How to Plan for a Newborn Photoshoot: Capturing the little feet
Oh, the sheer joy and whirlwind of emotions that accompany the arrival of a little bundle of joy! Amid the coos and snuggles, it's easy to let moments slip by, which is why planning a newborn photoshoot can be a wonderful way to capture these precious times. Here's a sprinkle of advice on how to ensure these memories are as magical as they are tender.
Visioning a newborn photoshoot
Before your world turns into a beautiful storm of diapers and feeding schedules, take a moment during your pregnancy to envision your perfect photoshoot. Trust me, as someone who ended up with just a few cherished cell-phone photos, thinking ahead is the way to go! Consider whether you want to capture simple, authentic interactions with your family or perhaps a more stylized studio session. Are there cultural milestones you wish to honor? Pinterest can be your best friend here—start pinning to an inspiration board to gather ideas. With Ambika’s lifestyle newborn photoshoot? Inspired by a documentary-style shoot I did, she opted for a lifestyle session that beautifully involved her entire family.
Finding the Perfect Photographer
Now comes the truly fun part—choosing your photographer! Tap into your network of friends and family who’ve recently had a photoshoot. There’s nothing quite like a glowing recommendation from someone you trust to point you in the right direction. Once you've got a shortlist, don't just ask about pricing and availability. Consider asking:
Is their schedule flexible? Babies never come in time, you have a need to change the date. With Ambika, we penciled in a date but remained open to adjusting the actual day as needed. Although we ultimately only changed the start time, navigating both a toddler and a newborn's nap schedules can be quite the juggling act!
How can you help with outfit choices? Some photographers will help you choose outfits on the day, while others, like me with Ambika, might work with you beforehand to create a mood board and select a color palette.
Scheduling and Prepping for the newborn photoshoot
Once you’ve picked your photographer and set a date, it’s time to prep for the newborn photoshoot. If you’re shooting at home, you don’t need an interior worthy of a magazine spread—just one or two decluttered spaces. A cozy corner of your living room or even a spot in your backyard can be perfect. With Ambika, her living room offered beautiful lighting where we started the session. While the newborn was still sleeping, I captured tender moments with the toddler and parents. When the baby woke up, it was a perfect time to photograph the parents caring for their newborn. We then moved to the backyard for some truly sweet shots, and finished in a second room which, thanks to minimal furniture and a spur-of-the-moment decision, gave us some of the most precious family photos.
My untimed sessions provide the flexibility to take breaks for meltdowns, feed babies, and transition from one setting to another without the rush. Most importantly, set aside some time for yourself on the day of the shoot. You want to feel relaxed, not rushed—your energy will shine through in the photos. After all, we're aiming to capture the real, splendid you and your family!
Want to plan your newborn photoshoot with me?
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