get a quick once-over. You do not need to dust the lamp shades by any means, but clearing the space of clutter so I can work, is key. Also removing any distracting toys from an older sibling, making the beds, tucking away unsightly chords and glowing electronics is very helpful.

Pro-tip: neutral toy-sets rock and can be left out for an older sibling to play with while I shoot (such as the Ikea tain track set). This way they can be engaged during the shoot without the large blue and red paw-patrol tower looming in every photo.

2. Newborn portraits require some heat

I like to take detail shots of little toes and tummies and having the house a touch warmer allows me to do this with little to no worry that your new babe is chilly!

By the way! Newborn Photography is best done around 14 days old for a number of reasons. One being that they are absolutely delicate and tiny for around 2 weeks. And two, being that baby acne comes in hot around the 17 day mark. But depending on how you are feeling, it can be left for up to a month after they arrive!

3. My Newborn Photo workflow: feed, burp, change repeat

Babies will be babies! I work fast and break up the shoot into chunks to ensure everyone will be fed, changed and burped!

I usually like to start the session right after a feed, when they are satiated and drowsy. I love sneaking in shots of baby getting their diaper changed with a little help from their big sister, or being burped by dad. This real-life approach gives everyone a chance to relax as we shoot and not feel like every moment belongs on a magazine.

4. Older siblings are just as important as your Newborn

A day in the life of a parent with multiple kids is A LOT different than new parents to their first born. If you have wild children to tame during the shoot I highly suggest some bribery. The big kids only need to make it through a small part of the session before you set them free into the basement with candy and an iPad.

If they are still relatively little, they might want to stay close to mom or dad during the session, which is perfectly fine, I love capturing how your family unit is adjusting to the new baby through my lens. Another bonus suggestion would be inviting a helping hand to hang out with your older kiddos half way through the shoot. This could be a grandma or a friend.

5. Dressing for Newborn Lifestyle Photography

My final tip is the most important. Wear something you feel comfortable in. I always send clients Pinterest boards with some ideas to help give them some inspiration. But I will just go head and tell you exactly what I send to client's in their Newborn Session Guide:

Pro tip: Style your hair the night before to avoid last-minute stress. A touch of dry shampoo on the day of the shoot will keep you looking fresh.

After years of photographing fams here are things to avoid!

Athleisure (like Lulu leggings or athletic quarter-zips for guys) tends to pick up little white fuzzies and the fabric can look a bit flat on camera, so softer pieces usually photograph better. Maternity denim, a flowy dress, wool socks, or a cozy sweater, relaxed white poplin button ups are always safe, comfortable options. Dudes look great in denim and cozy sweaters or neutral t-shirts.

Mixing in softer neutrals or knit textures adds a lot of depth.

Try to avoid loud patterns, cartoon characters, big logos, or really bright reds/purples/pinks, they can compete with skin tones and draw the eye away.

Simple socks (or barefoot) look cleaner than branded gym socks, and relaxed “at-home” outfits tend to photograph better than belts or structured button-ups.

How to dress Baby and Siblings

Baby is best in a neutral outfit that exposes their hands and feet so we can get shots of their littlest details.This can be a simple body suit or knit-set (H&M does great ones and KNOCKED consignment always has aesthetic outfits for newborn photos).

Keep this neutral!

Baby girls are adorable in bows, but I do find it leaves an elastic imprint on their heads/ we spend a lot of time fussing about it's placement as it slips down often. Opt for subtle girly details on their outfits instead.  Keep a few spare outfits on hand in case there are blowouts and a plain muslin or neutral receiving blanket that will not look too distracting in photos is a great accessory to have on hand.

Siblings if any, same vibe as parents! Denim and neutral tops. If little girls are in dresses, opt for bicycle shorts underneath to keep every photo sans Elsa from Frozen out of the shot.

In Closing-remember why you wanted newborn photos to begin with!

This is the often the most surreal, beautiful, love-filled and also jarring first month of your life. Booking a newborn photographer is a really great investment that you'll be so happy you made down the road. Looking back on your gallery, you'll be reminded of all the things your brain slowly forgets as time goes on. Trust me on this one.

If you are expecting, book your Newborn Session with me! 

And please, feel free to drop any other tips or tricks you might have to offer in the comments below!