Newborn Photography Tips for Parents
Congratulations! Your baby has arrived and you’re getting ready for your newborn session. New parents are often so overwhelmed by the latest addition to their family that they get so flustered by the preparation involved in getting ready for photos. Well, relax! It’s not as bad as you think it is.
Newborn Photography tips for parents number 1: Newborn Photographers are professionals (or at least the should be!) and will have almost everything you need to have a smooth and easy session. Your photographer will probably have you bring some basic necessities like Diapers, wipes, pacifier and bottles, but all things related to the actual session they should have. As Newborn photographers we have an obsession with buying props, little outfits and backdrops to make the photos look as beautiful as possible. So no need for you to bring anything at all! If you book your session in advance and there is something specific you want, let your photographer know and if they don’t have it they can probably get it for you.
Newborn Photography tips for parents number 2:The biggest tip I can give you for your session is OPEN COMMUNICATION! If there is a pose or color that you love or don’t love, then let your photographer know. We can’t read minds and at the end of the day we want you to love your images. If you want only neutral colors, but your photographer is taking pictures of your baby in bright colors, speak up! Many times photographers will send out a questionnaire with your color preferences or have a question on the contract such as “what color is the nursery” make sure to fill that out in detail.
Newborn Photography tips for parents number 3:The next tip I can give you is look through your photographers website or social media and save images you love to share and show. That way your photographer has a good idea of the style or look you prefer. This is also an important point to keep in mind when booking your photographer. If you saw a pose on Instagram or Pintrest that you love, but don’t see it anywhere on the photographers website, don’t assume they will do that pose for you. If you’re set on the pose, speak to them beforehand because if they don’t do it, you will need to find another photographer.
Newborn Photography tips for parents number 4: Many photographers will tell you to keep your baby awake a few hours before the session. Now while this is ideal, don’t beat yourself up if they fall asleep. After all, newborns sleep around 20 out of 24 hours a day in the first few weeks! One of the things newborn photographers learn is how to get your baby to sleep, and if they won’t sleep then awake images are also super sweet!
Newborn Photography tips for parents number 5: The last tip I will leave you with today is this…babies are unpredictable! They do what they want to do, when they want to do it. So don’t worry when your baby poops or pees all over everything and everyone, it’s to be expected when you take their diaper off! Don’t apologize when your baby cries or just won’t sleep, they’re brand new and just figuring out this thing we call life.
Good luck with your session and if you’re looking for a photographer in Maryland, Virginia or DC feel free to give me a call!
