Newborn photography is an art form that takes perfecting- but you may only have one chance per child- so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and know what to expect. These are some of the best tips for parents of newborn children who want to take incredible pictures of and with them.

Schedule Ahead of Time

When you decide to hire a newborn photographer, it’s a good idea to contact them before you even have your baby. Most photographers only do a newborn session when the infants are between five to fourteen days old. If you wait to hire a photographer, they may already be booked or might not be able to accommodate the specific needs you want. Contact them as early as possible, and make what you’re looking for clear.

Bring Extra Clothes and Blankets

Studios can be chilly, and you might want a change of clothing, so it’s a good idea to bring extra clothes and blankets so that your baby can be as comfortable as possible the entire time. These will also give you the chance to use them as props or allow multiple gifts from family members to shine.

Be Prepared to Break it into Multiple Sessions.

If your baby is fussy, or you want many outfits or family members in pictures: it’s a good idea to schedule more than one session. One session with family and people, and then another photo session with just the child and the parents, possibly including siblings as well. Consider what photos matter the most to you, and try to plan your sessions around capturing those shots.

Ensure You Have Everything To Keep Your Child Happy

Babies don’t understand photoshoots or the importance of keeping an image that will last a lifetime, so they might get fussy or needy during the pictures. Because of this, it’s a good idea to bring along anything you might need so you can take the best pictures possible. This includes food, toys, diapers, blankets, their stroller, and even soothing music that you might play for them while you’re at home together.

You’re only going to be there for a couple of hours, but these couple of hours matter- so it’s important that you don’t leave anything behind that could make the experience better for everyone involved.

Feed Your Baby Twenty to Thirty Minutes Before and Keep Them Awake Until You Arrive

If you want to ensure your child is sleepy and sweet during the photoshoot, it’s a good idea to feed them beforehand and try to keep them away in that period between when they eat and when you arrive. This will help them be sleepy and soft during the pictures and will give them the largest gap of time before they have to be changed or fed. Every baby is different, so if yours runs on a different schedule, try to work with it to ensure you get the best pictures possible.

Your Newborn Photography Session Can Be Incredible

Everyone wants the perfect newborn photos, and they’re definitely possible! Take the time to plan ahead and bring what you need, and you’ll take effortlessly amazing pictures.