Prep Tips for Newborn Photos at the Studio

Over the years, I’ve learned how parents can make their newborn photoshoot a stress-free experience. Here are some essential tips for parents if you’re coming to my photography studio located in Northern Virginia, just outside DC!

Scheduling your session

I recommend taking photos within 7 -14 days of baby’s arrival (or ~2 weeks). This is when baby is tiny, sleepy, and snuggly! If you need more recovery time, however, we can still take photos ~weeks 3 and 4. Just be prepared for baby to be more awake, and baby may have acne pop up around that time. Don’t worry, I can retouch it for you so it’s not a problem! But I like to let you know ahead of time so you choose the time that’s best for you.

My biggest tips is to book ahead of time! I only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month to make scheduling easy. You’ll book based on due date, and then we’ll pick your date once baby is here. If you wait until baby is here to book, I likely won’t have spots available. With that being said, I sometimes have last-minute availability. You can always reach out HERE to check.

Here are tips for scheduling:

• Email me once baby arrives! Try to do this within the first few days if possible so we can get you on the calendar.
• At the studio, I recommend scheduling between 9:30 AM – 11 AM for the best light and best mood for baby. As a reminder, all sessions are weekdays only Monday – Friday. After being a wedding photographer for many years, i now reserve Saturdays and Sundays for my own family!
• Plan on being at your newborn session for 1.5 – 2.5 hours. Newborn sessions are a marathon, not a sprint. We take breaks for feeding, diaper changes, and soothing as needed!

What to bring to your newborn session

• diapers
• wipes
• pacifier (if you use one)
• milk / bottle / feeding supplies
• baby’s outfits if you’re bringing your own (white swaddles and onesies provided, along with a small selection of tiny baby girl bows)
• your outfits (if anyone is getting dressed at the studio)
• If you’re planning on wearing a client closet dress, bring or wear nude undergarments. Also consider a strapless bra or breast petals if you want an off-the-shoulder dress

Optional: shoes for your photo outfit; at the studio, many families prefer to go barefoot for a more relaxed, laid-back look. If you’re going for a more formal look, make sure everyone has shoes that match their outfits

Not sure what to wear? Go here for tips or email me for assistance picking everything out! My client closet of dresses is available to all clients coming to the studio, and I can help you coordinate outfits for everyone else.

Prepping baby

• Feed your baby right before the session starts until baby has a full belly. If you are driving a longer distance and want to do that before we start, please let me know ahead of time.
• Bring extra formula or be prepared to nurse during breaks if baby gets hungry during the session.
• Keep your baby awake for 60-90 minutes before the shoot to encourage deeper sleep during our time together. If that’s impossible in the car, don’t stress!

Tips for siblings

We’ll focus on family and sibling photos at the beginning of your session! Once those are wrapped up, you have two options.

First, your children can either stay at the studio with us as we complete the remaining photos (individual photos of just baby, parents + baby, etc). I don’t mind at all! Feel free to bring an activity like a book, ipad, or they’re welcome to just hang out and have a snack.

The other option is to have them leave with a parent or caretaker to go get lunch or explore. There’s a Chick-Fil-A and McDonald’s nearby, along with Dulles Town Center. Some parents prefer this so they can have some quiet time with just baby. If the other parent is leaving, I’ll make sure to get those photos done first too, so nothing is missed! Bonus: get more sibling prep tips HERE!

If you have more questions, please let me know! I can’t wait to see you and photograph this very special time for your family.