What to Expect From a Newborn Photography Session
I love photographing newborns – there is something so special about capturing a baby’s first days of life. As a South Jersey newborn photographer, I specialize in cozy, timeless in-studio newborn photography sessions designed to be relaxed and baby led.
If you’re expecting and wondering what to expect from a newborn photography session, this guide will walk you through everything—from when to schedule your session to how to prepare your baby and what props I use in my studio.
When Should a Newborn Photography Session Take Place?
I prefer to photograph newborns during their first two weeks of life, but if you have a premie or NICU baby we can schedule the session based off when the baby is discharged from the hospital. All newborn sessions take place in my South Jersey newborn photography studio, where I provide everything needed for a safe, comfortable, and stress-free experience for new parents.
How to Prepare Your Baby for a Newborn Photography Session
In the perfect world, your newborn will sleep peacefully throughout the whole session but that likely won’t be the case! A few tips to prepare your newborn for the session are to try not give a full feeding for three hours before your session, I suggest giving them a big feed right before you leave so that they are nice and sleepy by the time you arrive at my studio. Before leaving your home, try your best to keep the baby awake as much as possible. When dressing your baby for the session, please dress them in an outfit that zips or buttons in the front, please do your best to avoid an outfit that needs to be pulled over their head. While I have everything needed for the session regarding wraps, blankets, props and headbands/hats, please bring anything else the baby may need for a few hours such as diapers, wipes, formula and a pacifier. If you are bottle feeding, please bring extra.
How Long Does a Newborn Photography Session Last?
I usually set aside 2-3 hours for the newborn session. This gives baby time to feed, diaper changes and time to soothe. Expect to feed your baby at least 1-2 times (sometimes more if they’re cluster feeding) during the session. Additionally, please make sure you have enough formula or bottles if you’re bottle feeding.
Styling Your In-Studio Newborn Photography
Before the session, I send the parents a questionnaire and from there, they get to choose a main color for me to use for the session as well as an accent color. I love neutral white/cream sessions but also love a pop of color!
Family & Sibling Photos During Your Newborn Session
I feel as though your first family photos with your precious newborn are so important, which is why I have created a spot in my studio for these. Siblings are welcome and portraits of your new newborn with their older siblings melt my heart every time! For outfits, I suggest neutrals with minimal patterns. If you’d like to add a pop of color, I suggest soft tones in pink, blue, purple or green.
Examples of Props That Can Be Used During Your Newborn Session
I love styling newborn sessions and because of this, I am constantly buying new props. One of my favorite websites is Hello Little Props and I have several of their props, backdrops, wraps and headbands! I even use their education to learn more about newborn photography.
The Everlasting Bucket – I love The Everlasting Bucket as it’s magnetic and Hello Little has a huge line of “bucket huggers” that stick to the bucket so you can swap them out based on the session. I have several colors and patterns and even have Valentine’s Day & Christmas themed huggers! This is one of my most used props.
I am a bit of a prop addict and have tons of container props and bowls for newborns and am always adding to my closet! Some of my props include: rectangular props, circular props, bowls, a bucket, a star, heart and beds.
For overhead prop photos – I have wood floors (ranging from white to dark brown and everything in between), textured backdrops, solid color backdrops, patterned backdrops – you name it! I can create images that are classic, rustic, simple, modern and themed. I also have teddy bear props, sports props, felt hearts, florals and greenery that can also be added to enhance these images.
Bean Bag & Poses: For these special shots, I have several colors in various shades and textures and choose what to use based on your questionnaire answers. I love to photograph the baby in both an outfit and without one on the bean bag.
And finally, my studio is equipped with plenty of outfits in several colors, hats & bonnets, headbands and wraps.
Newborn Photography Session FAQs
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What if my baby won’t sleep?
That’s okay! I follow your baby’s lead and capture both sleepy and awake moments. -
Do you provide outfits and wraps?
Yes! I provide wraps, outfits, hats, headbands, and all styling items! -
What should parents wear for family photos?
Neutral tones like cream, beige, gray, or soft pastels photograph beautifully and keep the focus on baby. -
What age is best for newborn photos?
The ideal time is within the first 5–14 days after birth, when babies are sleepier and curl naturally. - How do sibling photos work if they’re very young?
Sibling images are usually done at the beginning so little ones can relax afterward. -
When should I book my newborn session?
It’s best to book during your second or third trimester to ensure availability. -
What if my baby arrives early or late?
No worries! Your session date is flexible and adjusted once baby arrives. - Do I get to choose colors and props?
Yes! You’ll complete a questionnaire before the session to select your preferred colors and style.
