How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session | Las Vegas Newborn Photographer

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION | Las Vegas Newborn Photographer

You made it!! Your sweet baby is FINALLY HERE!! And with that comes lots and lots and LOTS of photos!! First and foremost, a HUGE Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! As a 5 time mama here, I know you are head over heels in love and wanting to document every single moment. There really is nothing like those first few days at home with your new baby. It goes so fast, trust me. So much love. So much excitement. And feeling SO tired, haha! I remember it well. (I’m still tired to be honest lol)

You might feel like everything you do right now, even simple simple tasks, feels brand new. Even running to the grocery store for a gallon of milk is an olympic sport! Feeding, diapers, carseat, diaperbag…. It can be overwhelming! Speaking of which, are you feeling overwhelmed about the actual photography session? That is totally okay, don’t worry! Most parents are!

Let me help make it a little easier by sharing what you need to know with some tips on how to prepare for your newborn photo session to make it stress-free and enjoyable.

1. How to prepare your baby:

Try to change and feed your baby right before you leave your home. A fresh dry diaper, and a well fed baby will usually fall asleep in the car on the way to the studio. I’ve gotten pretty good at handling them right from the carseat and onto the beanbag without them waking up. 🙂 Having a backup bottle, binki, or boob helps to top them off as needed, too!

2. Feed baby 20 mins before your session.

A hungry baby = a FUSSY baby. A full tummy, a good burp or two, and a snuggle after keeping them awake and worn out will make a world of difference as we approach the photoshoot time. Be prepared that you might have to top him/her off a few times to keep that milk drunkness going during the photoshoot as well. Mama, if you are breastfeeding, stay hydrated and well fed yourself. Steer clear of gassy inducing foods if you are aware as well. If you formula feed, have extra on hand. Burp cloths are essential as well because spit-up happens. 🙂

3. Bring extra diapers

New babies pee and poop. A lot. You want to make sure you have a good stash to help out during incase of a blow out or a wet diaper occurs. Keeping baby dry helps keep them comfy and still.

4. How to dress your baby:

Don’t worry about brining fancy outfits. I find that newborns are best photographed in a simple swaddle or in just their diaper. I also have a few cute outfits available in my client closet as well. The zip-up footie onesies are great for traveling to the studio, or even a simple onesie if we are doing a wrapped only session.

5. Feel Free to bring Heirlooms and special items

If you have a blanket you came home from the hospital in, or if a family member made something special for baby… bring that, too! Those things are important and I will do my best to include them into your photos!

6. Prep the night before!

Pack and prepare the night before. Lay out outfits, have your bags packed for what you’re bringing for baby (and siblings as needed). Older siblings might need snacks and sippy cups to keep them hanging in there, and maybe even a reward for doing a great job! Mom and Dad, make sure you are well hydrated and fed so you’re not getting hangry or jittery during. I know the early days it’s easy to forget to eat, but you want to make sure you feel good and energized as best as possible.

7. If you are in the photos
I find that neutral colors work best for parents and siblings. Try to stay away from clothing with patterns or logos.

8. Have fun with your session

My goal is to have your newborn session to be relaxing and fun. But keep in mind that the newborns run the show! If they cry, pee, or poo… I’ve got it. And it’s okay!! I’ve been working with newborns for 17 years (As a mom, and a photographer!). I’ve seen it all and it really doesn’t phase me any more.. haha. I promise! My best advice is to go with the flow, and we will try to get everything as baby allows!

And finally!!

Remember to breathe, relax and enjoy the photo session. I am experienced and will guide you through the process of your newborn photoshoot. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give input on ideas you might have on a wish list.

With that all being said, preparing for your newborn photoshoot doesn’t have to be stressful. A little bit of planning and prep, you can have a smooth and successful and photography session. Congratulations again on your new sweet baby — if you have any other questions about hwo to prepare, feel free to send me an email at me*@********er.com

Big HUGS!

-Meg Gassler
www.meggassler.com