Your newborn photography session is one of the first opportunities to slow down and capture just how tiny your new baby is. If you’re wondering how to prepare for newborn photos in Bossier City, the good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple steps can help your baby stay comfortable and help your session feel relaxed from beginning to end.
Those little fingers, sleepy stretches, tiny toes, and sweet expressions change so quickly. Before you know it, your newborn will be smiling, rolling over, and growing out of those tiny outfits.
Here are some of my favorite tips for preparing for newborn photos in Bossier City and making the experience relaxed for both you and your baby.
Give Yourself Plenty of Time That Morning
Getting anywhere on time with a newborn can feel like an accomplishment!
Give yourself more time than you think you’ll need to get ready, feed your baby, gather your things, and make the drive to the studio. Newborns are unpredictable, and that’s completely okay.
The goal isn’t to arrive feeling rushed or stressed. Instead, give yourself a little extra breathing room so you can start your session feeling relaxed.
If your baby needs to eat again before you leave, that’s okay. If you need an extra few minutes to get everyone out the door, that’s okay, too.
Feed Baby Before Your Newborn Session
A full baby is often a happy, sleepy baby, so feeding is an important part of preparing for your newborn session.
Depending on your baby’s normal feeding schedule, I may recommend feeding shortly before arriving or when you get to the studio. We can always stop during the session if your baby needs to eat again.
Newborn sessions are completely baby-led. Rather than expecting your baby to follow our schedule, we follow your baby’s cues.
If your little one is hungry, we’ll pause for a feeding. If they need to be burped, changed, or cuddled, we’ll take our time.
There is never a need to rush.
Bring a Pacifier If Baby Takes One
If your baby uses a pacifier, bring it with you—even if they don’t use it very often at home.
A pacifier can be helpful for soothing your baby for a few moments while I’m positioning or photographing them. It can also help during transitions between poses.
However, if your baby doesn’t take one, don’t worry. A pacifier is not a requirement for a successful newborn session.
Your baby may have plenty of other ways they prefer to be soothed, and we’ll work with what makes them comfortable.
Don’t Worry If Baby Doesn’t Sleep
This is something I want every new parent to know.
Your baby does not have to sleep through the entire newborn session.
Some babies sleep almost the whole time. Others want to look around and see what we’re doing. Some need extra feeding, cuddling, or soothing before they’re ready to settle.
All of that is completely normal.
I’ve been photographing newborns for many years, so I expect babies to behave like babies. We simply work with whatever your little one needs that day.
And sometimes those wide-awake photographs end up being some of my favorites!
Those curious little eyes and unique expressions are part of who your baby is right now. They deserve to be remembered, too.
Keep Baby Comfortable on the Way
Before leaving home, dress your baby in something comfortable and easy to remove.
There’s no need to put them in an elaborate outfit before coming to the studio. Simple pajamas or a sleeper that can easily be taken off works perfectly.
The easier we can make the transition from car seat to studio, the better.
If possible, avoid clothing that has to be pulled over your baby’s head. A simple zip-up or button-up outfit makes changing easier and helps keep your baby comfortable.
Pack These Newborn Session Essentials
You don’t need to bring your entire nursery with you!
A few basics are usually plenty:
- Extra diapers and wipes
- Bottles or feeding supplies, if needed
- Pacifier
- Burp cloth
- Extra formula or breast milk, if applicable
- A change of clothes for baby
- An extra shirt for Mom or Dad, just in case
And yes, newborn accidents happen during sessions.
I expect them!
You don’t need to worry about keeping everything perfectly clean. My studio is prepared for the normal little surprises that come with photographing newborns.
Don’t Stress About Posing Your Baby
You don’t need to practice anything before your session or worry about whether your baby will cooperate.
That’s my job.
Every baby is different, which is why I take a baby-led approach to newborn photography. I pay attention to what your baby is comfortable with and never force a pose simply because it’s on a list of photographs we “have to get.”
Some babies curl up easily. Others love stretching their arms and legs. Some have very definite opinions about how they want to be positioned!
Those little differences are part of what makes your baby unique.
My goal is to create beautiful photographs while making sure your baby remains comfortable throughout the session.
Prepare Older Siblings for Newborn Photos
If big brothers or sisters will be part of the newborn session, talk to them beforehand and let them know we’re going to take some special pictures with their new baby.
However, don’t put too much pressure on them to smile perfectly or behave a certain way.
I want siblings to feel comfortable, too. We can work quickly when they’re involved, take breaks when needed, and let their personalities come through.
Sometimes the sweetest sibling photographs happen in the moments we didn’t plan.
A little hug, a curious look, or a big sibling gently holding a tiny hand can become one of your favorite images from the entire gallery.
Parents, Don’t Forget About Yourselves
If you’re joining your baby for family photographs, keep your own preparation simple, too.
Choose your clothing ahead of time so you aren’t trying to make wardrobe decisions the morning of your session. Neutral, soft colors photograph beautifully with newborns and help keep the focus on your family.
If you’re unsure what to wear, don’t worry. I’m happy to help you coordinate outfits so everyone looks comfortable and cohesive.
And moms, please don’t feel like you have to look or feel completely “back to normal” after having a baby.
You just brought a new little person into the world.
These photographs aren’t about perfection. Instead, they’re about documenting you with your baby while they still fit so perfectly in your arms.
Your baby won’t remember whether your hair was perfect or whether your outfit looked exactly the way you imagined. Someday, they’ll simply be grateful that you were in the photographs with them.
Come Ready to Relax
This may be the most important tip of all.
You don’t have to arrive with a perfectly sleepy baby. You don’t have to know how to pose. You don’t have to worry if your baby needs an extra feeding or takes longer than expected to settle.
That’s exactly why newborn sessions allow time for breaks, feeding, soothing, and cuddling.
Your only job is to show up with your baby.
I’ll take care of the rest.
My goal is to create a calm, comfortable experience where you can slow down and enjoy this season of your family’s life.
Newborn Photography for Bossier City Families
Preparing for newborn photos should never add more stress to an already busy season of life. My goal is to make the experience as easy and relaxed as possible while creating timeless photographs of your newest little love.
My newborn studio is located in Benton and serves families throughout Bossier City, Shreveport, Benton, and the surrounding Northwest Louisiana area.
If you’re expecting a baby, it’s best to begin planning your newborn photography session before your little one arrives. We can reserve your session around your due date and adjust the actual date once your baby is here.
You can also learn more about my full-service newborn photography experience to see how I help make everything from wardrobe planning to your final artwork simple and stress-free.
Your baby will only be this tiny once.
I’d love to help you remember it.
If you’re looking for how to prepare for newborn photos in Bossier City, I would be honored to help you create a relaxed experience and beautiful photographs that preserve these first precious days.
Ready to reserve your due date? Contact me HERE today, and let’s start planning your newborn session in Benton, LA. I cannot wait to document this beautiful season for you.
Download Your Free Maternity & Newborn Photo Guide
Want a little help planning your baby’s first photo session?Grab our free Maternity & Newborn Session Guide—a quick, beautiful breakdown of what to expect, what to bring, and how to prep stress-free. It also includes 10 tips for a calmer baby and a photo-packed style guide to help you plan the perfect wardrobe for your session.
https://elainepierce.com/inquire
And for a little more behind-the-scenes and recent work, come hang out with me on Instagram or Facebook!
Be the first to comment