How to be prepared for our newborn photography session? This is the most common question for parents when they book newborn photography in Edmonton for their loved ones.
Preparation for a newborn photography has two main parts.
1- Newborn preparation
2- Studio preparation
The first part is more relevant to the parents and their ability to prepare their little ones.
Normally, parents don’t need to do anything special besides regular newborn nursing. However, I can provide some hints for new parents to help them prepare their newborn before the session to have a smooth and great photo shoot.
Newborn Preparation hints:
• Give your newborn a bath. It makes the baby feel fresh and a bit more energetic. However, the bath timing is crucial. If your appointment is in afternoon, bathe your baby in the morning. In this case, your baby will be awake for a good portion of the appointment time.
• Avoid dressing your baby in something difficult to take off. Zip up outfits or snap front pajamas are recommended.
• Avoid any clothing, extra items or accessories that would require being taken off over the head, as this might annoy the baby. It also could minimize surprising your baby at the beginning of the session.
• Feed your baby prior to leaving your home or be prepared to feed the baby at the studio before the session begins.
• Try to feed your baby consistent to their regular eating schedule as much as possible. Usually, it works out the best.
• Bring the items below with you to the session:
– Diapers and wipes
– Pacifier even if you haven’t previously used it
– Extra formula for formula -fed babies. If you are breastfeeding, be prepared to feed the baby more than usual.
– A baby blanket. Sometimes they need to snuggle under it during the session or feedings.
• There is no rush or force in a newborn photography session. We have enough time for baby snuggles, feeding or if he/she needs to be changed.
Studio Preparation:
People think a newborn photo studio might be very similar to a normal photography studio. A place of backdrops, professional lighting, big stands, and tripods etc.
That’s true, in some way, but some items are different.
For example: backdrops in a newborn photo shoot are smaller than normal because the model, a baby, is tiny.
However, there are some essentials that all newborn photographers would consider and be prepare in a newborn photo studio.
For instance:
• Room temperature:
A newborn photography studio temperature would be higher than a normal room temperature. The warmer area helps to make the baby feel comfortable and cozy.
For a lot of the poses, babies are naked so, if the studio is not kept warm enough for them, they feel unpleasant and may feel fussy.
Accordingly, I recommend moms wearing layers in light colors when
they have a newborn photography session, in case, if they need to cool down.
• Baby feeding area:
Moms may need to feed the baby several time during a newborn photo session. The photographer should designate an area for baby feeding in the studio, it would be very convenient for moms particularly for some who are breastfeeding.
• Accessories:
Accessories in newborn studios are specified for newborn photography. They may be useless in a normal photo studio.
The most noticeable factor could be the size of the items. A tiny chair,
Super small bed, tiny cups etc.
Swaddles are the other item that you can find in newborn studios in a variety of colors and material.
A newborn photography studio would be well organized and clean to protect the baby’s health and safety.
• Camera:
Obviously, newborn photographers will take photos from various angels and levels but one of the most popular angles is over the baby angle. In these shots, the baby is posed under the light and the photographer is taking the pictures from over the baby.
It is recommended to place the camera strap on the photographer neck for safety matters and to prevent any unexpected accidents.
• The Photographer:
Since babies are the main models in newborn portrait sessions, a newborn photographer certainly must be aware about a newborn’s body, behavior, needs etc. Without this knowledge a baby photographer might not have successful newborn photoshoot sessions.
Additionally, it would be beneficial for newborn photographers to be patient and have skills to make a cranky baby feel calm and comfortable or even smile. Nothing is more adorable than a baby’s smile! It is absolutely heart melting for the parents.
Let’s finish this item here. I have shared my experience about newborn studio photography with you in this post.
Now, I will continue to write more regarding newborn photography in Edmonton in future posts. Hope this helps you for now.
So, stay tuned so you don’t miss anything!