Your 5 Preparation Tricks for Captivating Newborn Photos!
Congratulations on the birth of your newest, most precious addition! Photographing your newborn can be a wonderful way to preserve those priceless moments and memories with your child. But getting ready for a photo shoot may be daunting, especially with a newborn. The following advices will help you get ready for a great newborn photo shoot:
Choose a photographer
Choosing the right photographer for your newborn photo shoot is crucial. Look for photographers who specialize in newborn photography and have a portfolio of work to show you. Experience is important when it comes to newborn photography, as it requires a gentle and patient approach, as well as the ability to handle and pose a newborn safely.
Searching for photographers is fairly easy, as all you have to do is to google for, let’s say, Chicago newborn photographer or Chicago newborn photography. Additionally, you could search for Chicago baby photographers in Yelp or Facebook. After a little bit of research, you will likely come up with top 5 newborn photographers that would match your vision, style and budget.
When searching for a photographer, it’s a good idea to reach out to multiple photographers and ask about their experience, style, and pricing. Look for reviews or ask for references from previous clients to get an idea of the photographer’s work and customer service. Consider your budget and what you are looking for in a photographer – do you want someone who is more traditional or someone who has a more artistic or candid approach?
The photographer’s availability is another important factor to consider when choosing a newborn photo shoot. The best time to do a newborn photo shoot is the first two weeks after the baby’s birth, while they are still very sleepy and can be easily posed. Make sure to schedule the photo shoot in advance and confirm the details with the photographer.
By taking the time to choose the right photographer, you can ensure that you have a positive and memorable experience and end up with beautiful photos of your newborn.
Schedule the photo shoot
As I already stated above, newborn photoshoots are best done within the first two weeks of the baby’s life, while they are still very sleepy and can be easily posed. This is because newborns tend to sleep more and be more flexible in their movements during this time, which makes it easier to pose and photograph them.
It’s important to schedule the photo shoot in advance with the photographer and to make sure to communicate with the photographer about your availability and any special requests or concerns you may have. Some photographers are booked months in advance so it is a very good idea not to wait till the last moment.
Most of professional photographers have the contact details on their website and fields that you could fill and send to the photographer, including the due date, what type of the photo shoot you are looking for – only newborn session or family session with the newborn.
Newborn family sessions usually include only parents and siblings, but some clients want to have their pets included as well. In these cases, it is very important to discuss this with the photographer beforehand to understand the policy of including pets in their studios.
Consider the time of day that works best for the newborn photo session. Some people prefer the morning when the baby is well-rested and alert, while others prefer the afternoon when the baby is more likely to be sleepy.
I personally like to start my newborn and family photography sessions at around 10:00 am, as that I found out through years of experience, that this is the best time when newborns are sleepy relaxed and parents are not that tired.
Think about props and any special accessories
Newborn photo shoots often involve a variety of props and outfits to add interest and variety to the photos. Some common props include blankets, baskets, wraps, hats, and headbands. While most of professional newborn photographers will provide their own props and accessories to your newborn as part of the session, you may choose a few items that you’d like to use in the photo shoot and have them ready for the photographer.
As a Chicago newborn photographer, I had, for example, many families from different countries who would bring their own traditional newborn outfits or family relics that are dear to their hearts. I am always open to my clients ideas and try to accommodate their wishes.
In addition to props, you may also want to consider what outfits and poses you would like to have recreated based on newborn photographer’s portfolio. I usually have parents asking me for specific poses that they would like to see and outfits.
They would also ask if I could do something special for them or come up with a specific theme. I had family who wanted to have one of the set ups to be dedicated to travelling or adventure. Some families prefer minimalistic approach and others want more color and more accessories.
When choosing photographer’s props and outfits, consider the overall look and feel that you want for the photos. Do you want a more traditional look, or do you prefer a more modern or artistic approach? Choose items that fit your vision and that will complement the baby’s features and the background of the photos.
Feed the baby and make sure the baby is rested
It’s a good idea to make sure the baby is well-rested before the photo shoot. Newborns tend to be more alert and fussier when they are tired. If the baby is restless or fussy during the photo shoot, it can be difficult for the photographer to get good shots.
To help ensure that the baby is well-rested, try to keep a consistent sleep schedule in the days leading up to the photo shoot. Avoid stimulating activities or loud noises before bedtime, and try to create a calm and soothing bedtime routine
It’s also important to make sure the baby is well-fed and comfortable during the photo shoot. Newborns tend to be hungry frequently, so it’s a good idea to try to feed the baby right before the photoshoot. This will help ensure that the baby is content and not hungry during the shoot.
If the baby needs to be fed during the photo shoot, I will make sure to let parents know and allow for breaks. Newborn photo shoots can take longer than other types of photo shoots due to the need for breaks and the possibility of feeding and changing the baby.
In addition to feeding, it’s important to make sure the baby is comfortable during the photo shoot. I keep the room warm and make sure the baby feels comfortable in clothing that we choose for specific set up. Most professional newborn and baby photographers have diapers and wipes on hand in case the baby needs to be changed and fast bottle warmer.
By making sure the baby is well-fed and comfortable, we can create a positive and stress-free experience for both the baby and the parents. This will help ensure that you end up with beautiful photos of your newborn.
Trust the photographer
Remember that the photographer is there to help capture beautiful memories of your newborn. Trust in their expertise and allow them to do their job. If you have any specific requests or ideas, be sure to communicate them with the photographer beforehand.
Newborn photo shoots can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. It’s natural to want to be involved in the process and to have a say in how the photos turn out. However, it’s important to trust the photographer’s vision and allow them to do their job. Photographers who specialize in newborn photography have the skills and experience needed to capture beautiful and timeless images of your newborn.
If you have specific requests or ideas for the photo shoot, be sure to communicate them with the photographer prior to the session. They will likely be happy to accommodate your requests within reason, but it’s important to remember that they are the professionals and have a good understanding of what works best for newborn photos.
By trusting the photographer and communicating any requests or ideas, you can work together to create beautiful and memorable photos of your newborn.
Relax and enjoy the experience
Finally, remember that newborn photo shoots are meant to be a fun and special experience. Don’t worry about perfection – just relax and enjoy the time with your little one.
By relaxing and enjoying the experience, you can create a positive and memorable photo shoot for both you and your newborn. This will help ensure that you end up with beautiful photos that you will cherish for years to come.
