Having a little bundle of joy is considered to be a great blessing by many. As a parent, it’s understandable that you’d want to document every milestone they’ll have. And these days newborn photography is all the rage. Seeing cute and charming photos of little babies innocently sleeping (and sometimes smiling) on the camera just makes one’s heart swell with so much love.
For first-time parents, it can be challenging to set the mood while also trying your best to assist the photography team with the shoot. You want your baby’s photos to look perfect as you look after them throughout the whole session. Find out more here of how to print these photos once they are complete. And if you’re on the lookout for some easy-to-follow tips you could use to make your baby’s first photoshoot a success story, keep reading below!
Preparing Your Little One
Some photographers say that newborns are one of the best subjects for any photoshoot occasion. Since their sense of awareness of what’s happening around them is said to be very low, the session is almost always perfect and easy. However, that’s not always the case.
Things can quickly turn south in a matter of seconds. So, it’s best to know how you can prepare your baby for the shoot. That way, you can minimize the possibility of them throwing a fit for hours during the photoshoot event.
Aside from making sure they had a good sleep the night before, you should also feed them at least an hour before, or even when the photographer is just arriving! Additionally, here are some tips to consider when preparing your baby at least a day before the photoshoot:
- If the baby is breastfed, the mom should avoid eating or drinking anything that could upset the newborn’s stomach. Steer clear of salty or spicy foods at least 48 hours before the shoot.
- To let the baby sleep deeply during the shoot, give them a long and warm bath that could help them relax.
- Try your best to keep them awake at least one to two hours before going to the studio. That way, they’ll be tired just before the shoot starts, which should help in putting them to sleep for the shoot.
- The best time to start the photoshoot will be around 8-9 am since this is often the time they feel the sleepiest.
Have Those Cute Little Outfits Ready
Prepare the photoshoot outfits weeks before the schedule. Babies don’t need clothes that could make them feel uncomfortable, itchy, or irritated. Instead, you can focus on accessories to match their attires.
Most photo studios already include props in their fees or packages, but you can ask them if you need to bring anything just to be sure. If you plan on getting on a few shots with your little one, wear something simple to make sure the highlight remains on your child.
Shooting at Home
Suppose you decide to have the photoshoot at home. That works as well and is even advantageous on your part for you no longer have to drive your baby to the studio. Just make sure the room is spacious enough for the props to still fit in. Remove anything in the background that could distract both the subject and the photographer and their team.
If there’s a room in the house that has windows, go for that option so you can take advantage of natural lighting from outdoors. Make it a point to ensure the temperature won’t be too hot or too cold in order to prevent your precious baby from getting all fussy while in the middle of the shoot. In addition, you can have the baby swaddled in a stretchy material to ensure they’re comfy and all snuggled in nicely.
Keep Calm and Let The Camera Do the Talking
Sometimes it can’t be helped to be anxious, but remember, it’s best to stay calm and leave most of the work done to the experienced professionals. Don’t interfere a lot, especially if it concerns angles or positions of the baby as the photographer snaps away. However, make sure you’re close in case the baby starts crying.
Most newborn photoshoots last for a few hours, depending on the number of shots involved. It’s advised to not exhaust the baby during prolonged shoot events.
Lastly, it’s advised that you enjoy the whole experience. This is yet again another milestone you could share with your child. When those photos have undergone touch-ups and processing before being sent your way, you’ll definitely be smiling from ear to ear upon seeing how beautifully they all turned out to be.
