Welcome to Your Newborn Session Prep Guide!

Hi there! I’m so excited to photograph your sweet little one. After years of working with newborns, I’ve learned a few tried-and-true tips that will help us have a smooth, relaxed session—and set us up for those adorable, sleepy poses you’re dreaming of.

Here’s everything you need to know to prepare!

Keep Baby’s Morning Calm & Stress-Free

To give us the best chance of a peaceful session, I recommend keeping your baby’s morning as calm and normal as possible. Avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments, errands, or anything that might overstimulate or throw off their routine the day of the session. Babies are sensitive to extra hustle and bustle, and the more relaxed their morning is, the more likely they’ll be calm and sleepy for photos.

Timing Is Key

We’ll schedule your session when your baby is between 7-14 days old—that’s when they’re naturally sleepier and more flexible for those cozy, curled-up poses.

Helpful Tip: Keep baby awake for no longer than 45 minutes to 1 hour before your session. A little tummy time, a warm bath, or gentle play can help tire them out—just enough to get them ready for a nice nap once we begin.

Feed Baby Right Before Leaving Home

The best trick? Give your baby a full feed immediately before leaving for your session. A full belly + a car ride almost always leads to a sleepy, content baby when you arrive—perfect for getting started smoothly.

Dress Baby in a Simple Outfit

To make the transition seamless, dress your baby in a simple zip-up or snap-up onesie (avoid anything that goes over the head). This keeps them cozy, avoids overstimulation, and allows us to easily undress them without waking them unnecessarily.

Warm & Cozy Environment

Once you’re here, I’ll keep the studio comfortably warm to mimic the womb and help your little one feel snug and sleepy. You may want to dress in light layers since it’ll be toasty!

Neutral Tones & Minimal Props

I aim to keep the focus on your baby’s tiny features and expressions, which is why I use neutral tones and minimal props for a timeless look. Think soft shades of tans, creams, whites, greys, and browns. These neutral colors create a calm and classic look that will be cherished for years to come.

If you and/or siblings are taking photos with the baby, I highly encourage wearing neutral colors (similar to the baby’s tones) to help create a cohesive and elegant vibe for the family portraits.

Pacifiers Work Wonders

Even if your baby doesn’t regularly use one, bringing a pacifier can be so helpful to soothe them between poses without the need for constant feeding breaks. Of course, we’ll take our time and follow baby’s cues, but a pacifier is a great little tool to have on hand.

Relax—You’re in Good Hands

Whether your baby snoozes the entire session or takes a bit to settle, don’t worry—I’ve worked with hundreds of newborns and will safely guide us through the session at your baby’s pace. Your only job is to relax and enjoy watching the magic happen!

What to Bring

• Extra bottles (if bottle-feeding)

• Pacifier

• Diapers + wipes

• Any special swaddles or sentimental items

• A change of clothes for yourself (just in case!)

Every baby is different, and that’s okay. My goal is to create a calm, stress-free experience for you and your little one, while capturing these once-in-a-lifetime memories.

If you have any questions or special requests before the session, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to help!