Newborn Photography Tips
Planning newborn photos can bring up a lot of questions—when to schedule, whether to choose a studio or in-home session, what to wear, how to prepare your baby, and what happens if your newborn needs to eat or settle during the session. The good news is that newborn photography does not need to feel stressful. A little preparation helps, but the session should always follow your baby's pace.
When should you book newborn photos?
It is usually best to reserve your newborn photographer while you are still pregnant rather than waiting until after your baby arrives. Your due date is used as a starting point, and the actual session date can be adjusted once baby is here.
Newborns do not arrive on a schedule, so flexibility is important. Babies who arrive early, spend time in the NICU, or are already a few weeks old can still have beautiful newborn portraits. The goal is not to force every baby into the exact same timeline or poses.
Older newborn? Don't assume you missed your chance.
While very young babies often sleep more deeply and curl naturally into newborn poses, beautiful sessions are still possible with older newborns. The session may simply include more awake expressions, wrapped portraits, eye contact and natural interaction with parents.
How to prepare your baby before a newborn session
You do not need a perfectly sleepy baby when you walk through the door. Newborn sessions include plenty of time for feeding, changing, soothing and cuddling. These simple steps can help make the transition into the session a little easier.
Give baby some awake time
If your baby's schedule allows, try to keep them awake for roughly an hour before the session. A warm bath shortly before getting ready can sometimes help with awake time and may also help baby relax afterward.
Plan a good feeding
A full tummy often helps newborns settle. You can feed baby roughly an hour before arrival, or plan to feed once you arrive at the studio if that works better with your baby's schedule.
Dress baby simply
A loose zip-up sleeper is ideal for arrival. Avoid layers that need to be pulled over baby's head or a onesie underneath when possible. The easier it is to undress baby, the less disruption there is when the session begins.
Don't worry about a perfect schedule
Newborns are unpredictable. If baby wants to eat again, needs extra soothing or stays awake longer than expected, that is completely normal. The session is built around those needs.
Expect the session to be baby-led
Newborn photography should never feel rushed. Full studio newborn sessions are typically around two to three hours so there is room for feeding, changing, soothing and settling without watching the clock.
I work through the session based on what your baby is comfortable doing that day. Some babies sleep deeply and move through several setups. Others prefer to be wrapped, held or photographed while awake. Both can create a beautiful gallery.
Safety comes before getting a particular pose.
A pose is never worth forcing. If a baby is uncomfortable with a position, I move on to something that works better for them. Some finished newborn photographs may also use compositing techniques when needed rather than placing a baby into an unsafe position.
What should you bring to a studio newborn session?
You do not need to pack your entire nursery. My Ogden newborn studio is stocked with many of the things families need during a session.
- Extra breast milk or formula if baby is bottle-fed
- A pacifier, even if baby only occasionally uses one
- Burp cloths
- Any sentimental item you would like considered for a photograph
- A change of clothing for parents, just in case
The studio also keeps diapers, wipes, extra pacifiers and basic baby essentials on hand, along with wraps, blankets, outfits, headbands, bonnets and newborn props. Snacks, bottled water and drinks are available for parents as well.
Why I recommend bringing a pacifier
Even babies who do not regularly use a pacifier may find one helpful for a few moments during posing. It can sometimes settle baby long enough to transition between setups without needing a full feeding.
If you do not normally use one, that is okay—the studio keeps extra pacifiers available. It is simply another soothing option, not a requirement.
Why newborn photography studios are warm
Newborns are often photographed wrapped lightly or without several layers of clothing, so the studio is intentionally kept warmer than most adults would normally choose.
Parents should dress in layers so they can stay comfortable throughout the session. The warmth helps baby remain comfortable while moving between wraps, blankets and setups.
Studio vs. in-home newborn photography
There is no universally better option. The right choice depends on the type of photographs you want and the experience that feels easiest for your family.
Studio Newborn Photography
Studio sessions are a great fit if you love polished newborn posing, neutral styling and a wider variety of baby-focused setups.
My studio is located in downtown Ogden and is stocked with newborn wraps, blankets, outfits, props and other session essentials.
In-Home Newborn Photography
In-home sessions are more lifestyle-focused and photograph your family in the place where your baby's story is beginning.
Sessions are calm and flexible, with natural direction and simple posing while following baby's cues. We usually photograph in one or two areas of the home rather than using every room.
How to prepare your home for newborn photos
You do not need to deep-clean your entire house before an in-home newborn session. I usually look for the rooms with the best natural window light, such as the nursery, primary bedroom or living room.
- Open blinds and curtains to let in as much window light as possible
- Turn off overhead lights and lamps to avoid mixed color temperatures
- Keep the rooms comfortably warm, around 72–75°F
- Tidy one or two main areas rather than the whole house
- Clear small distractions such as chargers, remotes and water bottles
- Use simple or neutral bedding when possible
Pets can absolutely be included when it can be done safely. I typically photograph pet interactions briefly rather than expecting a dog or cat to participate throughout the entire newborn session.
What about parents and siblings?
Parents and siblings can be an important part of newborn photographs. Family images do not need to involve complicated posing—I provide direction so you know where to stand, what to do with your hands and how to interact naturally with your baby.
For studio sessions, I recommend keeping the environment as calm as possible. The studio is limited to two adults, and siblings are welcome for their portion of the session but should leave with another adult once their photographs are finished. This gives baby a quieter environment for the remainder of the session.
What should parents wear for newborn photos?
Simple clothing photographs beautifully with newborns. Neutral and muted colors usually keep the attention on your family rather than the clothing. Cream, beige, soft gray, muted earth tones and subtle textures all work well.
Try to avoid large logos, neon colors and very busy patterns. Parents do not need to match exactly—coordinating tones usually look more natural.
What if my baby cries or won't sleep?
This is one of the most common worries parents have, and it is also completely normal. Babies cry. Babies cluster-feed. Babies have growth spurts. Sometimes they sleep through almost the entire session, and sometimes they want to see everything happening around them.
None of those things mean the session is going badly. Feeding and soothing breaks are expected, and awake newborn portraits can be just as meaningful as sleepy ones.
Arriving for your Ogden studio session
My studio is located at 175 25th St. in downtown Ogden, Utah. I recommend arriving about 10 minutes early so you have time to park and get upstairs without feeling rushed. Street parking is available along 25th Street, with additional public parking nearby.
Once inside the building, the studio is located on the second floor. Full arrival and parking instructions are provided before your session so you know exactly where to go.
My biggest newborn photography tips for parents
- Book before baby arrives when possible
- Don't stress if your baby comes early or late
- Give baby a little awake time before the session if their schedule allows
- Plan for a good feeding before or at the beginning of the session
- Bring a pacifier and extra milk if bottle-feeding
- Dress baby in something easy to remove
- Dress yourself in layers because the studio will be warm
- Expect feeding, changing and soothing breaks
- Don't worry if baby stays awake
- Let the photographer worry about posing—the session should follow baby's lead
Leah Louviere Photography
Planning newborn photos in Utah?
I offer full studio newborn sessions in my downtown Ogden studio along with in-home newborn photography throughout Salt Lake City and Northern Utah. Parents and siblings can be included, and every session is designed around your baby's comfort and pace.
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