Read on to learn everything you need to know to plan the perfect newborn photo shoot for your baby. If you have any questions further about your baby’s photoshoot please email me!
FAQ about your newborn baby photo shoot
When should I schedule my newborn baby photography session?
I recommend you reserve a spot for your baby at least 2 months in advance of your due date to ensure I have openings available. We will put a tentative date for your newborn photography session on the schedule that will be based on your due date. However, if your baby has already arrived, please contact me to check availability for your baby.
Baby arrived – What’s next?
Please contact me within the first 3 days of birth so we can schedule your newborn baby photography session.
Where will my newborn photographs be taken?
Your newborn photographs will be taken at my North Vancouver studio.
What’s the best age to photograph a newborn baby?
I find that the best newborn photographs are taken within the first 5 – 14 days. However, we can capture beautiful pictures of your new baby regardless of her/his age, so if you’ve missed the window, don’t panic!
How long will my newborn photo shoot take?
Session length varies based on the type of session you have scheduled and the cooperation of your sweet newborn baby. A typical family newborn photo session can last from 3 to four hours and it completely depends on your newborn baby, who is the star and calls the shots. The solo newborn photo shoot can be 2-3 hours, again depending on our little star of the show.
Do I need to bring outfits for my newborn baby?
No, I have you covered! I have many props from wraps, outfits, hats, bonnets & headbands and unless there is something you absolutely want in your photo, please do not bring additional props. Just come, relax and enjoy the show.
Are family pictures included in the newborn photoshoot?
This depends entirely on which newborn photography package you chose. Siblings, Mom and dad are included in the family newborn session. Baby solo sessions are for your newborn baby only.
How should I prepare my baby for his newborn portrait session?
A sleepy newborn with a full belly is the most cooperative for your beautiful photographs. Please keep your newborn awake for at least an hour before his or her portrait session. A bath is a great way to keep your baby awake and wear them out. Once you arrive at the studio you will give your baby girl or baby boy a good feed and we should be ready to go.
What should I wear for my newborn photography session?
Please wear cool and comfortable clothing in layers as the studio will be nice and warm so your baby feels comfortable and hopefully sleeps throughout most of our session. If we are taking pictures with siblings, mom and dad, you should wear similar solid colours. Natural colours and tones, like greys, light blues and earthy tones always photograph well and please avoid logos and patterns. Please stay away from white or black. And just in case there are any small accidents, bringing an extra set of clothes is always a good idea.
Find some inspiration for your family outfits here.
What happens after I/we arrive at the studio?
When you arrive for your newborn session, I will have you undress your baby down to their diaper and a swaddle blanket only and take your time to nurse/feed him/her. This helps not only fill their tummy, but also relax. The diaper and loose swaddle will make for easy removal without waking baby back up.
I like to allow plenty of time during the newborn session for feeding and cuddling so depending on your baby and package chosen, please plan to be here between 2-4 hours. Throughout this time you may get hungry so please enjoy some of the snacks provided. There will be water and tea available during the session and we will take everything nice and slow and your baby will be the centre of attention.
I will take over baby and you can relax, enjoy a book or movie, catch up on emails and social media or have even have a nap.
What if my baby has an accident in your outfits or props?
Baby may pee, poo, or spit up on my outfits, blankets or props – please do not worry! It’s all washable and I am not concerned in the least. I don’t want you to be either!
Should I send you a request of poses?
your baby boy or baby girl calls the shots! Babies have their own likes, dislikes and personality. If your baby wants to eat, we’ll take a break. If your baby wants to be swaddled, I will swaddle him/her and will try again to take pictures of the baby undressed later in the session. We will work together to have a successful session, but I can not promise certain poses, as your baby is in charge. Either way we will capture beautiful images of your little newborn baby.
What if my baby won’t sleep for her/his newborn photo shoot?
No worries! Awake babies can be photographed beautifully too. As long as your baby is not crying, I will be able to capture beautiful photos. Awake babies are more difficult to pose so if your baby is not soundly asleep, there may be some poses that we cannot get, but we will still create beautiful images for you to remember their newborn features.
How Can I Prepare Siblings for the Newborn Portrait Session?
Prepare siblings for the portrait session by letting them hold the baby, with assistance at home. Make holding the baby a big deal. Get excited about it! Tell her “you get to hold the baby now” and make it a fun experience. If the siblings are too young to hold the baby, I will pose the baby in a basket or on a soft surface and have the siblings sit or lie next to your baby.
I will do everything I can to get a portrait of the siblings together, but please understand that it is not always possible to do so when you have a younger child who does not want to cooperate.
If you plan to have siblings photographed, I ask that when they are not part of the session, that they will be supervised by another adult. We will take the family photos and sibling picture in the beginning of the session and then I will ask you for the sibling to leave. The studio is very close to a few playgrounds, which big brother or sister can visit and have some fun. We want to ensure a calm, peaceful, and most of all, safe environment for the star of the show, your newborn baby!
What should I bring to my newborn portrait session?
Please bring a bottle and formula if baby is not breastfed and a pacifier, if your baby takes one. Other than that I have everything covered and am looking forward to welcoming you to my studio!
How do I schedule a newborn photography session?
Ready to schedule your newborn portrait session? Or have more questions about the process? I’m happy to chat. Please email me and we will begin planning the perfect session for your new baby.