hOW TO PREPARE FOR A NEWBORN SHOOT

How to prepare for a newborn photo shoot

As expectant parents, it's natural to want the perfect newborn photos. There are some important things to consider and prepare for so you have the best chance of acheiving those sleepy, creamy photos that you've dreamed of. 

1. Prepare in advance 
Book in your preferred newborn photographer fairly early in your pregnancy, as most only take limited bookings. Most photographers will recommend your newborn photos be done in the first 2 weeks after bubs is born, preferably the first 8-10 days*. The reason is because babies at this age spend a lot of time asleep. They're easier to settle and pose into those cute little bundles you see in magazines. After 2 weeks, in my experience, it is a lot more difficult to settle the baby into a solid sleep. The shoots take longer and sometimes without success, which leaves parents disappointed. On that note...

2. Have realistic expectations
Some babies are naturally more settled than others. I've had my share of photo shoots where we've had to limit the kinds of shots we can do and with less variety, as the baby has been too unsettled to change much. This might mean not being able to do those cute little nudie shots, if your baby won't settle without being wrapped. 

3. Bring formula if you aren't breast feeding, bring formula, so that you can feed your little person if they're unsettled due to hunger. Sometimes that's all they need to fall back to sleep again. 

4. Bring any of your favourite props or wraps if you'd like something specific. And be sure to prepare yourselves too if you'd like to be in some of the shots. Wear clothes that aren't too busy, preferably plain without logos or busy patterns. If mum and dad or siblings are going to be in the shots too, try to coordinate your outfits to compliment one another. 

5. Have an idea of what kind of style you like and show your photographer, so they can tailor their styling to what you like. 

* if you've missed the window of opportunity to take your newborn pics, I'd suggest waiting until baby is a bit older and smiling, so that you can get some lovely smiley, baby pics. This might best be done in your home where you can hold and interact with baby, rather than the typical posed newborn pics in the studio.