How to prepare for a newborn shoot | Baby Akira | Melbourne Newborn and Family Lifestyle Photography

Apr 1

Written By Sue Tan

Honestly newborn shoots can sound overwhelming for a new parent.

One moment, you could be feeling so loved and blissful that you have created this precious baby. Then the next, you could be crying, feeling sore, and wondering if you have what it takes to be a mother to this newborn who is demanding to be held, and fed. I just want to let you know you are not alone and it’s ok to take your time to feel all these crazy yet wonderful emotions of having a newborn.

Probably a newborn shoot will be the last thing on your mind, especially when you are tired. Normally newborn shoots are scheduled in for the first 14 days after birth, that’s when baby is extra sleepy and we get some nice sleepy shots. However, the beauty of newborn/baby lifestyle photography is that if you don’t feel up for photos during the early days, photos at 3 weeks old or any age can be so worthwhile.

If you are currently expecting and plan to have a newborn shoot, it’s best to get in touch with your photographer before birth, that way you will less one thing to worry about when baby arrives.

I am going to share tips on how to prepare for a newborn shoot at your home.

Go with the flow

We always go with the flow of your baby during the newborn shoot. If your baby is awake and happy, we are not going to try to make him/her sleep or place them in unnatural poses. If baby is fussy, relax, it’s all normal, usually we will take a little break. I usually stay at your home for about 2 hours to allow ample time in between feeding, changing nappies, or having a bath, so that I can capture those moments for you.

I like to schedule my newborn shoots in the morning around 10am, as I find babies are happier and more settled in the morning. If your baby would like to breastfeed/bottle feed, I am more than happy to capture that moment for you.

One thing I have regretted is not having breastfeeding photos with my daughter when she was a newborn. Feeding is such a big part of the newborn stage, it’s nice to look back at the photo and be reminded of that moment.

I believe fed is best, so if you are bottle feeding, let’s have that in your family album as well.

Meaningful items

It is nice to include a knit, quilt and blanket that is extra special to you. If grandma had knitted a beanie, and it is significant to your family, please do let me know and we can definitely have a few photos with it.

My mama friend here, Jam who I had known from mothers group had sewed this quilt herself in the above photo and how beautiful it is to include it in her breastfeeding photo.

I have a collection of neutral coloured swaddles, nappy covers and blankets that I bring for my shoot and you are welcomed to use them.

how to prepare your home

Please don’t feel like you have to do a major spring clean or stress if your home doesn’t look insta worthy enough for the shoot. I will walk around your home to look for the best lighting and we can easily tidy up the area we are going to use.

If you have time, and feeling organised, you can just keep clutter away from your side tables, around your bed, as I will most likely capture you and your family on your bed. Other areas of your home that I would typically shoot would be your couch in your living room, baby’s nursery, outside your home or backyard.

Lighting

When doing a home tour at the beginning of the shoot, I would look for spaces with the best light. As I shoot in natural light, please have curtains and shades open to allow ample light into your home. Also, there is no need to turn on any lights.

Keep your home warm

Crack up the heat at least 1/2hour before the shoot, so that your home is warm and toasty for baby. If it is uncomfortably warm for you, it will be just nice for baby. Maybe turn the heater slightly warmer than what you will normally have it. That way, we can put on a simple sleeveless onesie or have some naked shots of baby and your baby will be comfortable.

What to wear

I would definitely recommend neutral coloured clothing. Please do avoid clothing with logos, loud prints, or fluorescent coloured clothing as they can be distracting in photos. Try to coordinate and not match. Most importantly, you must feel comfortable.

My families tend to send me flatly of their outfits, and I tend to guide them what works and provide suggestions on outfit choices.

Babies can wear a plain/neutral coloured sleep suit or a body suit, just keep it simple.

Relax and breathe

Its normal to feel a bit nervous before your shoot. Inviting someone to your personal space can feel vulnerable. You may be hormonal and exhausted and it’s totally understandable. Thus, I may remind or guide you to breathe in your child or baby, to drop your shoulders and sigh.

Don’t worry if siblings may misbehaved or not cooperate, usually I would capture them early in the shoot and they can run off to have a play or snack and join us when they are ready again.

Relax. if baby gets fussy, don’t panic and breathe. A baby can sense your anxiety and we want to keep your space as calm and peaceful as possible.

Lastly, remember to soak into this blissful newborn bubble, try to be present with your baby and family and enjoy this time with them.

You will not regret having these memories to remember and cherish.

I also would like to share this gorgeous newborn and family session I did for Jamima, Malachi, Kingston and newborn Akira. They were so trusting, allowing me to capture the essence of their family. Jam is a wonderful celebrant and her husband who styled Akira with gorgeous dried flowers is an arbor florist.

Definitely check them out here, they are so creative and inspirational.

http://celebrantjam.com or @celebrant_jam and @arborflorist on Instagram.