Before your new bundle of joy arrives, it’s a great idea to plan ahead now for your newborn portrait session. Once the baby arrives, it might be more difficult to focus on what to wear or how you want to utilize the portraits after your session, so get a head start now by following these tips!
1. Book a Date Before Baby Arrives
It’s very important to book your newborn session before baby arrives! This way, your photographer can fit you into their schedule before they book up. If the baby arrives early, late, or if there are any medical complications – your session can be rescheduled! Your photographer knows this booked date will need to be flexible. After you book a photographer, it’s also a great idea to discuss any props or any specific themes. For Block Portrait Studios newborn sessions, we offer a variety of props that can be used at the studio or transported with your photographer for your at-home session.
2. Choose Outfits & Props in Advance
Choose ahead of time what you want your newborn to wear during the session, and plan on a few different outfits. It’s also a good idea to have a backup outfit for yourself and your significant other in case of spit-ups or diaper leaks. If you plan to travel to the portrait studio for your session, it’s a good idea to keep outfits and props in one bag or area so you can easily gather up everything on the day of your session and not have to worry about forgetting the special newborn hat or stuffed animal!
3. Plan How You Want to Use Portraits
Talk with your photographer about how you want to use the portraits after the session. Consider your options and make these decisions before the baby arrives. Knowing what you want to do with the portraits before the session will allow your photographer to successfully plan how to capture your portraits to fit your custom art vision. For example, a nursery wall art design will require a photo of the intended space and the dimensions of the wall so your photographer can help you choose the best art dimensions, as well as strategically photograph certain angles or poses that will look best for a collage. At Block Portrait Studios, families can choose custom wall art, prints, albums, photo blocks, and portrait boxes.
4. Realistic Expectations
Newborns are unpredictable! Your photographer knows and understands this! On the day of your session, if possible, try to feed your baby 15-30 minutes before your photographer arrives at your home or arrive at the portrait studio early to settle in and feed your baby before your session begins. This way, your newborn will be more content and will most likely snuggle up and sleep in those cozy swaddles and blankets during the session. And don’t worry about having to take breaks for diaper changes, feedings, and crying. Your photograph has planned your session time for these needs!
5. Trust Your Photographer
While there will be portraits that feature different relationships within your family, your photographer will at some point during the session do portraits of just your newborn. Enjoy this moment to sit back and relax! Trust your photographer and refrain from rushing to your baby after every noise or small cry. Your photographer will capture these moments, these memories. They will absolutely be aware of when to ask for your assistance or step back so you can comfort your baby.
6. Including Siblings
We absolutely encourage including baby’s siblings in the portrait session! Whether your newborn session is at the portrait studio or at your home, we highly recommend inviting a family member or friend to join so they can help watch the older siblings during portraits of just the newborn or of just the parents with the newborn. Then when it’s time for the whole family to be photographed, your photographer will photograph a mix of both candid and posed portraits.
