Before the Shoot:
- Consider the Timing: Schedule the shoot for when your baby is between 5 to 14 days old. At this stage, they are usually very sleepy and more flexible, which helps with posing. In saying that, Newborns are beautiful at any age but will be less sleepy the older they get. I’ve photographed 10 days old up to about 11 weeks old for a newborn in my career. Some choose to go later on to allow them more time to recover, It's completely up to you. I did 2 newborn shoots with my son, one was when he was 3 weeks (I wanted earlier but my photographer and her family were sick) and another one at 7 weeks and I can really see the difference in my son between these 2 shoots.
- Know what you want: Communicate with your photographer about what you do and don't want from the shoot. An example of this is some might want photos of them breastfeeding- I’m more than happy to do this and others don’t. I’d rather know before the shoot day to save any awkward moments on the day! I didn't want this for mine as breastfeeding was such a trauma at that time for me but I regret not having them now.
Preparing Your Baby:
I’ll never be early to a newborn shoot- if I’m running early I'll park down the street until close to your shoot start time. You don’t need the stress of me turning up early on the day.
- Feed Before the Shoot: Feed your baby as close to my arrival time as you can get to ensure they’re full and content. A well-fed baby is more likely to sleep or be happier through the session.
- Outfit change: This is the same with changing- I suggest to change them into their outfit (simple & easy-to-remove is best) when I arrive as this minimise the potential for vomit, poo or wee to get on the outfit or yours! If thats not possible, I always bring a second outfit that fits the vibe.
- Dress Comfortably: Dress your baby in a simple, easy-to-remove outfit. As well as yourself, pick something that you feel comfortable in- I was 3 weeks post caeserean and I wore a simple shirred & flowy dress.
Preparing Your Home or Location:
- Consider the Locations: If the shoot is at your home, I’ll ask you prior to the day to pick 2 spaces that are important to you or have the most natural light. Natural light is ideal, so a space with large windows or plenty of daylight is best. These are usually the lounge room and the nursery. I sometimes use the front hallway with the door open near the front door as it usually gets beautiful natural light. For my own in home newborn shoot, We used our lounge room, Kitchen (has a fixed glass panel that lets in beautiful light), Our son’s nursery and near the front door.
- Clean and Declutter- A simple tidy up and declutter of the space where the photos will be taken is all that is needed. A clean, uncluttered environment helps the focus stay on your baby.
During the Shoot:
- Don’t Stress About Time: Newborns can be unpredictable, Be prepared for the shoot to take longer than planned. It’s important to be patient and go with the flow. I will allow 2 hours for a newborn shoot in my calendar, We rarely need this long (I’m usually done in an hour) but it just gives us some breathing space for any changes, feeds or settling that may be needed.
- Do what you need to do: If your baby needs a dummy, feed/bottle or even a walk around to help them settle- please do this. I am patient, will usually see this and mention to give the baby some time to settle and more than happy to wait. My son likes me to sing, a recent newborn would calm instantly if his dad took him for a walk around the house, another newborn, his parents had just figured out that he calms well to Adele so Adele played the whole time we were shooting. Do what you need to do!
Preparing well can make the newborn photo shoot a smooth, calm and most of all memorable experience and help ensure you get beautiful images to cherish for years to come. Enjoy the process and the precious time documented with your new addition.