Mama, I know what it’s like to teeter between absolute bliss and feeling like your brain suddenly stopped working (mom brain is real!). I want you to be able to sit in that bliss, soak up every moment with your new baby and family, without stressing about how to prepare for your newborn session. 

Our newborn photography studio in the Heights was created with your family in mind. From wardrobe to hair and makeup to making sure you have a stress-free experience during your session, we have thought of everything. And if you can help us with a few things at home before arriving at the studio, we will be in great shape for your photoshoot.

Baby: before you leave your house

These are the only things I want you to focus on the morning of to prepare for your newborn session. Once you arrive at the studio, we will take care of the rest!

• Give baby an active morning (bath, tummy time, etc.) You don’t want your baby to be overtired, but you also don’t want them to have slept all morning to where the stimulation keeps them awake. With that said, it still happens and Mama, I promise it’s okay! I’ve photographed enough babies to be able to handle any situation.
• Give baby a full feeding about 30 minutes before leaving the house. Both Mama and baby are usually most comfortable feeding in the comfort of your home, so it helps make sure baby has a good feed before the excitement begins!
• Undress down to a diaper for the car ride and bundle up with blankets or dress in a button/zip front sleeper. Oftentimes if baby is good and asleep, we will get started with solo photos while the rest of the family prepares for the session!

Baby: at our Heights newborn studio

We will have everything your baby needs for photos, including a variety of swaddles and headbands for you to choose from. 

The most important thing for you to prepare for is feeding your baby. Newborn sessions can last anywhere between 1.5-3 hours. I always recommend bringing extra milk or formula, as well as any breastfeeding essentials. We have a couch in our waiting room for you to feed baby and relax! 

Other items to bring in your diaper bag: pacifier, diapers, wipes, burp cloth, and a warm change of clothes for the ride home.

Siblings

It can be daunting figuring out how to prepare for your newborn session with toddlers, but I promise it does not have to be. In fact, I don’t recommend making a big deal about the session at all. I wrote an entire post on tips for success with toddlers. 

Sometimes it can be helpful for Dad and the kids to drive separately so they can either come a little late and/or leave once their portraits are complete. This can even help cut down on the overall time you’re at the studio too. 

At the end of the day, they just want to have fun, and the most important thing is for you to not intervene and let me do what I do!

Mom

You will need to arrive at the studio with a clean face and clean, dry hair. My hair and makeup artist will be ready for you. Lastly, you’ll want to make sure you bring nude panties and a supportive bra to wear under one of our many wardrobe options. While I know nursing bras and tanks are more comfortable postpartum, a supportive bra is going to give you a more flattering silhouette in your portraits. If ease or privacy nursing your baby is a concern, please don’t worry about that! Wear what is comfortable to the studio and you can change once it’s time for images with you and your baby together.

Most importantly, I want you to relax. Mama, as much as your baby’s newborn photoshoot is about them, it’s also about you. You have spent the last 9 months carrying and loving your baby. It’s time to celebrate that. Soak in these moments with your family – you’ve worked hard to get here!