It's cliché but true: Your baby grows so fast in their first weeks. By the time they're a month old, they'll look like a whole new person. That's what makes newborn photos so special. They preserve that moment for you to relive no matter how big your child gets. Prepping for a newborn photoshoot can feel a bit mysterious if you've never done it before. Baby Notebook interviewed newborn photographer Meredith McKee to gather everything you need to know for your in-home session. Read on for insight on logistics, outfit inspiration, and more!
Newborn Photoshoot FAQ with Photographer Meredith McKee
1: When should I schedule my newborn photoshoot?
Meredith: You can book your photographer as soon as you're ready to! I'd recommend booking once you're in your second trimester. It's a great thing you can check off your to-do list early. You also can make sure your favorite photographer has availability. Some photographers offer maternity and newborn session bundles that you can take advantage of, too. But if you don't think of it until after your baby is here, that's ok!
2. How old should my baby be for the session?
Meredith: I usually recommend doing your session when your baby is around 2-3 weeks old. They get bigger so quickly, and I love getting to document them while they are still tiny and a little sleepy (and usually have less baby acne!). But again, do what works best for you and your family.
3. How should I dress my baby (and the rest of the family) for a newborn shoot?
Meredith: Light, neutral, and simple clothing works great for newborn photoshoots for both the baby and the family members! This helps the focus be all on the baby and their tiny delicate features. I recommend a white or light-colored, simple onesie - and not a ton of outfit changes! Most babies don't love to be changed.
Everyone's clothing casts reflections onto the baby so I'd avoid anything too bright for the rest of the family. I always wear white or light colors to photograph for that reason. I also recommend considering the colors and style in your home. If you frame your newborn photos, consider how they'd look next to your other decor. It should fit your personality, too - not just look like someone else's on Instagram!
You can get more of Meredith's outfit tips and shopping recommendations on her blog.
4. How should I prepare my home for a newborn photoshoot?
Meredith: You probably won't feel "ready" for your session - but that's OK! Your photographer is there to help you look at least a little put together. Shove all your postpartum supplies off your nightstand, and we'll roll with the rest!
Rooms I'll typically photograph in are the primary bedroom, nursery (if available), and the living room. I'll usually scout around your home when I arrive to see where the best light is and go from there. I'm also happy to move things around if needed during a shoot, so don't stress about having every inch of your house prepped!
5. How long is a newborn photoshoot?
Meredith: The length of your session will depend on how your baby is doing. They range from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. If your baby needs to be fed or changed, that's welcomed! It's true that when your baby cries, part of your brain breaks. Please know that it doesn't feel that way for your photographer, too. Take a deep breath. We're not in a rush. You're also still recovering from birth, so take it easy!
And if your baby is really fussy, don't worry. I always joke that one baby I was photographing would only not cry while bouncing on a yoga ball - so we made it work! You can't even tell in the final images.
6. How can I prepare my toddler for the newborn photoshoot?
Meredith: Toddlers and older siblings bring SO much fun and energy to a newborn session! I usually start with the whole family all together while the older sibling(s) is interested. Once they start to tap out, that's totally OK! They can go take a break with one of the parents while we do solo shots of the baby or combos with the individual parents.
You know your kid best. If they would benefit from a snack, go for it. Definitely try to feed them beforehand. Older kiddos will usually come in and out during photo time. I would avoid introducing screens or specific toys if you don't want them in every subsequent photo. Your photographer will understand if it's absolutely necessary, though. We've all been there!
Before your session, talk it up! Share how your "friend" (the photographer) is coming over to take special photos of them with their whole family. You can even show them photos of when they were a baby if you have them. I also recommend offering a choice on their "special photo outfit" so they can feel some ownership of that, too.
7. Should I hire a birth photographer and schedule a newborn photoshoot?
Meredith: There are lots of options for documenting the arrival of your little one! Some families go all in and do birth, fresh 48 and in-home newborn photoshoots - but this is totally up to you! Each type of session provides its own special moments to be captured. Photography during this season is such a gift because it is truly a blur. Between the sleepless nights and repetitive wake-eat-change-sleep cycles, these early hours, days, and weeks of parenting are hard. You will treasure having these memories documented; the photos will help you remember a slice of peace and love.
Your First Photos Together
Are you preparing for your first photos with your baby? Fresh 48 photos are a great way to capture the ephemeral first days of your baby's life. Baby Notebook collaborated with Meredith on a Fresh 48 Photo Guide! Download your copy so you're ready to DIY those incredible first moments when your baby arrives.
Thanks to Meredith McKee Photography for sharing her expertise and these beautiful images from newborn photoshoots!