I can think of no photographs that are more important than those you have taken of your newborn baby.
I mean, it's not like you can get a do-over, right?!
That being the case, you need to be prepared for your first newborn photography session...
Here's a few newborn photography tips that I've learned over the years that will help you make the most out of a visit to your favorite newborn photographer.
Newborn Photography Tips: Bring Lots of Diapers and Other Supplies
Your newborn session won't last hours and hours, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't show up to the studio loaded for bear.
Bring more diapers and wipes than you think you'll need. Bring extra changes of clothing, too.
Speaking of clothing, talk with your photographer ahead of time to determine what kinds of outfits you should bring.
Also think about what props you might like to have in the photos, like a family heirloom toy or a specific baby blanket.
Most newborn photographers are really good about having all these things on hand just in case, but rather than leave it to chance, it's a better option to just pack things up yourself and show up with more than you need!
Bonus Tip: Bring a white noise machine or download white noise songs to your phone to help drown out any noises that might wake the baby up during the photo shoot.
Learn More:
Feed the Baby Beforehand
The best time for newborn photos is within the first couple of weeks of their life.
That's due in large part to the fact that newborns sleep a lot.
However, to make sleep more likely to happen, be sure to feed the baby before the shoot. A lot of mothers will feed the baby right there in the studio in the moments before the first shot is taken.
Whether you feed at home before you leave, in the parking lot before you come in the studio, or inside the studio itself, doing so will make it far more likely that your little one is sound asleep through the entire shoot.
Something else that will help bring about sleep is to snuggle with your baby during and after feeding.
Not only that, snuggling will keep the baby warm, that way they don't get too cold when your photographer is taking those adorable "in the buff" baby photos.
Bring Your Other Kids
Though you'll certainly want some solo photos of your newborn, if you have other children, be sure to include them in the photo shoot.
Having a new baby brother or sister can be challenging for some kids, so giving them a chance to be the "star of the show" with their new sibling in a few photos will make them feel special.
What's more, the images that result are bound to be some of the favorites you have of your kids, images that show the growing bond between new siblings.
While you're at it, ask your photographer if you can be in a few shots as well (your significant other, too!).
Though you don't want it to turn into an hours-long family photo session, a few images of you with your newborn will be something you cherish for the rest of your life.
Learn More:
- Newborn Photography Tips for Beautiful Photos of Your Baby
- Easy Portrait Photography Tips for Taking Great Photos of Your Kids
Ask About Products
One of the first things you should do when you consult with your photographer about a newborn session is ask about the products they offer.
That is, don't just assume that the photographer you've chosen has an extensive line of photography products, or that those products are high-quality.
To save money, some photographers only deliver digital files and leave it to you to get prints and other accessories made.
Other photographers rely on cheap online printers to do their printing, the result of which is often a sub-par print.
I bring this up because I've tried to do the cheap route when ordering prints for myself, and it simply doesn't work out.
Instead, once I found a company that makes beautiful products that I'm actually proud to hang on my wall, I stuck with them for good.
That company is CanvasHQ.
I have dozens and dozens of prints from these guys in my house. That's because I take a lot of photos of my son and because CanvasHQ does such an incredible job of turning my images into drop-dead gorgeous prints.
Great work on the canvas. I am quite impressed with your touch up and refining skills. Thank you. I highly recommend Canvas HQ. Fast delivery as well. - Kim, S., Boerne, TX
The secret to their success is twofold.
First, they only use the highest-quality materials to create their canvases. That includes archival-grade canvas, kiln-dried wood for the frame, and top-of-the-line commercial inks that are water-resistant, fade-resistant, and highly durable.
Second, CanvasHQ treats your prints with the love and care that you'd expect them to have for prints of their own family.
In that regard, you don't feel like another order number to be fulfilled. Instead, they make you feel like a friend that deserves the utmost in quality.
You guys are awesome! Very happy with my last order. Thanks so much. - Shaun, Eugene, OR
I've placed many different orders from these guys over the years, and I've always been impressed with the quality.
The speed with which they create their prints is impressive, too - I often get them within a couple of days of placing my order!
So, if you want to get the most out of your newborn photography shoot, bring lots of supplies, feed the baby beforehand, include your other kids in the shoot, and ensure that your photographer can deliver high-quality prints like those from CanvasHQ!
Learn More:
- You Can Learn From the Mistakes I've Made When Ordering Prints
- How to Create a Stunning Photo Wall Display