Preparing for Newborn Photos

YAY! I can only imagine that you are here because you are expecting and that makes my heart so happy. Congratulations on this very exciting time. I am thrilled that you found your way here and that I have a chance to help you in your pursuit of preparing for newborn photos. If you are looking for a newborn photographer, I would be honoured to be considered. Contact me here and we can talk about more details. In the meantime, you should know that I am an Edmonton based photographer who loves documenting important moments. I would love to take your newborn photos.

The difference between Fresh 48 and Newborn Photos

When I talk to moms who want newborn sessions, I always want to check to see if they want Fresh 48 photos (taken within 48 hours of giving birth) or if they prefer to wait a month or so. If you choose to do a “Fresh 48” session then we plan to take the photos within 2 days of the birth. They are raw, natural, and typically very photojournalistic.

Right now, COVID19 makes birth photography impossible so Fresh 48 sessions are a beautiful alternative if you want photos of your baby as tiny and fresh as possible.

If you prefer time to recover enough to look put together for your session, I highly recommend waiting a month to give yourself some time. These are photos you are going to look back on for years to come and I want you to absolutely cherish these memories.

My top tips for getting the most out of your newborn photos!

Below are just a few of my top tips to make sure we get the most out of our photo session. Again, this is seriously what I LOVE to do so if you have any questions, you can find me here. Whether or not this if your first or fifth baby, you already know you can’t plan everything and sometimes we just need to go with the flow. Please don’t stress. Going with the flow is my sweet spot.

 

1. Don’t worry so much about having the perfect instagrammable spot.

I know, I know. These photos will likely end up on Facebook or Instagram. That’s why I want to address this concern first. The focus of newborn photos is on the baby. Half the time there is no background other than a blanket. Try and find the room with the most natural light and get it tidy/ready for some photos. Wherever there is the most window light, the better the images.

2. Baby sessions always work best when the house is extra toasty.

If possible, crank up the thermostat about 20 minutes before your session so your newborn baby is extra comfortable. If you can manage to get it up to anywhere between 24-26 degrees, that is ideal. We might all sweat a little but the baby will like it and it will show in the photos.

3. I’ll ask you to hold and cuddle the baby.

I LOVE when parents are prepared to be in the photos as well. I know people like warning and time so they can be ‘picture ready’ and you might not consider being in the photos before I come over so this is your warning. I’ll ask you to be holding/cuddling baby, and you should feel good about how you’re both looking – whatever that means for you 🙂

4. Plan the baby’s outfits & props ahead of time.

I recommend choosing at least 2 outfits for your baby to wear a diaper outfit, and have any props you would like in the photos you can have those ready as well. Pinterest is a great source of inspiration if you haven’t already fallen down that rabbit hole 😉

I bring a white soft blanket for baby to lay on/use as a backdrop and one or two pillows, but if you want to have special pillows/blankets included we can use those! Another thing to consider having handy is a breastfeeding pillow if you use one.

 

5. Consider creating a shot list and don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

These are your memories after all, and you need to be vocal about the photos you love. Create a Pinterest board and we can look at it when I’m there or you can invite me to it ahead of time. I have a lot of ideas for different images with your baby of course, so no pressure. But if any more specific shots come up that you love we can try to recreate them!

Preparing for Newborn Photos, A Summary.

I hope the above tips have helped you relax when it comes to planning your newborn photography session. The most important thing is to document this beautiful time as everyone will tell you, it goes so fast. This is such an exciting time and truly, I would be honoured to be a part of your experience. For any newborn photography questions or to book, the best way would be to contact me here.