Being able to photograph newborns is something so wonderful and miraculous to capture but it does require a bit more set up than regular family sessions. These steps are important for the newborn’s safety and comfort and allows the session to go as smoothly as possible.
Communicate with the parents
If the parents are stressed or unsure the baby will pick up on this and get a little fussier and more difficult to work with. It helps to tell the
parents exactly what to expect and to put them at ease. Give parents tips to help the whole process to go smoother such as feeding the baby right before and throughout the session and choosing a time when the baby is naturally sleepy. The poor parents are already sleep deprived and are adjusting to a big change in their lives, so you want to make sure that instead of a stressful thing to check off their to do list, the session becomes an enjoyable bonding activity for the parents and baby.
Prepare the room
Whether you photograph the newborn in your studio, your home, or the client’s home, you have to prepare the room to create the optimum environment. Position your set up to take advantage of natural light from a window. Use a heater to make the room nice and warm for the baby’s comfort. (You’ll end up sweating but you’ll get great pictures.) Put a sound machine going to calm the baby. Make sure you have a reserve of clean towels or blankets to help position the baby or to clean up any messes that might occur.
Clean everything!
You’re being entrusted with a precious little baby who has a preciously little immune system. Before a session, I sanitize all surfaces, including, but not limited to, doorknobs, wall light switches, tables, chairs, props, and my camera. It’s also important to make sure you wash your hands before handling the new little bundle of joy.
Be considerate of the mother
The newborn is only there because the poor mother labored to bring it into this world. Make sure you have a comfy chair for the mother to rest in and provide her with some water, especially a breastfeeding mother. If she’s not really feeling up to being photographed, work her into some setups where her face is either out of focus or out of frame. This way you can get some beautiful images where she’s in the picture but not in a way that she’ll feel self conscious.
Plan your images
Prepare a shot list ahead of time of images you want to capture and props you want to use. Capture the baby first in outfits and then gradually remove layers. Don’t rush between images but use your time efficiently. Have a variety of captures in mind in case the baby sleeps through the session or if the baby is awake the whole time. Know what images you’ll need to capture in order to put together a composite. (It’s super important to make sure that you’re doing composite photos to keep the baby safe and supported at all times!)
Newborn photography is such an honor because you are chosen to capture some of the first images of this little human, and these images will be treasured and kept all throughout the little one’s life. It’s important that you keep the baby safe and comfortable and that the parents are kept at ease. What’s something that you do before a newborn session? Let us know below in the comments!