babies

How I Prepare for Newborn Photoshoots

Photog Blog

Last week I shared how you–a parent–should prepare for newborn photoshoots. This week I’m sharing how I prepare for newborn photoshoots to keep your baby safe and comfortable while also delivering satisfying images.

  1. Keeping the Baby Warm. I make sure the temperature in my studio is at a warm setting so the baby is comfortable and sleepy. Especially since some parents like the baby to wear little to no clothing for the photoshoot.

2. Safely Posing the Baby. When posing the baby in certain difficult poses, I have someone holding them in said poses at all time. That way the baby does not fall, lean, or get hurt. I then edit the images so that you do not see the other person holding he baby in the position. This is done usually by combining two different images in photoshop.

3. Lots of Safe Props. I use a multitude of safe props when doing newborn photoshoots. Some of these may include soft stuffed animals, baskets made specifically for newborn baby photoshoots, baby pillows to prop the little ones up and more.

4. Swaddling The Baby. Usually i’ll have one of the parents swaddle the baby since the baby is more acquainted with you. Some parents don’t know how to swaddle though, so I’m more than comfortable swaddling the baby and teaching the parents if they would like to learn. Swaddling the baby is not just a cute look for the photos. It can help the baby feel like someone is holding or cuddling them when they’re swaddled in a blanket.

5 Ways to Prepare Your Newborn For a Photoshoot

Photog Blog

Congrats! If you’re reading this post, you’re more than likely a new parent or are about to be a new parent! I bet you want a photo shoot to celebrate the new addition to your family, but also want to know how to prepare your bundle of joy to get in front of the camera so they can take the best pictures possible. Here are 5 ways to prepare your newborn for a photoshoot. 

  1. Keep Your Baby Awake Beforehand. This might come as a surprise but you’ll want to keep your baby wide awake before the session so that they can be sleepy by the time of the photoshoot. A sleepy baby during a photoshoot is a cooperative baby!

2. Feed them Before the Session. Try to feed the baby a little bit before the photo shoot so they’ll get tired by the time of the photoshoot. This should help them keep from being awake because of hunger. Hangry babies don’t like pictures!

3. Make Sure They Have a Clean Diaper. You probably already figured this one out but make sure the baby has a clean diaper so that they are comfortable during the photo shoot. 

4. Swaddle Them Tightly. If the photographer asks you to swaddle the baby, make sure you swaddle them tight so they’re warm and comfortable. This will help them sleep during the photo shoot. 

5. Be Ready To Be in a Couple Photos. I know, I know, you may not feel like taking pictures but in the future, you’ll look back and be glad you had some pictures with your new family member. So dress in a comfy but cute outfit and be prepared to be in a couple of images.