3 Things To Know Before Your Newborn Photo Session

Congratulations! You’re going to be welcoming a new little bundle of joy into your life! 

There are probably a million and one things going through your head, from making sure the crib is put together to having your “go-bag” ready for the day you bring your little human earthside! 

One of those things on your to-do list is most likely capturing the first few days of their life with a newborn photoshoot. 

Newborn shoots have become wildly popular over the past few years, and rightly so because they capture the essence of pure innocence and splendor. Of course, they also capture those cute little squishy faces and tiny toes, which no one can help but smile at! 

Photo sessions with newborns and their families are always a joyous experience because of how enamored they are with their little ones and how sweet they look swaddled up and posed with stuffed animals, blankets, or other props! 

So if you’re planning on scheduling a newborn photo session, we’ve got 3 tips to share! 

Tip 1: Schedule Your Session In Advance! 

This may seem obvious, but it’s important to schedule your newborn photo session months in advance! The best time for a newborn session is between 5 days to 2 weeks old, and with such a small window of time, you can’t afford to wait until the baby is born to schedule the session. 

Even though your due date is tentative, it gives the photographer a date to schedule around. A good rule of thumb is to schedule the photoshoot during your second trimester. This gives you ample time to plan and choose the kind of style you want for your session (modern, whimsical, rustic, etc.). 

Like we said, newborn photo sessions are extremely popular, and sessions fill up quickly! 

potomac newborn photo session

Tip 2: Keep Your Baby Awake Before The Photo Shoot

This is VITAL to ensuring a great, calm, sleepy baby photo session. Newborn photos are meant to be peaceful and sublime, so a baby who just woke up from a nap isn’t the most suitable candidate to capture those feelings. 

By keeping your baby awake for a few hours before the shoot, you’ll have a very tired, very calm, and easily photographic baby. We will be doing different swaddling photos and moving their little bodies around, so the more tired, the better. 

We take things slow and create a calm atmosphere to encourage continued sleep during the session, but you can help us by keeping them awake! 

Even in the car ride to the shoot, sit in the back and tickle their toes or talk to them to keep them from falling asleep in the car. 

potomac newborn photography session

Tip 3: A Fed Baby Is A Happy Baby!

Food = happiness in a baby’s eyes. Fill up their tiny bellies about half an hour before the newborn photo session. 

If you don’t, the session could be interrupted by a waking baby who wants to eat! We want to make the session smooth and easy for all involved (some parents even take this opportunity to nap!)

Since sessions last about 2 hours, your little one should be full and sleeping peacefully during that time if you’ve followed our tips! 

Ready To Schedule A Newborn Photo Session with Carrie Collins Photography? 

If you’re expecting and don’t want to miss out on the chance to capture those first precious days of your baby’s life, let’s talk! 

We will review our extensive portfolio with you and show you all the options available for newborn photo sessions. 

We’ve been working with Maryland parents and happily serving Bethesda, Potomac, and more

To learn more about us, browse our website, follow us on social media, or send us a message! We are always ready to help answer questions regarding your newborn photo session!