A complete guide to preparing for your newborn session so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Your baby’s first days are unlike any other time in your life—tiny fingers, sweet yawns, the quiet rhythm of breathing, and that unmistakable newborn scent. It’s a season that passes in the blink of an eye, which is exactly why professional newborn photography is such a meaningful investment.

To help you feel confident, calm, and prepared, I’ve created this complete guide with everything you need to know before your newborn session.

1. When to Book Your Session

The ideal time for newborn portraits is between 5 and 14 days after birth. During this window, babies are at their sleepiest, making them easier to pose in those gentle, curled positions that define newborn photography.

However, beautiful portraits can be taken at any age. If your baby is older, we’ll simply embrace their alertness and capture those first expressions and interactions instead.

Tip: Book during your second or early third trimester to secure your spot around your due date.

2. Feeding Your Baby Before the Session

A full, content baby is a sleepy baby. We recommend feeding your baby just before leaving for your session. This helps ensure they’re relaxed and comfortable throughout the experience.

If you’re bottle-feeding, please bring extra prepared bottles. I also have a warm water station available if needed.

Remember: Never wake a sleeping baby to feed them before the session. If they’re sleeping peacefully, that’s wonderful—we’ll start the session with them sleeping and feed when they wake naturally.

3. What to Bring to the Session

Here’s a helpful checklist of items to bring to your newborn session:

  • Feeding essentials: Bottles, breast milk, or formula
  • Extra diapers and wipes: More than you think you’ll need
  • A pacifier: Even if your baby doesn’t usually use one, it can be helpful for soothing
  • Burp cloths: A few extras are always helpful
  • A change of clothes for parents: Just in case
  • Any sentimental items: A family heirloom, blanket, or meaningful item you’d like incorporated into portraits

Tip: Please avoid bringing your phone or other distractions. Your baby will sense your presence and energy more than you realize.

4. Feeding and Soothing During the Session

Newborn sessions are intentionally unhurried. We take plenty of time for feeding, cuddling, and soothing your baby whenever needed.

I’ll guide you through the process, helping you understand the best positions and techniques to keep your baby comfortable and content.

Remember: Your baby’s comfort is always the priority. We’ll follow their lead, and if they need a break, we take one.

5. What to Expect from the Experience

A newborn session is designed to be calm, warm, and stress-free. Here’s what happens:

  • Upon arrival: We’ll settle in, discuss any final details, and allow your baby to adjust to the new environment.
  • Feeding and soothing: We’ll feed, burp, and soothe your baby as needed.
  • Posing: Using a gentle, baby-led approach, I’ll create beautiful, timeless portraits.
  • Breaks: We take breaks whenever needed for feeding, diaper changes, or simply comforting your baby.
  • Wrapping up: The session ends when your baby is ready, with plenty of beautiful images to choose from.

6. What to Wear for Parents and Siblings

If you’re including parents or siblings in your portraits, choose timeless, neutral-toned clothing that complements the overall aesthetic.

Soft creams, whites, beige, and muted earth tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus entirely on your baby.

Tip: Avoid large logos, busy patterns, or neon colors that can distract from the emotion of the portraits.

7. Trust the Process

Newborn sessions are a beautiful dance of patience and trust. Some babies sleep deeply. Others are more alert. Some babies love being posed. Others prefer to stretch and wiggle.

Wherever your baby falls on this spectrum, I’ll adapt the session to their needs. The most beautiful portraits happen when everyone feels relaxed, present, and connected.

Trust me: You’re in good hands.

8. After the Session

Within approximately two to three weeks, you’ll receive access to your private online gallery. From there, you’ll choose your favorite images and order prints, albums, and artwork to display in your home.

Each image is carefully edited to reflect the timeless quality and elegance that defines Lumière Photography.

Your Baby’s First Portrait Session

This is a once-in-a-lifetime season of your family’s journey, and I’m so honored to be part of it. With a little preparation, you can relax and trust that your baby’s first portraits will be everything you’ve hoped for—and more.

Warmly,

Olivia
Lumière Photography