Preparing for a newborn photography session

I am a newborn photographer offering Westchester newborn photography, NYC newborn photography, Fairfield County newborn photography & Hamptons newborn photography (whew!)

After 10+ years as a professional photographer, I’ve figured out some ways you can prepare for your newborn session to create the most beautiful photos possible!

Click here for more about newborn photography sessions with Laura Simon Photography.

First of all: congratulations! Second of all, as a newish mom – I’m with you! Ready to meet you where you are at, whether you are blissed out, losing your mind (that was me) or somewhere in between. I’m excited to capture your newborn’s beginning in a relaxed, at-home lifestyle session. In this blog post, I’ll discuss a few tips on how to prepare for a newborn photo session at home.

If baby has already arrived, you might not have time to read this – if you’ve already booked your session, just send me a note and we will get on the phone. I’ll talk you through everything from preparing through getting artwork up on your walls – and I’ll be quick, because I know your time is at a premium!!

Preparing for the newborn photo session – the basics

Let’s talk some basics for prepping for your newborn photography session. I want you to feel relaxed and comfortable during your session, so there’s no need to stress about props or unnatural poses. All you have to do is be with your baby, and I’ll take care of the rest. If you want those pics of a baby dressed up as a pineapple or put inside of a shoe, I am not the photographer for you. I keep it natural and real.

To prepare for the session, make sure your home is clean and tidy. I’ll likely be capturing photos in the master bedroom where there is plenty of natural light, so make sure the room is clutter-free and has a cozy atmosphere. Of course, we will likely spend time in the nursery as well, and perhaps on the sofa in your main living space. It will all depend on light, and I’ll figure it all out (and finalize the tidying) when I get there.

What to wear for your newborn photography session

When it comes to what to wear, keep it simple and comfortable. I recommend wearing solid colors, avoiding busy patterns or prints. Neutral colors like white, cream, or beige are perfect for creating a soft and calming atmosphere.

Click here for a more detailed post on what to wear for your newborn photography session.

Preparing older siblings for your newborn photography session

If there are older siblings, it’s important to prepare them for the session. Let them know what to expect and encourage them to participate in the session. I’ll capture natural interactions between siblings and the newborn, so there’s no need to force any poses or expressions. I will also take “special” photos of the older sibling(s) by themselves and with mom and dad – no baby! This can really help soften the jealousy factor if your kiddo is experiencing that during this monumental transition.

It’s also a good idea to have some activities or snacks on hand to keep the older siblings entertained during the session.

Don’t stress about your newborn photo shoot

Newborns are unpredictable. We will stop for diaper changes, spit up clean ups, feeding, rests, etc etc. These sessions are sometimes done in just 45 minutes, and other times we may spend two hours together. There is no time limit. I will stop when I know I have what I need to create a beautiful gallery.

Preparing for new artwork at home

After your session, you’ll likely want to display your beautiful new artwork at home or in an heirloom album to flip through. As a high-end lifestyle natural light newborn photographer in Westchester, NY, I offer a variety of options for displaying your photos. From albums to canvases to framed prints, I have something for everyone.

To prepare for new artwork at home, consider where you want to display your photos. Think about the space and the style of your home. If you have a more modern home, you might want to choose a sleek and simple frame. If you have a more traditional home, you might want to choose a more ornate frame.

Preparing for a newborn session is all about creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Wear simple and comfortable clothing, prepare older siblings, and think about how you want to display your new artwork at home. Let’s capture your newborn’s precious moments in a way that’s natural, beautiful, and low stress.