How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session
How do I prepare for the newborn photo session?
This is a question I get very often, and the truth is, there isn’t much you need to do! Becoming a new parent takes a lot of your time and effort. I want the newborn session to be easy and pleasant from booking through to finished images. Don’t want to deal with emails and phone calls to book? That’s fine, just book online! Want to chat, learn more, and ask questions? That’s fine too, just use my contact form, and I will respond very quickly. It’s okay to email, but the contact form will likely reach me more quickly.
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 book the session date around 10 days after your due date, and once the 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, and guarantees a timely session no matter when your baby is born because I only book a certain number of newborn sessions each month.
I have, however, photographed many babies over two weeks. For preemies, it is typical and even for full-term babies - those sessions go very well, and we create a large gallery of beautiful images. Just know that some poses may not be possible.
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 for 9:30 or 10:00 AM, and older newborns for 11:00 AM to noon, depending on their sleep rhythms. Sessions typically last 2–3 hours and are fully baby-led, which means that we take plenty of breaks and move at your baby's pace.
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. I love getting a hospital selfie!!
What to Bring
You won’t need to pack much since we provide all the wraps, props, and newborn wardrobe. But here are a few essentials that help the session go smoothly:
A pacifier is nice to have, but not required (even if your 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 heavy lotions or attempts to fix skin blemishes, since newborn skin is so delicate and all minor imperfections are smoothed during 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.
What to Expect During the Session
Your job during the session is simple: relax. After the baby eats and is settled, I’ll take over and begin posing and photographing your baby. Remember, it is baby-led, so it's calm, and your baby will not be crying or anything like that. You’re welcome to watch from the studio sofa area, but staying hands-off helps keep the baby calm and comfortable. If they smell their parents, they’ll want their parents!
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, then add the older children once the newborn is settled. Toddlers, in particular, can be unpredictable, so we work quickly 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 their 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.
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