How to Prepare for a Newborn Photo Session | 8 Tips from a Louisville, Kentucky Photographer

Want to hear something funny? The first time I did a newborn photoshoot, I actually really disliked it and vowed I’d never do one again. The poor baby cried the whole time, I was trying so hard to get the “perfect” photos of the baby alone instead of naturally involving the parents. Well, that was almost ten years ago and I’ve learned a lot since then about newborn photos! They’re very different than other photoshoots, but I have come to adore them. Now I do a lot of newborn photo sessions here in Louisville, Kentucky and the surrounding area. Maybe you’re a current client of mine with a baby on the way or maybe you’re just curious about what a newborn session looks like - I’ve got lots of tips for you here!

What age or weeks should I take newborn photos at?

Traditionally, newborn photos are taken after 4-5 days, when everyone is home and has had some time to settle in and babies look a little less like little aliens hehe. And they are traditionally taken before 2 weeks old. Usually around 6-10 days is the sweet spot.

However, I have photographed families with babies from birth to a couple months old. It really is up to you and what feels best for you. I’ve worked with some parents who want to do their newborn photos when the baby is a month old and they’ve had some time to settle in - it can be overwhelming for some people to take photos right away. Other families want to do them as soon as they get home from the hospital. Do what feels best for you and I will be happy to work within that!

What time of day is best for a newborn session?

When it comes to lighting for photos, anytime between late morning and early evening or a bit after sunrise through sunset is usually best. We’ll usually be taking photos indoors, so it helps when it’s still light outside.

When it comes to your baby, I recommend scheduling a time for photos that is right after a feeding. This way their belly is full and we can get a mix of awake/sleepy photos (maybe even a few spit-up ones, too, ha!). However, I no longer put a time limit for my newborn sessions, so if baby ends up being cranky and we need more time, I’m very flexible. My sessions tend to run between 45 minutes and at the longest 3 hours.

How much time do you need for a newborn session?

My sessions typically are about an hour or so. Though babies don’t run on a schedule, so the time frame can vary!

Are parents and siblings included in newborn photos?

Yes! I want to capture this stage of life for your whole family. Bringing siblings into the mix does make things more chaotic, but what’s life without some mess? I do lifestyle and candid photography, which means that I’ll set up some poses and prompts, but for the most part I’ll be taking photos of what naturally unfolds.

As for you, I know that parents are running on a little sleep and that moms go through a lot after having a baby. Your body might feel a little (or very) different, but let’s celebrate these tender and messy times, so you can look back on the photos when your baby gets bigger.

What should we wear to a newborn photo shoot?

If time allows, pick out your outfit(s) while you’re still pregnant that way it’s not as stressful. You can reach out to me about what to wear or I can even come over a few minutes before your session and help you narrow down options if you’d like. I’ve had some moms book a makeup and/or hair appointment before as a confidence boost (The Fenley Studio is great for a natural look!).

But also, there is no pressure to come with any makeup or hair done at all. I’d recommend wearing more casual clothes, especially if your photoshoot is at home, since this season of life is cozier anyway. If you’re taking photos at a studio, feel free to get a little more dressed up but even those photos can lean more towards the casual/cozy side.

For baby: make sure to set several outfits aside and have a swaddle for them too.

Should we rent a studio or do photos at home?

I offer both newborn home sessions & studio sessions! If you are wanting to take photos at a studio, I will handle the studio booking and take that off your plate. There are lots of great studios here in Louisville - Bright Studio Lou is my current fave. Some things that are great about a studio - they are set up for great lighting for photos, they’re a space you don’t have to clean and all you have to do is show up.

However, just packing up the car with a newborn can be a lot and while beautiful, studio sessions aren’t as personal as home sessions. It can feel a lot more comfortable to be at home where you know you won’t forget anything and you know your space if you need to feed baby or put them down for a nap. Again, it can be messier, but that’s okay. The photos will feel more personal to you since they’re in your familiar home space. I can help you find which nooks in your home will look best for photos.

There is no pressure from me to clean your space, but if it makes you feel better, you can always ask a family/support person to come over and help you tidy, or even ask for a cleaning service gift like Merry Maids as a baby shower present. Even not just for photos but a clean house is nice for yourself, too!

If you choose a home session, don’t feel like you have to tidy up every piece of clutter and make it look like a studio. Little objects that seem silly or in the way right now might be more fun to look back on decades later.

Do I need to have any props or items prepared?

If you want to! I will bring a newborn basket for those sweet little newborn close-ups. I love the Moses Basket from Design Duo - one of my sweet clients, Sarah, got it for me!

The short answer is no, you do not need to prepare anything, but feel free to set out anything that would be sentimental that we can include. Examples: a blanket grandma made, a hat you wore as a newborn, a welcome home sign with their name on it or an outfit your sister picked out. You can prepare these things before the birth if you’d like.

Another thing we can do is take photos in sentimental spots around your home! For example, the swing that you rock the baby to sleep at in the mornings, a reading nook where you read parenting books or leaned up against the bathroom wall where you first found out you were expecting.

Can we take some nursing photos during the newborn session?

Of course! I actually want to take more breastfeeding and nursing photos. It’s seamless and natural because usually you’ll need to feed your baby soon anyway. *Photos above used with permission, I will ask before sharing your nursing photos

When do I take newborn photos if my baby is born early?

While I know it’s not what you want, I have had clients with babies in the NICU before or born a couple of weeks early. I typically take these precious littles photos around their due/guess date or when they’ve had a few weeks to settle in at home. Again, it’s really up to you and when you feel ready for photos.

I block time off in my calendar for every newborn session that I book, so even if you go a few weeks early, shoot me a text - I will have built-in flexibility for your photoshoot.

Do you offer birth photography in Kentucky?

To be transparent - I have only photographed one birth but would to love do more. I’m still looking to build experience in this area, so if you are curious, shoot me an email!

Last thing - allow the mess to happen. Whether that’s your baby spitting up or crying, or the two year old not sitting still, it’s all okay. Or maybe you spill your coffee or don’t have a moment to brush your hair before photos. I don’t expect you to come perfectly put together for the photo session — in fact, I think you’re perfect just how you are and would be honored to capture you ❤