When is the best time to photograph newborns? Newborns are best photographed within the first three weeks after birth. For breastfed newborns I like to schedule sessions after your milk has come in. Formula fed babies can be photographed even earlier. The ideal age is between 4-17 days old. By this time they have been out long enough to lose a bit of their startle reflex, but young enough that they are still super sleepy.
Where do you photograph newborns? For my newborn sessions I come to your home to shoot lifestyle and posed newborn photos. I use your environment as my backdrops. I’ve found being in the home is less stressful for the newborn and makes the session go smoother than it would at a different location.
What should I have available to help with my baby? I recommend having a pacifier and sound machine available to help soothe your little one during the session. These are little things that can help keep baby cooperative and keep the session moving along. We will take “milk and cuddle” breaks throughout the session to make sure baby is happy. If you tend to keep your house cool, please keep in mind baby is happier when he or she is warm. Since baby will be likely unclothed, try and keep your home nice and warm. Setting your thermostat at 80°F degrees is recommended.
What do my baby and I need to wear to our session? Baby: Whatever outfit you may want your baby posed in. I have a few neutral options you are welcome to have baby try on. 1-hour newborn sessions are limited to one outfit. 2-hour sessions are limited to two outfits. This would be best for 1 outfit with mom and dad and the second for posed newborn shots. Mom, Dad and Siblings: I recommend mom and dad wear tops that will not blend in too much with babies skin tone. Just be aware of your child’s complexion when decided on what tops to wear. Please make sure your clothes are tidy and ironed (if applicable) so you have a nice clean appearance in your photos. Go-to-neutrals are: White, Heather gray or black plain tops or dresses.
How long will my session last? Newborn sessions will typically last between one to two hours. This is because newborns require a lot of flexibility with timing... nappy changes, milk breaks, and maybe an outfit change or two. We won't rush the process. So, we allot two hours of time to ensure we get as many shots of your little one as possible during our time together.
On the Day of Your Shoot & a Few Days Before
If at all possible, try to keep your baby stimulated and awake an hour or so before the session (CRITICAL); a bath usually helps in keeping them awake. It’s very important your newborn is sleepy so the session goes smoothly and I’m able to capture lots of adorable moments. It’s best to start on a full belly, so feeding your baby right before our session is best; please make sure your baby has a good burp after his or her feeding to ward off any potential gas or discomfort. Please dress baby in a button down outfit (pajamas are preferred, no onesies, please) so I’m not having to pull anything over their head while undressing. We will do parent shots at the end of your session.
Jaundice If your baby has jaundice or is still yellow from jaundice it is best we wait until it is out of her system. Jaundice is very hard to edit out of skin due to the yellow/red blotchiness it causes as it is leaving their system. Jaundice is typically gone by week 2.
Gas If you are breastfeeding and your baby has gas issues (most do), please abstain from eating the following 72 hours before your session; dairy products — milk, cheese, yogurt, pudding, ice cream, or any food that has milk, milk products, casein, whey, or sodium casein in it. Other foods that may cause gas and fussiness include anything with caffeine, soy, fish, peanuts, chocolate, wheat, beef, nuts, eggs, corn, citrus fruits and prenatal vitamins containing iron. – Courtesy Babycenter & ModernMom Parenting
Caffeine It is recommended that you (mom) DO NOT drink caffeine 72 hours prior to your session if you are breastfeeding. Babies who are affected by caffeine tend to be very jumpy, tense and alert.