Melbourne Newborn Photography Session Prep Guide
I often get asked what parents need to do or bring along for their newborn session. There are a lot of things you can prepare to make sure your newborn session is a success! So here is a guide on how to get the most out of your newborn session.
WHEN TO BOOK IN YOUR SESSION
You most likely would have already booked in your photographer by your third trimester this is a great start as it will ensure you book with the photographer you want! At Happily Everley Archer Photography I take on a limited amount of newborn sessions per month which means I can be booked out a couple of months in advance so booking in your session as soon as your third trimester is the most ideal.
Let your photographer know as soon as your baby is born. Ok you can wait a couple of days while you soak in all that squishy newborn goodness but make sure you don't leave it any longer as your photographer might not be able to fit your session in at the ideal time of taking newborn photos, between 5-14 days old. Babies are super sleepy, flexible and a lot calmer at this age so this will help with getting baby into all those super cute newborn poses. Certain poses can be a lot more difficult or even dangerous if baby isn't sleepy and relaxed so waiting until your baby is over 14 days old may mean certain poses might not be achievable. At Happily Everley Archer Photography all my sessions are baby-led to ensure baby is safe and comfortable at all times. I never force baby into a pose and will always listen to their needs first.
PREPARING BABY FOR THEIR SESSION
We want baby to be super sleepy for their session so it is recommended that you keep baby awake approximately 1 hour before your session. If they are sleep wake them up for a play or bath.
Try to skip a feed until 30mins before your scheduled session. This will ensure baby is nice and full and sleepy when they arrive to the studio.
Make sure baby is only dressedin a nappy. Depending on the weather, wrap a few layers of blankets on top of them while in the car seat or if needed put on a button/zip up romper that will be easy to take off without disturbing baby. You don't want to put anything on that needs to be taken off over their heads as this may cause bubs to become unsettled and wake up. It is also ideal that you don't put on any clothing or blankets that will leave creases or marks on babies skin.
WHAT SHOULD THE FAMILY WEAR
I always recommend family members to wear solid, neutral muted/pastel colours to their session.
Avoid clothing with logos or patterns. An exception to wearing patterns is when only one family member (usually mum is best) wears a floral patterned dress that complements the colours/tones of the other family members solid coloured clothing.
Jewellery should be kept to a minimum and watches taken off. I also recommend that pockets are emptied of phones or wallets as this can be very unflattering in photos.
For girls and mums I have a clients closet packed with beautiful gowns that can be used for your session. I also have outfits for boys up to age 2.
There is no need to bring any outfits for baby to wear, unless there is something special you would like to get a photo of them in, as I have a huge selection if outfits for my newborn clients.
WHAT TO BRING
Milk/bottles/nursing accessories (It is most likely that your baby will need a top up feed during their session to help resettle, whether it is part of their normal feeding schedule or not. So make sure you bring a bottle of milk if expressing or formula feeding)
Dummy if using one (I highly recommend bringing a dummy just for session even if baby isn't taking one yet as it can help settle baby throughout the session)
Warm blankets and burp cloths
Nappies/wipes and change mat
A change of clothes for baby
Toys and or snacks if with other children
Outfits for yourself and family members to change into if getting photos. It's always best to get changed into your clothes at the studio to avoid creasing your outfit. You will also want something light and comfortable to wear for the duration of the session as the studio will get quite warm to keep baby sleepy and comfortable.
Any special items or outfits that you want baby to be photographed with
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your newborn session will take anywhere from 2-3 hours long depending on how well baby settles between setups/poses.
This can be a long time for other children to site through so if siblings are coming along we will start with sibling and family photos first so that siblings may be taken back home or to the local park by one parent while the other stays with baby for the remainder of the session. However children are always welcome to stay for the entire session if you prefer.
The studio will be very warm to make sure baby is comfortable during the session. It may get a bit sweaty so make sure you are wearing something light during the session.
