What to Expect during Your Newborn Session
Your Newborn Session Consultation
Before your baby arrives, we will connect to plan and personalise your newborn photography session.
During your consultation, we can discuss:
- Your preferred colours and styling
- Wraps, props and accessories
- Posing ideas
- Simple, classic or creative photography styles
- Photographs with parents and siblings
- Meaningful items you would like to include
- Any questions or concerns you may have
When Is the Best Time for Newborn Photos?
Newborn sessions are usually photographed when babies are between five and 15 days old.
During these early days, babies often sleep more deeply and naturally curl into the positions they held in the womb. Photographing your baby during this stage can help us create the soft, sleepy newborn portraits many families love.
I recommend contacting me during your pregnancy so we can reserve a tentative date based on your due date. Once your baby arrives, we will confirm the final appointment.
If your baby is already older than two weeks, please still get in touch. Beautiful newborn and baby photographs can be created at every stage, although the posing and style may be adjusted to suit your baby’s age and comfort.
Styling Guidance · What to Wear
What Should My Baby Wear?
Please dress your baby in loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to remove. A zip-up onesie or pyjama suit is ideal because it allows us to undress your baby without too much disturbance.
Avoid tight socks, waistbands or clothing that may leave marks on your baby’s skin.
The studio provides newborn wraps, blankets, props and accessories, so you do not need to bring a special outfit unless you have something meaningful you would like included.
If you plan to bring a sentimental item, such as a blanket, toy or family keepsake, please let me know before the session. This allows me to design a safe and cohesive setup around it.
What Should Parents and Siblings Wear?
The studio will be kept warm and comfortable for your baby, so parents and siblings should wear cool, comfortable clothing.
Neutral colours and soft tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your family’s connection. White, cream, beige, soft grey and muted earthy colours are all lovely choices.
Please avoid:
- Large logos
- Bold patterns
- Fluorescent colours
- Clothing with distracting text or graphics
Bringing an additional outfit for yourself and your baby is also a good idea in case of any little accidents during the session.
What Happens During a Newborn Photography Session?
Please allow approximately two to three hours for your newborn session.
This gives us plenty of time for:
- Feeding and burping
- Nappy changes
- Settling and cuddling
- Wrapping and styling
- Changing props or backgrounds
- Parent and sibling photographs
- Breaks whenever your baby needs them
Some babies fall asleep quickly, while others need more feeding, cuddling or time to settle. Awake photographs can also be beautiful, so your baby does not need to sleep throughout the entire session.
Please bring any food or snacks you may need during your time at the studio. Refreshments and drinks will be available for you.
Your Baby’s Safety and Comfort Come First
Your baby’s safety is always my highest priority.
The session will be guided by your baby’s comfort and natural movement. If your baby appears uncomfortable in a particular position, we will adjust the pose, move to another setup or stop for feeding and cuddles.
No photograph is more important than your baby’s wellbeing.
Some artistic images may be created as composites, combining carefully photographed elements during editing. This allows us to achieve a finished creative image without placing your baby in an unsafe or unsupported position.
Parents are always welcome to remain close, ask questions and be involved throughout the session.
Can Parents and Siblings Be Included?
Absolutely. Parents and siblings are encouraged to be part of the newborn photography session.
These photographs capture the tenderness, excitement and connection surrounding your baby’s arrival. You do not need to know how to pose—I will gently guide your family and keep everything relaxed and natural.
Please let me know who will be attending so I can plan the session, styling and timing accordingly.
Choose Your Newborn Session Style
Simple Studio Newborn Session
A simple studio session is ideal if you love natural, organic and timeless newborn photographs.
The styling is intentionally minimal, using white, cream or a soft neutral colour palette. With fewer props and distractions, the focus remains on your baby’s tiny features, expressions and natural beauty.
Classic Newborn Session
Classic Newborn SessionA classic newborn session includes carefully styled portraits using a selection of wraps, accessories, baskets and other newborn photography props.
We will choose colours and setups that complement your preferences while ensuring your baby remains comfortable and supported throughout the session.
Creative Newborn Session
A creative session combines carefully planned newborn photographs with artistic styling or detailed digital backgrounds.
These images must be planned before the session so the lighting, wrapping, camera angle and positioning match the final artwork. If you would like creative or themed photographs, please mention this during your consultation so I can prepare the required setup safely and thoughtfully.
What Should I Bring?
Most of what your baby needs for the photographs will be available at the studio. However, please bring:
- Enough nappies and wipes
- Your usual feeding supplies
- A dummy, if your baby uses one
- A change of clothes for your baby
- An additional top for each parent
- Snacks for yourself
- Any sentimental item discussed during your consultation
- Anything your baby regularly needs for comfort
A Relaxed Experience for Your Family
My goal is to create a peaceful and reassuring experience while preserving the beautiful details that change so quickly—your baby’s tiny fingers, sleepy expressions, delicate features and connection with your family.
There is no pressure for your baby to behave in a particular way. We will simply follow their needs and create beautiful photographs with patience and care.
If you have a special idea you would like included, please let me know before your session so I can prepare all the details.
Ready to plan your session?
Ready to Plan Your Newborn Photography Session?
If you are expecting a baby, I recommend getting in touch during your pregnancy to reserve your session. We will use your due date as a guide and confirm the appointment once your little one arrives.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to the Lifetimes Stories Photography studio.