Newborn Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer Top 10 Tips Guide: Newborn Sessions

I believe there is not a moment more magical than when a baby is born. It is an honor to be a part of capturing this amazing process and documenting one of the most incredibly special times in your life! My job in photographing your newborn goes far beyond just snapping a few shots with a camera; I strive to capture a unique moment in time and all the amazing emotions along with it. It’s my greatest hope that the photos from your session will become a family treasure.

I’ve put together this guide based on my many years of experience photographing newborns. Here I share some of my “tricks of the trade” to increase the chances of getting those beautiful, doll-like images everyone goes absolutely crazy for. I’ve included information on booking and timing, what to wear, how to prepare a room, how to get your baby ready, and more! Of course, as we get closer to your due date and session I will reach out with more reminders and tips. You are always welcome to contact me with questions!

1. Book session 2-4 months before your due date

As soon as your baby comes, it’s going to be non-stop late nights and hard work (seriously, I’ve been there)! Coordinating a photo session might seem like the last thing on your list of priorities. This is why I recommend booking your session at least 2-4 months in advance of your due date to make sure everything is lined up ahead of time and you don't have to worry or scramble for last-minute plans!

2. Session is Best before 21 days ideally under 14 days

Once your baby is home safe and sound, please contact me immediately to let me know the wonderful news (it’s totally fine to have a helping friend / family member set things up too)! I will work closely with you to find a day and time that works for everyone. It’s very important to remember and plan for the fact that newborns are best photographed under 2 weeks of age; the ideal timing before 14 days.

3. Prepare the day before

The day before your shoot, please do not schedule any vaccinations for your baby. I want that beautiful baby skin to be smooth and creamy, and  sometimes shots can cause a minor skin reaction or leave a mark. Additionally, I recommend playing with your baby as much as possible and keeping them awake more than usual so they’ll be tired out for photo day - which is what we need to get the best photos!

4. Getting that creamy, perfect skin

I can’t stress enough how it important it is not to use tight-fitting nappies, straps or elastic on your baby the day of the shoot! I’ve seen so many  tight-fitting diapers and elastic outfits cause marks on baby’s skin, and it allllll shows up right there on camera! Ahhh! So the day of the shoot, avoid anything tight-fitting to make sure your baby’s skin looks natural and beautiful for the photos.

Newborn Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer

5. Keep to your normal routine before session

I highly recommend keeping to your normal routine, having a baby is stressful enough and I don't want to to do anyting extra. I want to take the pressure of you and and not give you lots of tasks to do. This will help you be and so helps baby stay sleepy and calm during the shoot, and increases the probability of getting those adorable, sleeping doll-like images everyone goes crazy for. 

6. A full feed & nappy change at the studio

Have your baby fully fed and changed before the session. This increases chances of sleep and greatly decreases chances of fussiness! Everyone wins. I wil always ask you to fed the baby when you arrive at the studio so baby has a full belly before we start the session.

7. The perfect setting

Getting your room just right for our photoshoot is a big part of making the photos a huge success! I recommend trying for the following:

● Turn up the heat! Temperatures should be 88 + degrees - like a sauna!
● Try to create a quiet and relaxing environment free from noise and distractions
● Sometimes a fan or white noise maker can help your baby sleep soundly and feel comfortable

8. A few moments alone with baby

For posed sessions, I ask that parents watch from the sofas nearby while I pose and photograph your sleeping newborn. Parents are wonderful, but can be distracting for baby (and let’s face it - sometimes for me, too!). I will call you in immediately if baby needs something or I need your help supporting or watching the baby for safety - which he or she probably will!

9. Parents should wear layers

We’ve turned up the heat for baby, but mom should be comfortable too! I
always tell my clients to dress in layers during the shoot in case things get
a little too warm. Being comfortable is key to beautiful, natural images!

10. Checklist of what to bring

Setting out things ahead of time helps things go more smoothly during the shoot.

These are my top items to have handy during a shoot:

● Extra milk or formula or pumped breast milk in a bottle 
● Extra nappies
● Wet wipes
● Pacificer/Dummy
● Snacks and drinks for mum
● Any special blankets, outfits, hats or prop (Please discuss any special props with photographer beforehand)

Newborn Photography by Victoria Sturdy | Cambridge Cambridgeshire | Newborn Photographer

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