What to Expect at Your Newborn Session

Congratulations, you’re pregnant and expecting! You know you want to capture your newborn while they’re little but are not sure when to schedule their pictures or start planning their first newborn session. Since I get a lot of questions about these sessions, I decided to put together a short Q+A to help my parents prepare for the day.

When should I start planning?

My newborn sessions are limited so it’s very important to plan ahead to secure your spot. I highly recommend booking your session before your baby is born. After we pick a date, we will discuss the themes, styles, props and other details during our phone or in-person consultation.

Below is a photo from my client’s newborn shoot. Gavin’s parents wanted his session to be simple and planned on incorporating green and neutral tones. The mossy backdrop, wraps and baby bed were props provided by my studio; coordinated with nursery artwork.

What age should I bring my little one in?

Newborns are best photographed before they are 3 weeks old. At this age they are very sleepy, bendy and easy to pose.

For Gavin, timing was perfect! He was under a week old when I photographed him for his session.

How long is the session?

Every baby is different but you can expect a newborn shoot to take anywhere from 2-4 hours. I like to take my time with your little one and make sure every pose is executed carefully. And allow plenty of time for baby to take breaks to eat as needed.

Do I need to bring anything?

Other than your precious baby, a pacifier is HIGHLY recommended to help soothe them when transitioning between poses. Diaper bag essentials such as milk, diapers and extra clothes are also recommended. Please bring any special items you’d like to incorporate into the photo session as well. Since our session can go on for a couple of hours, feel free to bring snacks and drinks if you get hungry.

As we were wrapping up our session, Gavin changed into the cutest going home outfit. I found the smallest bat and baseball from my prop collection that went perfectly with his outfit and starting shooting away.

Last but not least….

Follow the prep guide, sit back and relax! Your little one is in good hands.

Footsteps-Photography is owned by Amanda Webb. Amanda is a newborn, child, cake smash, maternity, and a family photographer. Amanda specializes in newborn, cake smash, and maternity portraiture.

While her husband is in the military, Amanda proudly serves her military community at Travis Air Force Base and her local community. Amanda also serves the surrounding areas that include (but not limited to): Vacaville, Solano County, Travis AFB, Fairfield, Napa Valley, Davis, Elk Grove, Concord, Sacramento, Beale AFB, Modesto, Walnut Creek, Oakland, San Francisco, and other surrounding Bay Area cities.

If you’d like to book a session, please get in touch by visiting my contact form. I would love it if you drop me a line and tell me what type of session you are interested in!