How to Prepare For Your Newborn Session

As an Austin family photographer and mama, I love shooting newborn sessions! From those precious skin-to-skin snuggles to the way new parents’ eyes light up when they look at their little one, these are the moments I love capturing. However, I know many parents find it daunting to schedule a newborn session during those fresh postpartum days. You’re sleep-deprived, and showers are hard to come by—understandably, being on camera isn’t at the top of your list!

But mama, I promise you won’t regret capturing yourself, your partner, and your sweet new baby in this season of life. They’ll only be this little once, and you deserve to have your motherhood documented beautifully! I don’t want you to feel any jitters or misgivings leading up to your session. So, I’ve put together this list of tips to help you feel as prepared as possible!

How to Prepare For Your Newborn Session

Feed the Baby First

I always recommend that my newborn session clients feed their baby before my arrival. That way, we can jump right into shooting when I arrive! With any luck, since baby has a full tummy, they’ll either be sleeping peacefully or in a happy milk coma. Don’t worry, though—if baby gets hungry again during our session, we’ll pause for them to eat. I’m in no rush when I shoot newborn sessions!

Get Your Props Ready

After feeding your little one, set out any special items you want to include in the photos. These could be a handknit blanket, favorite stuffed animal, or family heirloom—whatever you envision! I recommend getting them out in advance so they’re easy to grab during our session, making the most of our time together.

Mamas, Don’t Forget About Self-Care!

As someone who experienced those hazy postpartum days myself, I know that self-care is usually the last thing on a new mama’s mind. But I’m also a firm believer that when mom feels her best, everyone in the family feels their best—especially your new little one.

Before your newborn session, I recommend taking some time for a little pampering so you can feel like your most beautiful postpartum self. If you’d like, you can even hire a professional hair and makeup artist to come to your house (I’m happy to send you referrals!). There’s no better excuse to enjoy some much-needed “me time.”

Choose Mom’s Outfit First

When it comes to coordinating your family’s outfits for your session, I always recommend basing the color scheme on mama’s chosen outfit. Mama, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident! Those postpartum body feelings are no joke, and wearing something that feels like “you” can make all the difference. I love the look of a flowy, pretty dress from Dôen or Hill House, or linen pants and a t-shirt if that’s more your speed.

Do Your Session at Home

There will be plenty of future opportunities to venture out to your favorite neighborhood or park for family photos. However, I recommend doing your newborn session at home! That way, we can take as many feeding and diaper change breaks as baby needs. We can also use backdrops that are a meaningful part of your daily routine, such as the living room area rug or the crib, for baby’s solo portraits.

Prioritize Natural Light

I recommend choosing two or three favorite areas of your home for us to shoot in. Areas with great natural light are the most ideal! If the lighting isn’t the best in one of your favorite spaces, I may suggest adding another location. However, I’m also happy to use flash when necessary!

Hire a Documentary-Style Photographer

As a documentary-style photographer, my shooting style is laidback. I provide my clients with minimal direction to ensure we get the best lighting and a variety of images. I may be biased, but I believe this is the best way to capture newborns and families! My goal is to capture your life together organically—even the mishaps and tears. It’s all part of the story!

Of course, I love capturing a few portraits along the way and plenty of solo shots of your new little one. But the majority of a newborn session with me is spent doing exactly what you would normally do on a typical day at home: cuddling with your baby, chasing your toddler around the yard, and taking plenty of snack breaks. I’ll be one step behind, capturing it all so we can preserve this precious season of your life in beautiful images. 

The Family Subscription

If there’s one thing all parents can agree on, it’s that our babies grow up too fast. That’s why I’m dedicated to helping my clients memorialize their growing families with The Family Subscription!

The First Year Collection is ideal for first-time parents and includes a maternity session, a newborn session, a six-month session, and a one-year session. Additionally, you can add film to any of your sessions for $300. Then, at the end of the year, we’ll curate an album full of your favorite shots from each session. This beautiful heirloom documents your baby’s first year from start to finish and makes a great grandparent gift! Contact me to book your collection today.