You waited a long time for your baby to arrive.
Back in the before-times, us new parents would have a sip n’ see, a baby shower, or really any other cutesy name for cramming a bunch of people around a charcuterie board in your living room while you passed your newborn between doting arms.
Being a new mom during a global pandemic means the days of gathering, breathing in that intoxicating newborn smell and kissing baby that doesn’t belong to you are long gone. It also means that a lot of people who you love, and who love you and your newest bundle will only get be constrained to a virtual meet-and-greet, for now.
Now more than ever, families are opting to capture these precious first moments using a professional photographer.
Always being behind the camera, I knew that I wanted a newborn photoshoot once Brooklyn arrived, and let me tell you. I’m so glad that we did it. As with most things, I learned along the way which is why I’m sharing how to prep for your newborn photoshoot, so you don’t make the same mistakes that I did!
How to prep for your newborn photoshoot
Do your research
First and foremost, make sure you like the style of the photographer you are hiring! If you want dreamy, posed, airy, studio-style photos make sure you hire someone who portrays that in their portfolio. If you want more candid, documentary-style images of you interacting with your baby at home, make sure that is the style you see when you search out your photographer’s social media posts. As the old cliche goes – a picture’s worth a thousand words. Do your research and look at the photographer’s work before you book.
Feed that baby
Snickers said it best “You’re not you when you’re hungry”, and neither is your baby! Try to feed your baby as close to your session as possible. Your photographer may have a specific time or way they want you to schedule your feeds (if possible) but in general, a baby with a full belly will always be easier and happier than a hungry baby (this is generally applicable for adults too!)
Go with the flow
Make sure you are prepared to go with the flow! If you haven’t realized it by now, newborns are unpredictable little things. Make sure to go into your newborn photoshoot with realistic (or no) expectations, and be prepared for the unknown!
Time it right
Try to schedule your newborn photos for a day where your schedule is otherwise clear. A newborn who just got their shots or who has been out and about all day are generally not the happiest or most cooperative! Avoid visitors (or too many Zoom calls!) as keeping things calm can also give you a great excuse for some alone time with your new family.
Turn up the heat
Keep your house or at very least, the room you’ll be doing the bulk of your photoshoot in nice and warm. Not only does this keep your baby cozy and warm, but it also allows for more seamless wardrobe changes for baby. Consider setting out a heating pad or space heater. Bonus – space heaters work great as white noise machines too!
Now that you have these five ways to prep for your newborn photoshoot, you’re all ready to go!
I’ve teamed up with Kerys Alexandra Photography to give one lucky reader an amazing 45-minute photo session within the Lower Mainland!
Enter below for your chance to win!
How to enter
a Rafflecopter giveawayterms: Contest is open to one lucky reader within the Lower Mainland. Photo session must be scheduled in 2021. Winner will receive 25+ images available in high-resolution download and a beautiful online gallery.
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