How To Prepare for your Austin TX Newborn Session

 

Every new parent knows how difficult it is to take photos of their baby themselves, because no matter how much photography experience they already might have, the fact is: babies need to be handled by photographers who have experience in handling and posing babies in a safe manner. I have been photographing babies all around Austin and surrounding areas for the last 10 years and have plenty of experience and babies under my belt.

I make sure I make the experience as stress free as possible so you can just relax and enjoy your bundle of joy, while your photographer takes care of all the details.

A successful photo shoot requires some preparation, and although there is no definitive newborn photography prep guide for parents, there are some tips and tricks that we recommend!!

In Studio vs In Home

When it comes to the style, you should decide whether they would like a candid home lifestyle session or a posed photo studio session. These will look quite different and have a very different look, so it is best to decide in advance what suits you and your family. This is an example of a lifestyle newborn session. If you are doing a newborn home session, you do not have to leave the house, which can take a load off, and you will end up with a very intimate scene. (Moms are always pampered with hair and makeup is provided in both sessions).

However, if you would like something more posed, the studio session may be the right thing for you. In the studio you can use more props, try out a variety of different poses and different backgrounds, as well as a different style of portraits.

In Home Tips

• DE-CLUTTER – Your home does NOT have to be perfect. It’s your home and it’s supposed to look lived in. You can focus on just tidying up a bit and basically putting stuff in the room where it belongs and toss the rest in a closet until I leave.
• LET IN NATURAL LIGHT – Let the natural light pour through your windows! I typically shoot a good portion of the session in the nursery, so please have the curtains wide open and the shades up to let in natural light. I always make sure I’m prepared to compliment your session with artificial lighting as well.
• MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS DRESSED FOR PHOTOS– For home sessions I believe light colors always compliment your session best, stay away from white, but creams and pastels are always a great choice, as well as interesting but not too busy patterns. If you’re comfortable wearing a flowy dress (even in winter), that’s great because they photograph the best! Make sure you have a solid outfit ready for baby (a cute onesie or a fitted outfit is always a great option).
• GET EVERYONE FED AND HAPPY BEFORE I ARRIVE – Start feeding your baby 20 minutes prior to my arrival, diaper change, then into their outfit last. Be prepared to do bonus small feedings if baby gets fussy! If you have an older sibling in the family, set them up with a snack and maybe one of their favorite movies or activities before I arrive. This will keep them distracted at the beginning part of the shoot. While my makeup artist works on your makeup and hair, I will work with your baby. Then we can welcome in the older sibling(s) after we get the shots we need of the new bundle!
• WARM IT UP!!!- Newborns love to sleep in a warm environment so don’t be afraid to crank up the heat, they will sleep better and longer so we can get all of your photos while they sleep.

Shoot day Essentials- In Studio

• Bring a snack for yourself and siblings.
• If siblings are coming, bring some entertainment for them.
• Bring everything for changing and feeding the baby, including any special creams and products you use.
• If you baby has hair, bring a brush.
• Bring any toys or prop you would like to add into the photos.
• If the baby is using the pacifier, bring that as well. It often helps soothe babies into the poses and facilitates getting them to sleep. If your baby is not used to a pacifier or you do not feel comfortable offering one, do not worry, it is not a must.

Make sure to plan your session on a day where every family member is available and commitment free. That way you can enjoy the experience and make the best out of your session.

-What to wear – 

In our initial design consultation, we will talk about outfit coordinating and color options to make sure things go as smoothly as possible.

Mom can take advantage of my client closet as well as bringing a separate coordinated set of outfits for the whole family. Family clothing choices are best if plain colored, (For studio sessions complimenting colors whether they are bold or pastels are a great choice) as long as you don’t have bold patterns or plaid, you’re good!

You can see more on how to coordinate family outfits on this Pinterest board I put together just for you!

-Upon Arrival to the studio-

Bring a drink, You will be pampered with hair and makeup while you watch your precious baby being photographed. A good idea is for you to arrive with your baby first and dad and siblings can join after you have your hair and makeup done. By then, your baby should also be done with his/her newborn photos and everyone would be ready for family photos!