How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session

Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life’s most incredible milestones, and documenting those first few weeks with timeless, professional portraits is something you’ll cherish forever. At Lisa Poseley Photography, newborn sessions are thoughtfully designed to be seamless, safe, and stress-free. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, here’s what you need to know to help you prepare for your newborn photo session in my Minneapolis photo studio.

Book Your Session Early

One of the most important things you can do is schedule your session in advance. I recommend booking your newborn session while you’re still pregnant—ideally in your second or early third trimester. We'll pencil in a date around 10 days after your due date, and once baby arrives, we’ll adjust the timing as needed. This ensures your session is reserved during that ideal window, typically between 8–14 days after birth.

Want to document your baby’s entire first year? Learn more about my Baby Plan sessions here.

Timing Matters

Newborn sessions take place in the morning when babies tend to be the sleepiest and most content. Babies under 2 weeks are scheduled at 9:30 AM, and older newborns around 12:30 PM depending on their sleep rhythms. Sessions typically last 2–3 hours and are fully baby-led—we take plenty of breaks and move at your baby's pace.

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Let Us Know When Baby Arrives

Once your little one makes their debut, please text or email the studio within 48 hours. We’ll use your update to confirm the session date and prepare for your baby’s needs. Be sure to share their name, birth date and time, weight, length, and any postpartum updates—especially if there were complications, extended hospital stays, or other considerations that could affect the session.

What to Bring

You won’t need to pack much—we provide all the wraps, props, and newborn wardrobe. But here are a few essentials that help the session go smoothly:

• A pacifier (even if baby doesn’t usually take one)

• Extra bottles or plan to feed at the studio

• Spare diapers and wipes

• A soft baby blanket

• Baby dressed in a loose-fitting onesie or pajamas

Moms are welcome to pump or nurse privately in the studio, and we have comfortable spaces for feeding and relaxing.

Prepping Baby (and You!)

We recommend bathing the baby in the morning of the session and applying a gentle, non-shiny baby-safe cream if needed. Please skip any heavy lotions or attempts to fix skin blemishes—newborn skin is delicate, and all minor imperfections are smoothed in retouching.

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s helpful to stick with bland, comforting foods 24–48 hours before your session to avoid any tummy upset. Think bread, rice, potatoes, and oats.

Parents and siblings who plan to be photographed should wear simple, solid-toned clothing in neutral or soft tones. We have wardrobe pieces available for moms and little ones. The studio is kept warm, so please dress in layers and bring an extra outfit just in case.

Interested in a newborn photo session with sibling and family portraits? Read more about newborn sessions here or contact me to get started.

What to Expect During the Session

Your job during the session is simple: relax. After the baby eats and is settled, I’ll gently take over and begin photographing. You’re welcome to watch from the studio sofa area—but staying hands-off allows the baby to stay calm and comfortable.

Sessions are fully guided and baby-led. Not all babies will do every pose, and that’s okay. We follow their cues and ensure every image is created safely and gently. Many of the more complex poses are created using composites (multiple images combined in Photoshop), always with a spotter close by. Baby safety is always the top priority.

Including Siblings and Pets

If siblings are joining, we’ll photograph the baby first and then add older children once the newborn is settled. Toddlers, in particular, can be unpredictable, so we work quickly and gently to achieve the best results without putting pressure on them. Please plan to bring their favorite snack, and feel free to bring a helper or have a family member arrive with them midway through the session if needed.

Pets are welcome too, but just like toddlers, we can’t guarantee cooperation. We'll do our best!

After the Session: What Happens Next

Within 5 business days of your session, you’ll receive a private online preview gallery to select your favorite images and place your order. From there, photos are fully retouched and delivered, and any ordered products (like albums or wall art) are custom-designed and finalized with your approval.

Turnaround times:

• Retouched images: within 10 business days of selection

• Prints: 1–2 weeks

• Albums: 6–8 weeks

• Wall art: 8–12 weeks

If you have an event or deadline, please let us know in advance so we can prioritize your order accordingly.

Ready to begin? Please contact me or schedule a consultation to discuss your session.

Newborns don’t keep—and those first weeks fly by. If you’ve been thinking about documenting this chapter, now is the time. Whether you’re booking just a newborn session or considering the full Baby Plan, I’m here to make the process beautiful, personal, and completely stress-free.

Have questions? I’m always just an email or call away.

—Lisa