Newborn photos allow parents to look back on this sweet and intimate time with your baby and relive those first snuggles, itty bitty baby bits, and all the emotion and love of that special and fleeting time in your life. Shooting these sessions in the comfort of your home let parents have access to all the normal resources, making everyone feel more comfortable and relaxed. The best part? The photos capture real life! Whether it’s your dog checking in on their new sibling in the crib, or parents rocking baby to sleep in the chair that they’ll be spending SO many sleepless nights in, the session will truly reflect this wonderful (and a little crazy) time in life.
The only downfall of welcoming a photographer into your home just days or weeks after the birth of your new baby is that it can feel a bit overwhelming. But it shouldn’t! There are a few things you can do prior to your newborn session to allow for everything to run smoothly.
1. DE-CLUTTER – Your home does NOT have to be perfect. I promise. Just tidying up a bit and putting stuff in the room where it belongs will do the trick. Toss the rest in a closet until I leave.
2. LET THERE BE LIGHT – I typically shoot a good portion of the session in the nursery, so please have the curtains wide open and the shades up to let in natural light.
3. GET YOUR OUTFITS READY…AND A BACKUP – If you’re comfortable wearing a flowy sundress (even in winter), they photograph the best! Make sure you have an outfit ready for baby that fits well and is not too big. A simple onesie or muslin swaddle is always a great option and perhaps a second outfit that shows a bit more personality. Make sure you have backups for both you and baby. Unexpected blowouts or a big spit up happen!
4. PREP THE CRIB – I recommend either a white or neutral crib sheet. Too much of a pattern will distract from your baby in the photos. And too much color will reflect on baby’s face, casting a colorful shadow on their skin.
5. GET EVERYONE FED AND HAPPY BEFORE I ARRIVE – Start feeding your baby 20 minutes prior to my arrival, change their diaper and then into their outfit last. Be prepared to do bonus small feedings if baby gets fussy. If you have an older sibling in the family, set them up with a snack and maybe one of their favorite movies or activities. This will keep them distracted at the beginning of the shoot. It will keep things relaxed and focused on baby (at least for part of the shoot). Then we can welcome in the older sibling(s) after we get shots we need of the new bundle!
6. HAIR AND MAKEUP FOR MOM – Book a hair and makeup artist to come to your home in the morning of the newborn session. This is one thing you should let a professional help with when preparing for your big day. You will feel pampered and pretty, setting yourself up for a fabulous photoshoot experience!
At Kaori Devine Photography, we offer heirloom albums and custom frames to showcase your beautiful images. Every album is custom designed to fit your style, home decor and personality. We have luxurious leather or Japanese fine linen covers to choose from as well as foil stamp title options. Together, we create a personalized heirloom piece for your family.
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