Prepare for Newborn Session in Studio (Without Losing Your Mind)
So you just had a baby. Congratulations! You’re sleep-deprived, possibly wearing a shirt with spit-up on it (hey, no judgment), and somehow you’re also trying to plan a newborn photo session. I’ve been there—twice if you count my toddler’s dramatic reenactments of birth with her dolls—and I’ve got your back. Lets prepare for your newborn photo session in studio.
Let me walk you through how to prep for your newborn photo session at my cozy, warm, luxurious little sanctuary of a studio—where you can actually exhale, sip hot tea while it’s still hot, and maybe even forget what time it is.
🍼 1. Come As You Are (Seriously)
And leave the beautifying to me!
This is not a high-stress, prop-heavy, baby-in-a-bucket kind of session. Think: natural, editorial, quiet moments. A curled-up newborn in your arms. Your partner leaning in for a kiss. Your toddler proudly showing off their new sibling (or ignoring them completely—also valid). This is about documenting your family as you are right now. No elaborate posing or fake smiles needed.
Bring the following to your newborn photo session in studio:
- The baby – a must!
- Your milk or bottles with formula – also a must!
- Any diapers, for those inevitable pees and poos – don’t worry, I have extras!
- Change of clothing for arrival and any accidents. We mostly will be swaddled but can accommodate an outfit or two that is your favorite.
- A lovie, such as a favorite little teddy or the like. I also have some but can capture your favorites if you have
- Paci, binki, sucky thing – we definitely can use those as baby finds lots of comfort in suckling.
- If you have dietary restrictions, please bring food and snacks for yourself and family if needed. I will arrange to have as much I can for you to eat and snack on because I know your body is in recovery mode! But I cannot accommodate all food allergies.
🧣 2. What to Wear (or Not Worry About)
Newborn sessions don’t have to be frazzled.
Stick with soft, neutral tones—ivory, taupe, dusty rose, oatmeal, muted greys. These photograph beautifully and keep the focus where it belongs: on that delicious new baby of yours. Flowy dresses or knits for moms, soft button-downs or tees for dads, and keep baby’s outfit simple. Swaddles, rompers, or even just a diaper—we’ll keep it natural and timeless. Bonus: I have wardrobe options for moms and babes at the studio if packing feels like a mental marathon.
☕️ 3. Arrive and Relax
Don’t rush with that new little. I accept late arrivals for newborn sessions.
When you walk into my studio, I want you to feel like you just stepped into the coziest, most luxurious hideout (because you kind of did). We’ve got tea, coffee, sparkling water, and snacks that don’t come in a crinkly pouch. You can kick off your shoes, lounge on the comfy sofa, and I’ll take it from there. If you need a quiet moment to nurse or bottle feed, there’s a calm space for that too. We move at baby’s pace.
🛁 4. Trust Me With Baby Snuggles
I’m a mom, I’ve done this with mine and with care for yours like they’re mine.
As a mom myself, I know exactly how sacred those early days are—and how nerve-wracking it can feel to hand your baby over. But trust me, your little one is in good, experienced, lovingly washed hands. I know how to guide them into comfortable, natural positions that are both beautiful and safe. No awkward bending or froggy folds—just sweet, snuggly shots that feel like you.
👧🏽 5. Siblings Are Welcome (and Wild Is Okay)
All I ask is they stay in studio during the session.
I get it—I have a toddler too. Some days she’s all heart eyes for her baby dolls, and some days she’s declaring herself an only child. Either way, siblings are always welcome. I’ll capture whatever dynamic they’re bringing, from gentle kisses to chaotic giggles. The result? Honest, heartwarming images that tell your family’s real story. We will stagger time if needed to allow for parent to arrive later or leave early with siblings. They don’t need to be here the entire session with newborn.
💤 6. Don’t Worry If Baby Doesn’t Sleep
I got tricks up my sleeve for your newborn photo session.
Wide awake? Gassy grunts? Mid-session blowout? All of it is totally normal and absolutely fine. We give babies the space and time to be themselves. Some of my favorite images are of babies just staring wide-eyed at the camera or snuggled into mom’s neck while quietly awake. We don’t rush, and we definitely don’t expect perfection.
✨ Final Thoughts from a Fellow Tired Mama
If you’re stressing about getting out the door with a 5-day-old—don’t. Let this be the one thing you don’t overthink. I promise you’ll walk away with images that make your heart swell every time you look at them. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll drink a full cup of tea while you’re here.
Let me do the heavy lifting (and the baby-soothing), so you can soak up the magic of this fleeting, beautiful season.
Want to learn more about my newborn sessions?
Check out this blog post on how to best prepare your makeup for a photo session!
