Jess Phillips Photography specializes in home lifestyle newborn session to capture the joy of your new family addition. 

If you have booked or thinking of booking a newborn session with me ~ thank you for entrusting me to photograph your newborn. 

NEWBORN SESSION FAQs:

WHEN IS THE BEST AGE FOR NEWBORN PHOTOS?

I recommend that you take your newborn photos between 5-18 days. This is during the time period when babies are sleeping a majority of the day which makes it easier to get them into poses. In addition, because baby hasn’t been out of the womb long they are more likely to stay asleep longer, and curl up in “womb-like” poses. 

WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST FOR A NEWBORN SESSION?

When babies are usually the sleepiest in the morning. Often we aim to start between 9:00am-12:00pm.

HOW LONG WILL MY NEWBORN SESSION TAKE?

Newborn sessions tend to last around 2-4 hours. I allow for a range of time and work on baby’s schedule. Sometimes we finish early and sometimes we run over. Please try and not schedule anything directly after our session. We take all the time needed for baby – I’m happy to take breaks for feeding or changes or just some rest. 

WHAT SHOULD MY NEWBORN WEAR FOR OUR SESSION?

Most newborn photos are done in that birthday suit, a swaddle, or a diaper cover. Clothes can be bulky and just cover up that newness. Baby should start in a button down onesie for easy changing. I will be bringing a few simple outfits and diaper cover – which is all we’ll need.

WHAT DO I DO TO HELP PREPARE MY BABY FOR THEIR NEWBORN SESSION?

If at all possible, try and keep baby awake and stimulated an hour before our session – it’s important for baby to be tired when the session starts so they are nice happy campers. Upon my arrival is the best time for feeding and diaper change. If parents or siblings would like to be in the photos please have outfits ready to change into. If possible, avoid any baths 1-2 days prior to the session , as sometimes this can lead to dry skin. 

HOW DO I PREPARE THE HOUSE FOR OUR SESSION?

Often a newborn session will move around to a few rooms in your home. Mom and dad’s room, nursery, living room, kitchen, ect. Put away clutter so that we have space for the photography, and avoid messy backgrounds. Opening all the blinds and curtains in your home prior to the session will help make your photos bright and beautiful. We will use mom and dad’s bed for the newborn solo photos and lifestyle photos, so having a white, cream, light colored bedding is preferred. Oh, and mirrors and windows! I’m a huge fan of using mirrors and windows in photos .. so if you could .. give them a quick wipe down ! 

If you have questions about where we may photograph, or don’t have super well-lit areas, I always suggest texting home photos prior to you session. 

HOW CAN THE WHOLE FAMILY PREPARE FOR THEIR NEWBORN SESSION?

Mom, dad and siblings are a big part of newborn lifestyle sessions. So prepping the whole family is important. A few things to keep in mind prior to your session. 

Keeping your hands moisturized and nails trim and tidy is key; hands are great props of their own. Please take off watches and funky bracelets if possible– simplicity is beautiful.

WARDROBE

  • Mom – Natural colors (nude, white, camel, grey, light pink, ect) something as simple as a white shirt + camisole – boyfriend jeans or skirt to match. Or white/cream flowy dress. Avoid prints.
  • Dad – Natural complimenting colors to mom. Nice t-shirt (nude, white, dark grey) paired with jeans, tan shorts, or khakis. Avoid prints or logos. 
  • Siblings – Natural colors – t shirt and pants or dress in neutral colors. Avoid prints or logos. 
  • Prepare 1 or 2 extra sets of clothing for everyone in case of spit-ups or leaks.

NEWBORN SESSION GUIDE

The day of your session .. 

While I have a general plan, each session is unique as each baby has their own personality, temperament and needs. We go with the flow and it is important to stay flexible. 

LOCATION

When I arrive, I will walk through the house to find the best area to photograph in. Usually, I will be looking for the area with the largest amount of space and the most natural light.  Also put away clutter so that we have space for the photography, and avoid messy backgrounds.

TEMPATURE

Turn up the heat! Set to 80-85 if possible. As we will change in and out of outfits it’s important to keep the house warm to keep baby comfortable.

FEEDING + BREAKS

If at all possible, try and keep baby awake and stimulated an hour before our session – it’s important for baby to be tired when the session starts so they are nice happy campers. Upon my arrival is the best time for feeding and diaper change. 

Much of the time during the session will be spent getting the baby calm, moving to new positions and taking the inevitable break because baby is hungry or has a dirty diaper. I like to work as a team with the parents to keep baby happy and safe.

PROPS + WARDROBE

Props, bows, beanies baskets and more! Anything is welcomed that you wish to have your new addition photographed in. You are not required to provide any props, I will be brining my newborn session kit with me that has the following:

Creamed Colored Diaper Cover / Newborn Bean Bag Props / Bows / Beanies / Baby Shushhing Machine / White Swaddle / White Blankets / Outfits and Baskets (not pictured)

WHAT TO HAVE ON HAND

  • If using a pacifier I recommend Soothie brand pacifier on hand (no animal pacifiers, please). I recommend a Soothie pacifier so it does not leave red rings around baby’s mouth.
  • Change of clothes for mom + dad in case accidents happen.. and they tend too
  • White swaddles
  • White nose machine such as the Baby Shusher
Posted by:Jess Phillips

Commercial and portrait photographer at jessphillipsphotography.com