Newborn session tips for parents – Concordia, Missouri Photographer

It seems like there has been quite the baby boom in our area of late, and I thought some tips about preparing for a newborn session might be helpful. I love to travel to the parent’s home for the newborn session. All of the things you need to care for your new baby are there with you. Bringing all of my gear to your home makes the process easier for you and your family. Below you’ll find some tips that can be used to prepare for my arrival at your home for the newborn session!

1. I  understand this session might take longer than a normal session because the baby is just a wee one, so please don’t stress if the are hungry, sleepy, needs to be changed, etc. There is no rush. I just want you to be comfortable. If possible, feed the baby about 15 to 20 minutes before I am scheduled to arrive and she is more likely to sleep through the session.

3. Loosen any tight clothing/diaper at least 10 minutes before I get there if you want any naked baby photos. I have a backdrop and whatnot, so the studio-like newborn photos are an option if you want. These would be best done inside near a window that lets in plenty of light. Turning the heat up/air off (depending on what the thermostat is set on) might not be a bad call about an hour before the shoot so that the baby is nice and comfy during any photos that they are without clothes. We will do these first if it is something you want so that she can be dressed before going outside.

4. If naked photos are a thing, please don’t worry if the baby happens to use the blankets or anything as a restroom. It happens and everything washes out. It is not a big deal.

5. What do you plan to wear? Simple/plain solid colored shirts for the parents, or layered solid colors, tend to produce the best results since the focus is on the infant. Cotton or knit tops tend to lend the most comfortable/natural look. I will say if we are going to do some outdoor photos, I would avoid green while outside so that you don’t blend into the background.

6. What photos are your absolute MUST have that you want to get out of the session? Know that I will do everything I can to make this happen, but sometimes the baby has other plans. They won’t go to sleep or stay asleep, making some of the poses difficult to accomplish.

7. Are there any special props you’d like to use as a prop/backdrop/something for the baby to lay on? A blanket made by a grandma or handed down? Keep this in mind, because sometimes these personal touches can make the photos mean that much more to you.

I’ve recently started shooting birth photography, and I love getting to include that as part of the story. When you can go from maternity session, to birth, to the newborn session and see all the steps of the baby’s arrival, I think it’s incredible.