How to Prepare for a Successful Newborn Photoshoot

As a newborn and motherhood photographer here in Orange County, I go above and beyond to help my clients prepare for their session. My goal is to ensure that they are stress-free and comfortable during their session. This is reason why I created The Luxury SNP Experience, I wanted to serve my clients and help them do majority of the planning before the session happens.

The SNP Luxury Experience

This guide will help you prepare and get ready for you upcoming newborn session.

1. Schedule your Newborn Session within the 14-25 days after they are born.
   • It will be easier to work with a sleepy infant
   • It’s always best to schedule as early as possible, around your 7th or 8th month of pregnancy.
   • The SNP Experience offers a Baby Plan Membership, don’t forget to inquire 😉
2. Plan the Outfits and Props
   • I always recommend soft & neutral palettes for newborn sessions. This works best for newborns, as it doesn’t distract from their natural beauty. If you have any sentimental items, such as a family heirloom or handmade craft, consider incorporating them into the photoshoot.
   • The SNP Luxury Experience includes the Design Consultation and this is where I get to meet with you to understand your vision and create fun memories.
   • The booking fee comes with access to my client wardrobe so you don’t have to worry about finding something to wear.
3. Prepare your Baby
   • On the day of the photoshoot, make sure your baby is well-fed and has a clean diaper. A full and content baby is more likely to cooperate during the session.
   • If possible, try to keep your baby awake for an hour or two before the photoshoot, so they will be more likely to sleep through the actually session.
   • Parents, you know your baby’s feeding schedule best. As long as we have a nice sleepy baby by the time I arrive, we will have a wonderful session =)
4. How to Prepare your Home
   • Babies love warmth! Ensure the room where the photoshoot will take place is warm and cozy. Having a heater will also be very handy.
   • Select the room with the most natural lighting, the bigger the window, the better.
   • Once you’ve picked the room, I always encourage my clients to clear out the space. Remove any miscellaneous items, such as a phone charger, water bottle, or objects that might be distracting. Just a quick clean should be sufficient, there is no need to conduct a deep clean.
   • For your session, I like to use a variety of locations (especially for in-home sessions), such as your nursery, the master bedroom, the living room, and the kitchen.
   • Play very gentle and soft white noise or soothing music in the background to keep your baby calm and relaxed.
5. Be Patient and Flexible
   • Remember that your newborns are unpredictable and it’s normal for them to be fussy or need breaks during the photoshoot. Be patient and allow your photographer to take their time in capturing the perfect shots. Trust their expertise and follow their guidance for a smooth and successful session.
6. Next, schedule your Design & Ordering Appointment 2-3 weeks after your session. I will plan out a few designs for you to visualize what your images will look like in your home. The goal of this appointment is to select your favorites images and place an order.

Preparing for a newborn photoshoot can be an exciting and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to capturing beautiful memories of your baby’s first days. Remember to enjoy the process and cherish the precious moments with your little one.