Newborn Session Prep Guide


Thank you for choosing duophotoco to capture this special time in your life! It is such a privilege to photograph your new bundle of joy.


Below you will find all the information you need for your upcoming photo session. I have put together these tips after years of working with newborns and parents. My goal is to seamlessly create the most beautiful images possible for your family. By reading this guide and preparing for your session, you'll be helping me to do this for you.


I feel honored to be photographing your family, and I appreciate you helping me be able to do my best for you! Thank you for your time and I can't wait to meet your little one!

baby in basket head on hands

Before your session:

If you are reading this, you have already reached out to me, and have been penciled into the schedule. Once your baby is born, contact me to let me know he/she has arrived! I will then schedule a definite date and time for your session. The ideal time to photograph a newborn is between 5-14 days old, while they are still as posable as possible.


One of the most important things to remember at the session is to go with the flow.  I will allow your baby to run the session and only do what makes him/her comfortable and happy. I follow my posing flow that reduces the amount of dressing/undressing and movement to keep babies safe, comfortable, and relaxed. Altering this routine with lots of prop requests and multiple outfit changes can backfire, causing your baby to be over stimulated and over tired. I will bring everything you will need for your session. My goal is to make this session easy on you! I absolutely love what I do, and your baby will always be treated with care and with the highest safety protocols in mind.


BEFORE YOUR SESSION: Please make sure you have filled out the SESSION PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE (link at bottom of page). This is mandatory for all clients. Failure to fill out the form will result in a cancelled session. 

huck fin pose baby on back

Sleepy Baby Tips:


1. The day of your session, please try to keep baby awake for about 1 hour prior to the session by giving them a bath, and interacting with them. If your baby's umbilical cord is off, please give a full bath, otherwise, sponge bathe. The key is to linger during the bath, and draw it out longer than you normally would. You want your baby awake so take your time as to tire them out. I know this is often easier said than done, so just do your best! This prep work before the session can make a significant difference in how sleepy baby is for their portraits.


2.A full belly equals a sleepy baby! If you are breastfeeding, it may help to avoid caffeine, and spicy or acidic foods 48 hours prior to the session. This will decrease the likelihood of any digestive upset. Plan to feed baby at the start of the session while I am setting up. Remove their clothes and loosely wrap them in a diaper and blanket before feeding. This reduces the wrinkles on their skin from clothing, and reduces the amount of times we need to undress and upset them once the session starts.


3.If you are using or plan to use a pacifier, please keep it close for the session. This can be one of the most powerful tools of a newborn photographer and the difference between getting that sought after photo or not.


4.Increase the temperature of your home a few degrees above normal for optimal newborn comfort. I also bring a heater, and it will be very warm. I have found that this is the most important tip to ensuring the success of the photoshoot. Its always an option to dress in layers to be able to adjust to the temperature while also keeping baby warm.

dad holding baby
mom kissing baby

A Note About Siblings:


Remember welcoming a new member to the family is a huge change for siblings! They may even act out or be resistant to a photoshoot, and that is okay. Here are some tips that may help ease the stress:

  1. Allow them to help as much as possible such as grabbing diapers during changes, helping to hold a pacifier or bottle, and help dressing the baby so they can connect to their new buddy.
  2. Practice having your older children lay down on the floor with their arms around baby. Tell them to pretend to sleep and give kisses to the baby. This will help aid in posing during the session.
  3. Try to reduce stress the morning of the session. I know this can be a hectic time for everyone, but all kiddos can feel stressful energy, and this can carry over into the photo session; Keep the mood light.
  4. Ensure your children are well fed and well rested before the session. Avoid electronics and stimulating devices the morning of the session. Bribes often work wonders so having a special snack/treat and/or game time after the session could be an option as a reward. Above all, do what works for your family as these are just general tips.
  5. Have no expectations. It is easy to become fixated on the perfect outcome, especially during such an important time period. However, our most received feedback is "wow I didn't think they smiled ONE time and the whole gallery looks so happy!" Most of the time even when kiddos are not feeling it in the beginning, they usually come around eventually and open up as long as we all work together and keep the good energy flowing. You can trust that we will pull out all the stops to get that sought-after gallery!
siblings looking at baby

Important Notes:


  • Newborn sessions generally take 2 or more hours, so please plan for that. You may choose to watch the entire session or you can take a much needed break, its entirely up to you!
  • I recommend limiting the session to yourself, your spouse/partner and children to ensure there is adequate time for all groupings. This also makes for a calmer experience for everyone involved.
  • It is extremely important to keep any unnecessary noise to a minimum and soften your voices while baby is being photographed. It takes lots of time and patience to perfect the poses you see in our images. Sudden loud noises could make baby startle and come out of their pose after getting them in the perfect position.
  • If you wish to have a portrait with your baby, keep the clothing simple. Plain tops with neutral colors work best. Avoid bright and busy patterns & large logos.
  • Please limit sentimental items and props of your own to one or two special items.
  • I know the first few days home from the hospital can be hectic. Please try to not stress having your home "photo ready". I photograph families in many different styles and sizes of homes. All family photographs will be taken in either the living room, master bedroom and/or nursery. Focus on decluttering and straightening up those areas. For backdrop and prop images, we only need about 3-4 foot of space and can work with natural light or artificial light.
  • Please know that I do not mind waiting for you to nurse or for diaper changes. The wellbeing of you and your baby is more important to us than getting the perfect image. If you are bottle-feeding your baby, please have more than you think you'll need! It also helps to have wipes, an extra diaper in the main areas of your home for quick accessibility.