Essential Tips for Your Newborn’s First Photoshoot

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most joyful moments, and there’s something extraordinary about capturing those first precious days through a photoshoot. Whether you’re an expectant parent or have just welcomed your little one, preparing for a newborn photoshoot can feel like a big task. But with a few tips and a little planning, your baby’s first photoshoot can be an unforgettable and enjoyable experience. This guide will cover everything you need to know—from choosing the right time for the session to what to dress your newborn in—to help you create beautiful, lasting memories.

1. The Best Time for a Newborn Photoshoot

One of the first questions new parents have about a newborn photoshoot is: When should we schedule it? The ideal time for capturing classic newborn photos is typically within the first two weeks of life, usually around 5 to 14 days. During this time, newborns are naturally sleepier and can be posed easily in those sweet, curled-up positions everyone loves.

Of course, life with a newborn doesn’t always go as planned, and it’s perfectly okay if your session ends up being outside this window. Babies up to around a month old can still be photographed beautifully, though they might be a bit more alert and need different types of shots. This is often Morning Star Photographer Shauna’s favourite way to photograph a new baby – eyes wide and scissor hands! The key is communicating with your photographer, who can help adjust the session to fit your baby’s age and temperament.

See Kristen’s Newborn Baby Shoot here

2. Finding the Right Newborn Photographer

Choosing the right photographer is essential for a great experience. Newborn photography requires special skills and a gentle touch, so look for a photographer with experience working with babies. Shauna has completed newborn first aid and attended numerous workshops with the best mentors, such as Kelly Brown and Russ Jackson. She has been working with families for nearly twenty years and connects with each of her clients, putting them at ease when they enter the studio or fit into your family home for an at-home shoot. 

Read more about Shauna’s experience here. 

3. Creating a Comfortable Environment for Your Baby

Your newborn’s comfort is the key to a smooth, enjoyable session. If the photo shoot is in a studio with an experienced photographer, they will set this up for you, so you don’t need to worry about it. If the photo shoot is at your home, here are a few tips to help keep your baby happy and comfortable:

Room Temperature 

Babies love warmth, and a cosy room can help keep them calm and sleepy. Keep the room at a steady temperature so they are not too hot and not cold. The photographer will heat the studio to a specific temperature to keep you all warm.

Lighting

Natural light creates beautiful, soft images, so your photographer may look for a spot with ample window light in your home. In a studio setting, the photographer will have professional lighting to give your images that soft, natural feel.

Soothing Items

Bring a few items that comfort your baby, such as a soft blanket. If you are using soothers, bring a couple to have at hand. Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you can stop to feed at any time or if your baby needs comfort. 

4. What to Dress Your Newborn In

One of the most common questions is, “What should my baby wear?” Newborn photos are often at their best with a simple, minimal approach. Here are a few wardrobe tips to consider:

A soft, neutral onesie can be perfect. It looks great in photos and keeps the focus of the photo on the baby’s features and expressions. 

To Swaddle or Not to Swaddle?

Swaddling a baby keeps them cosy and helps create beautiful, timeless images. Bring a few soft, neutral-coloured swaddles and follow your photographer’s guide. Avoid bright patterns or logos, as these can be distracting. When you get your photoshoot done with us, we have all of this covered for you, so you only need to think of it if you’ve got a select few favourites you absolutely need in the photos. 

Accessories

Small touches, like a knitted hat, headband, or delicate booties, can add personality to the photos without overwhelming them. We provide you with these in our studio. Just keep it simple so that your baby’s natural beauty shines through.

You can discuss these options with Morning Star Photographer Shauna before your shoot; she will guide you on what to bring during the day. 

5. Preparing for the Day of the Photoshoot

A little preparation on the day of the session can make a big difference in how smoothly things go. Here are some tips to help set everyone up for a relaxed and successful shoot:

Feed Your Baby Before the Session

A well-fed baby is typically a content baby! Try to time feeding so that your little one is comfortable and settled when the session begins. If the schedule doesn’t work out this way on the day, do not worry. Morning Star is used to doing shoots with newborns and can accommodate your feeding schedule to make it an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Have Essentials Handy

Pack your baby bag with essentials like nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and any items your baby finds soothing. It’s also a good idea to bring nutritious and filling snacks and water for yourself since newborn sessions can take a few hours.

Newborn sessions at Morning Star Photography are always baby-led! 

Embrace Flexibility

Newborns are unpredictable, and it’s okay if the session needs a few breaks for feeding, changing, or soothing. As newborn photographers, we understand this and are used to working at a baby’s pace. The goal is to capture natural, beautiful moments; a relaxed atmosphere helps make this possible.

6. Including Siblings and Family in the Photos

If you’d like to include older siblings or other family members in the photos, there are a few ways to make this process easier:

Prepare Siblings in Advance

Let older siblings know what to expect, and talk to them about the photoshoot beforehand so they’re excited to be a part of it. Bring their favourite toys and/or first teddy and we can include them in their picture. We love including older siblings as much as possible so it feels like a special day for them too. 

Coordinated Outfits

Simple, neutral colours work best for family photos, as they keep the focus on your baby and create a harmonious look. Avoid busy patterns or logos, which can be distracting in the final images. Dressing everyone in similar colours to complement one another can make for beautiful family shots. 

Read about our process to enhance photos here.

Capture Candid Moments

Candid photos with siblings and parents often turn out to be some of the most heartwarming images. Let the photographer capture natural moments, like siblings giving a gentle hug or parents cradling their newborn. These images will always bring warmth to the memories of these special and fast-moving times. 

Relax, Enjoy, and Embrace the Experience

Your newborn’s first photoshoot is more than just a photography session—it’s a chance to create memories and celebrate your family’s new beginning. Don’t stress over perfection; every little yawn, stretch, peeling skin, or expression is part of the story, and your photographer is there to capture the beauty of these genuine, unscripted moments.

Our studio has a large, comfortable couch and blankets to cuddle up in and sleep. We also provide lots of coffee and water so you all feel cared for! 

Remember, you’ll cherish these photos for years to come. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the experience with your little one. Before you know it, these photos will be precious keepsakes that hold the magic of those early days.

Morning Star Photography is celebrating a momentous win in the IPPVA Awards 2024, for not one but two photos entered:

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