Preparing for your newborn session
Hey There!
First of all, let me just say THANK YOU for choosing me as your newborn photographer! It means the world to me to capture these precious moments for you so that you can always remember the sweet newborn stage and your first few weeks with your newest little one.
There is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session, so I've created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos. By the time you've read through this guide you'll have all of your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session. Then I'll take care of the rest. I’ll cover what to wear, whether to incorporate your pets & how to manage them, all things baby and more! I can't wait to get you in front of my camera!
MPP Client Closet
My client closet is available for mamas for newborn sessions, maternity sessions, full and all inclusive family sessions, and studio mini sessions. Check out my client closet here. You can choose 2-3 dresses for me to bring to your session to try on. All of my dresses are specifically chosen to be super flattering for pregnancy, postpartum, and every day.
And for styling the whole family, check out my outfit guide here.
Timing and Light
For your comfort and convenience, newborn sessions ideally take place in your home. If your home doesn't allow for great natural light, you can see my location guide for outdoor sessions and studio rentals here! Newborn sessions are best when they occur 7-21ish days after the baby is born. This is when babies are most fresh, flexible, sleepy, and likely without baby acne. We can always do the session after that period as well if needed for any reason. In my experience, one to two hours is the ideal time frame for a lifestyle newborn session. A majority of your poses will include mom, dad, and siblings. Toward the end of your session I will photograph individual shots of the baby, then slowly unwrap him/her and grab some adorable photos with his/her eyes open.
To get the most out of your session, please plan a 30 minute buffer when getting ready so you are ready before I arrive and your session can start on time. We’ll want to take advantage of every minute we have together!
Styling your space
Choose two or three rooms in your home to declutter and style for your newborn session. Rooms with large windows work best, free of dark shade-screens, far from surrounding walls, and void of thick shrubbery are ideal. It could be the living room, nursery, master bedroom, or even the kitchen! Dress up the spaces with simple, subtle touches like fresh flowers, green plants, meaningful heirlooms, or neutral decor.
I usually start our session by taking some photos of the nursery while mama is getting dressed. Then we’ll start with photos of the whole family. If you have an outfit you want to dress baby in, it’s best to start in the outfit. Then I'll wrap Baby in a swaddle for the last part of the session. For his/her individual, naturally posed portraits I will pick an area with the best light to get some detail shots of the baby all sleepy.
If there's anything else you'd like to include during the baby’s posed photos, please have those handy (accessories, mini stuffed animals, etc.). When I arrive I will do a walk through of the rooms to check lighting and see if there is anything that we need to shift around. Like moving a plant to add some greenery to the images, adjusting shades or anything else to get the best light.
Quick tip: If you have colorful or dark bedding in the master bedroom, I suggest replacing it with white or ivory linens for our session. This will help with achieving my signature bright and airy style!
Pets
Dogs are special part of the family, which is why I love when families choose to incorporate pets into their session. I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then having a friend take him/her somewhere else, or keeping the dog at home but away from all the action. We won’t use the pet in every single photo so it’s also nice to have a friend available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you’re going to incorporate a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and having your pet's favorite toy or treats handy! Depending on your pet’s fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot and have a lint roller nearby to keep your clothes looking fresh.
Posing
When it comes to posing for your session, you don’t need to worry about a thing! I’ll guide you through the entire process beginning with “poses” that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it’s probably because I know it’s going to make the two of you laugh - and that’s the photo I'm actually looking for. I want to capture candid moments of you enjoying your new baby a home as a family. Throughout your session, I’ll keep an eye on your hair, makeup and outfits to make sure things stay in place. I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy our time together!
Prepping the family
Prepping the Little Ones
Snacks, treats, and lots of smiles. Before your session, grab a little bag with snacks, water, and any small, neutral-colored toys that your child loves (just in case the toy ends up in your photos). Those may help to get their attention when it's time for them to look at the camera. I also suggest having your kids avoid screen time the morning of your session.
Have Fun & Relax!
Get ready for laughs, games and snuggles. Snuggles and giggles are where we
get the best shots. A lot of families discuss and choose something fun in advance as a treat or reward for a job well done, like an ice cream date or bowling adventure. They're little, and I know things don't always go as planned. Give them (and yourself!) lots of grace. I've seen it all and will make sure to deliver some beautiful photos, regardless of their moods. My goal is to make this as fun and stress-free as it possibly can be for you and your family!
Prepping the Baby
The baby is the star of the show! Wraps and tight swaddles will photograph
best. If there are any swaddles that you want to use, pull those out for the session. If you have a newborn gown or simple sleeper/onesie that you want them captured in, that is a good option too. I will bring a few swaddles and outfits with me. I will also bring along headbands if you want to use any of those if you have a girl.
Be sure to cut the baby's nails so he/she doesn't leave scratches on his/her face. For the natural posed shots, I will use one swaddle and unwrap your baby slowly in order to offer more variety in your final gallery. My goal is to shoot your entire session while Baby is sleeping, so I don't change the Baby into lots of different outfits.
Please so feed the baby right before I arrive. We can also stop as needed throughout our session to give them a little more if needed.
When to expect your photos
Within 1-2 weeks of your session, I will email your full gallery to you. From there, you’ll be able to choose your favorites for immediate download and order prints and albums if you’d like!
Thank You!
I'm so thankful that you chose me to be your newborn photographer! It means the world to me to get to capture your family right now in this stage of life for you to treasure forever. Please email me if you need any extra help! In the mean time, let's hang out on social media!
Instagram: Instagram.com/michellepoteetphotography