Lifestyle Newborn Portraits Prep Guide
Congratulations on your newest addition! This is me… Your photographer, Kimberly!
I’m truly honored to capture this special time for your family and grateful for the opportunity to create lasting memories for you.
Below is everything you need to know to prepare for your newborn session — including key details and my best tips for a smooth, stress-free experience. Take a look, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
SESSION PREP
Mom and Dad, I recommend you plan a single outfit to make the session flow more easily. But if you would like, we can include one outfit change for the parents.
- Mama, if you carried your child, you will still be adjusting and healing, and Dad you will need to work around her final decision for the session wardrobe. Neutral colors keep things simple and classic so images remain timeless. Aim for white, cream, gray, khaki, soft blue’s and blush or dusty rose, and sage greens. Muted earth tones also work very well. This might be a time to avoid black. But if you only wear black, then you can stay true to that. I always want my clients to feel their best and dress according to their personal style. I recommend a loose, flowy dress or top for mom and a solid color for dad (super small patterns like tiny stripes and plaids can appear distorted in images). Please be sure your wardrobe all works cohesively together. You don’t need to match, just don’t clash.
We'll swaddle baby for most shots. I will bring my swaddles and you are welcome to have your own that you want to use. Plain white newborn (premie usually fits best!) onesies work really well. Keep it simple with “outfits” for baby, as this helps in keeping your images classic and timeless and avoids poorly fitting items which do not look good in photos. We also want to focus on sweet baby, NOT their clothes. I have a PINTEREST board with tons of wardrobe inspiration for lifestyle newborn sessions. You can take a look at that HERE.
When I arrive, I’ll look for well-lit areas with minimal clutter — typically the master bedroom and nursery. Keep in mind, I am wanting to use all natural light. I may adjust small items or remove wall art for cleaner shots. If you’d prefer a studio setting, I have a natural light option available for an additional fee — just ask!
To encourage a sleepy, content baby, try keeping them awake before I arrive and feed them right before the session. We want a super sleepy, happy baby for photos. We’ll take breaks as needed for feedings and soothing, so having a bottle (if applicable), burp cloth, white noise machine, and even a pacifier on hand can be helpful. A calm environment is key, so limit extra visitors to one helper lie a Grandma or Aunt. If things feel messy, a quick tidy of main areas the night before can help.
For a bright, clean look like my portfolio images, white bedding works best. If you don’t have it, simple sheets or a neutral blanket over your bed can do the trick. Bold patterns may be distracting, so keep that in mind.
We’ll start with family shots (unless baby is already deeply asleep), with baby swaddled up or in their simple onesie. For young siblings, a little bribe or prize can help! Practicing how to hold baby with big brother / sister beforehand is great, but we’ll follow their lead and keep things stress-free. Don’t be afraid to include your fur babies in some shots. I love working with animals. Just be sure they have had some time to adjust to baby before photo day.
As a fellow mom, I handle every baby with the utmost care. I’ll wash my hands before we begin and carry sanitizer. If I’m unwell, I’ll notify you and reschedule if needed.
AFTER YOUR SESSION
After I leave you the work isn’t over. I will carefully edit and lightly retouch your images, and deliver them to you about 2 weeks after your session date. Newborn sessions include a product credit, and you can shop product options directly within your online gallery. Of course I am here to help if you have any questions about products or what is best for your home.
If you choose to share your images on social media, there is nothing more wonderful you can do for a small business owner than to share and tag them in your social media posts, leave a positive review online, or tell your friends about your experience. Thank you so much in advance.
Below is a list of shops where you can find quality wraps, swaddles, etc.
Below is a list of my favorite items :
My Favorite Neutral Muslin Baby Swaddle
My Favorite ‘Blue’ or ‘Misty Blue’ Swaddle
My Favorite ‘Pink’ or ‘Dusty Rose’ Swaddle
Favorite Bow (petite velvet bow tieback RTS) and Wrap (Ivory Dreamsoft Wrap RTS)
Plain White Onesies (size newborn or *preemie, because sometimes newborn is too big)
Knit Swaddle Blanket (color ‘Yuma’) and scroll down to complete the set with a hat, bow or knotted gown
Knit Swaddle Blanket (color ‘Dove’) and scroll down to complete the set with a hat, bow or knotted gown
Knit Swaddle Blanket (color ‘Briar’) and scroll down to complete the set with a hat, bow or knotted gown
I am truly looking forward to working with you and your newest family member. Please let me know if you have any unanswered questions.