Are there any sweeter things than seeing heart-melting photos of a newborn’s first days on Earth? I think not! Newborn photos are among the most sentimental memories a family can keep of their first year together with this precious bundle. From snuggly sleeping moments in precious newborn photo outfits, to accidental on-camera peeing (welcome to parenthood!), those photos will leave you marvelling over all that your new life brings into this world!
No wonder people invest so much effort into planning newborn baby photos! From selecting outfits suitable for taking photos in-home or studio to finding an experienced photographer – every decision matters when taking newborn photographs!
Ann Hill of Motherly’s Brand Consultant and mama of four notes several considerations when planning your newborn photoshoot: when and when not to schedule it; discussing vision with photographer; selecting appropriate newborn clothing items as per photographer specifications and so forth.
Related Content: 22 of the Cutest Newborn Pictures Ever
What elements make for the ideal newborn photo outfits?
There are a number of considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when selecting newborn photo outfits: are diaper changes easily accessible with them, should backup options be brought along, what styles or tones work well together aesthetically etc.
Hill noted that for newborn photos, outfits in solid, neutral colors tend to work best. Consider giving gender neutral baby clothing an opportunity for great options!
“Using neutral colors such as white, cream and grey photographs well with newborn baby skin no matter their tone.”
Additionally, make sure their clothing is comfortable and simple for them. The less time spent moving or adjusting clothing changes is spent doing it – less likely they’ll overstimulated and create crankiness!
How Much Are Newborn Photos Going to Cost You? Prices will depend upon where they take place; according to Hill, parents can anticipate spending anywhere between $300-800.
“To effectively budget, search for newborn photographers as early as the second or third trimester – then narrow your choices down based on photo style, cost and availability.”
Other Tips to Prepare for Newborn Photos
While Hill may not cover every piece of advice here, these few should help get you moving towards creating an efficient newborn photoshoot experience.
- Schedule your newborn photoshoot between 5-10 days postpartum “This gives your body some time to recover from labor while also giving the photographers ample opportunity to capture these sweet newborn moments.” Assume the younger the baby is, the easier their photo session may go by without incident!
- Feed Your Baby Right Before Photograph Sessions “Doing this can help them be relaxed and satisfied during a photo session, making you both feel at ease during their photoshoot!”
As a photographer who has had her share of newborn photoshoots herself, this advice cannot be overemphasized: having your newborn fed and burped will reduce crying while improving sleeping quality – and yes it is OK if they sleep through photos as this makes adjusting poses and capturing peaceful moments easier for photographers!
Related Article: 10 photos to take of baby on his or her first day to look back upon and treasure forever
- Plan Outfits Ahead
“Getting prepared ahead of time makes your arrival day less chaotic, leaving less for you to worry about on delivery day!”
If your family will all be featured, remember the advice regarding neutral colors for photography sessions. If only baby will appear, make sure there are back up newborn outfits just in case something unexpected comes up during photo opps! Rather be safe than sorry!
- Communicate Your Vision
“When discussing specific shots you wish to capture with the photographer, be sure to communicate them beforehand so they can include them on their list and ensure you obtain everything desired out of this shoot.”
Are You Prepared For Their Newborn Photoshoot? Here Are Our Recommendations (and You Should Share Them, Too!) If it comes time for their newborn photo shoot but you have no clue what they should wear, don’t fret mama; we have you covered. Below we gathered up our favorite simplistic newborn photo outfits (you can share these too with others :-).