Newborn Photoshoot in Los Angeles
Welcoming a newborn into your family is an extraordinary experience, filled with love, joy, and of course, many sleepless nights. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, we don’t want preparing to capture those precious early moments at a newborn photoshoot to feel overwhelming or stressful. To ensure your session is a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved, here’s a helpful guide to prepare for the big day! These tips help us achieve the best possible photos of your adorable little one, but if you can’t make any of these things happen DO NOT WORRY! I am quite the baby whisperer and can usually get even the fussiest baby to relax and sleep eventually!
Morning of the Session
The morning of your newborn session sets the tone for the day ahead. Here’s my favorite tips for success:
Encourage your baby to stay awake for a couple of hours before the session begins. A warm bath can work wonders, not only for bonding but also for keeping them alert and engaged. If they have flaky or peeling skin, some gentle baby lotion will help.
Before heading out, ensure your baby is well-fed and content. Timing is key, so aim to feed them right before leaving the house. This strategic feeding often leads to the coveted “milk coma,” where baby drifts off into a peaceful slumber, ready to star in their very first photo shoot. If you have a long drive ahead of you, you might want to do a top-off feeding when you arrive at the studio.
When dressing baby, opt for loose clothing with front snaps or zippers for effortless removal once they’re here with me. Ensure their diaper is snug but not too tight to avoid leaving any unwanted marks. This all allows for a seamless transitions between poses and is less disruptive to baby.
What to Bring
Packing the essentials for your newborn photoshoot ensures a stress-free session for everyone involved. Here’s a checklist to guide you:
Diapers and Wipes: I will be doing poses with and without the diaper on, so we will have pretty frequent changes, and probably an accident or two. Make sure you come prepared with plenty of supplies to keep baby clean and comfortable.
Milk or Formula: We will take as many breaks as we need to feed baby during the session. If you are exclusively breastfeeding, that’s totally fine, but if you’re open to bringing a bottle with some milk or formula, it can be a great quick fix for when baby just needs a sip or two to settle into a pose. If your baby is drinking formula, make sure to bring enough to get through two-three hours of shooting.
Pacifier (optional but very helpful!): Choose a pacifier without any attached toys to keep baby calm and content between shots.
Soft Blanket: Bring along a cozy blanket for swaddling and added comfort during the session.
Change of Clothes (for parents and siblings): Accidents can happen to parents too! Especially during family poses when we sometimes pose baby naked with you. Be prepared with a spare outfit, just in case!
Family Wardrobe Tips
While the focus of the session is on your precious newborn, coordinating outfits for the family adds a touch of cohesion to your photos. Keep these tips in mind:
Simple and Neutral: Opt for soft, neutral colors without busy patterns or logos. Solid colors create a timeless look that keeps the focus on your family’s connection.
Comfort is Key: Choose comfortable, cozy attire that reflects your family’s style and personality. Avoid overly formal attire, as it can feel out of place in the intimate setting of a newborn session.
Managing Siblings
If you have older siblings joining us, here’s what works best:
We will start the session with sibling and family portraits so when baby is ready to rock their solos, it’s quiet and calm in the studio. After the sibling(s) have had their time in the spotlight, a caregiver, one of the parents, or a grandparent can take them outside of the studio. We suggest a special lunch date, the park right down the street from our studio, or even home for some super special one-on-one time.
If it’s not possible for someone to take them outside of the studio, they are welcome to stay in the studio seating area to do a quiet activity or watch TV. They must be supervised at all times as I have heavy and breakable equipment in the studio and there will be cords connected to the lights that could be a tripping hazard.
Preparing for your newborn photo session doesn’t have to be stressful, in fact it’s really exciting. By following these tips and preparing ahead of time, you can ensure a smooth and memorable experience for your growing family. Relax, enjoy the moment, and let your little one rock their very first modeling gig!
Contact me to book your newborn photoshoot early – newborn photo shoot slots fill up quick!
Props by: Hello Little
