A Smooth Way of Planning Your First Family Photoshoot
Hey there, lovely parents and soon-to-be parents! If you’re on the brink of welcoming a precious bundle into your life, first of all, congratulations!
This is a guide that’s not just about snapping photos but creating a visual love letter to the newest member of your family. So, grab a hot tea – here’s some tips for how we’re going to capture those tiny yawns and gentle sighs!
We are having a baby, when should we take newborn photos?
One common question is about the timing for newborn photos, and here’s my advice, broken down into two parts:
Capture the Sweet Details: Babies grow so quickly, and there’s a magical window right at the beginning. That early period from the first 48 hours to about 10 days old is perfect for capturing the adorable details of their tiny fingers and toes when they are at their absolute newest. So, whenever you’re ready, let’s freeze those precious moments in time! We book your session in your expected delivery window and we adjust if we need to based on baby’s arrival!
(If you are interested in ”Fresh 48” photos (photos taken in the first 48 hours), please email me @ helene@helenephotography.ca for more details)
When You Feel Ready: The best time is when you feel comfortable and ready to embrace the moment. After all, you’ve just welcomed a new life into the world! For some, it might take a couple of weeks to fully settle into the joy of being new parents.
Creating a Cozy Atmosphere
Choosing the perfect setting will help set the tone of your photos. Whether we’re in your home, a studio, or nature, it’s important to set the right mood for our precious subject. Here are a few things to consider when choosing.
At home
Your cozy nest is the ultimate canvas for your little one’s first photoshoot. Your home provides a comfortable, personalized, and convenient setting, fostering a positive atmosphere for capturing beautiful and authentic moments. You can easily tend to your baby’s needs without the constraints of a studio setting. AKA, feedings and diaper changes.
Home photoshoots allow for more personalized and meaningful moments. We can capture your newborn in their nursery, on your bed, or in other significant areas of your home. When you look back at these photos, you’ll surely be reminded of stories that happened in their first home. Consider incorporating meaningful props or heirlooms to add a touch of personalization during your session. These personalized touches add a unique and sentimental aspect to the photos, making them more unique and meaningful for family.
I always suggest in-home photoshoots for newborn as the first option! <3
* Bonus points because your fur babies can also easily be a part of your photos.
Studio Setting
Neutral tones and natural light are on top of my list when creating a snug little haven for your sweet tiny model. When choosing a studio, it’s all done for you, the lighting, the decorating, and of course the space is perfectly ready without any cleaning or tidying needed from you – a relief when you have a new human to take care of!
In Nature
While I don’t typically recommend outdoor photoshoots for newborns, these are a part of your lifestyle and story, so if that’s something you want to do I am happy to work with you in finding the perfect backdrop for these cherished moments.
Choosing Timeless Outfits
Dressing a newborn is a mini adventure in itself. Discovering outfits that are not only adorable but also comfy enough for your little superstar can present its own challenge.
Pro tip: simplicity is the key to capturing that pure, aesthetic charm. Soft natural blankets, delicate wraps, or even just their birthday suit can make for stunning photographs.
I always suggest having 2 options ready and we can switch halfway through or if there’s an accident, there’s no panic for a second outfit.
Keep Your Baby Awake Before The Session
Let’s be honest, newborn nap schedules play hard to get. If you’re aiming for those heart-melting sleepy newborn poses during your photo session, here’s a hack – try to keep your little one awake for a bit before our scheduled session, feeding and burping them right before our scheduled time.
A well-timed nap equals tranquil pictures, not those where they might look upset or rocking a tomato-red face from a crying session. A sleepy baby is a photo-ready baby!
Feed Your Baby 20-30 Minutes Before The Session
What’s more adorable than a milk-drunk baby? (Spoiler: absolutely nothing!)
Save the big feeding for a little before the shoot, and you’ll be rewarded with a content, sleepy baby. And of course, we can always take a little break to feed during your session so don’t stress if they need that, we are on baby’s schedule!
Keep an extra bottle handy if you’re using formula – preparation is key for a seamless and satisfying photoshoot. After all, a well-fed baby is a happy baby, and that’s what we’re aiming for in our little photoshoot adventure! 🍼
The Beauty of Unpredictable Moments & Soft Posing
Babies are the CEOs of unpredictability, and that’s what makes the magic happen. Let’s leave space for being present, being together, being home, being alive…! Let’s capture THAT feeeeeling. <3
I will hold space for you through, soft easy posing to cherish your little one.
Whole Crew Love – Siblings and fur babies are highly encouraged
When I capture your baby’s adorableness, I capture the heartwarming story of your growing tribe. There’s nothing more genuine than seeing the whole gang interacting with your tiny superstar!
Pro tip: Having a fur baby myself, it’s good to prepare treats for maximum cooperation 🐶🐱
Dear parents, all that’s left to do is to get ready for a whole lot of “awws” and “oohs” and maybe a few happy tears, as I freeze these precious moments in time for you! And just like that, we created a core memory your future selves will thank you for. I truly believe this lifestyle imagery perfectly encapsulates the beauty of this new beginning.
Bonus Tip:
Hey, mom and dad—don’t forget to have fun too! No matter what happens, this is the season of life that you’ll never re-live, so let it be what it is. They will never be *THIS* young and small again.
I can’t wait to see you and meet your newest addition!! 🙂
I hope these tips help you prepare your expectations for the shoot! 🙂
If you have any questions, please email me at helene@helenephotography.ca