The experience of a newborn photo shoot becomes a unique memory that can be used to immortalise cherished moments from a unique time such as the birth of a new family member. However, to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that the experience is indeed a beautiful and carefree one, I thought I would detail below how to prepare for a newborn photo shoot.

Schedule

Long before we think about how exactly the day of the photo shoot will go and how to prepare for it, we will first need to consider the scheduling aspect of the photo shoot. So, it is best to schedule the newborn photo shoot within the first two weeks of birth, as this is when the baby is most flexible and can be worked with most easily.

Although it may seem like a scary time, my team and I, because of our experience and knowledge, will make sure everything goes smoothly.

Planning

The newborn photo shoot is an opportunity to create beautiful and unique memories for which it's worth giving a little time in advance to plan. It's important to think as parents about what we want the photos to look like, what we want to do with them afterwards, whether we'll include older siblings or other people in the shoot - and to work out all these details with the photographer in advance.

It's also a good idea to plan and test out various outfits or settings we want beforehand, to make sure things match the way we imagine and that everyone will feel comfortable.

The day of the photo shoot

On the day of the newborn photo shoot it's good to make sure that all participants, from the little ones to the big ones, are rested and well fed. It is best to organise the photo shoot around the little ones, interspersing the sessions with their sleep and meal times so that in the case of babies we catch them while they are sleeping, but already in the case of older siblings we work with them after their nap times - when they are rested and relaxed.

At the same time, it's a good idea to bring along anything you think might be needed to calm and cheer up your little ones: a blanket or favourite toy, snacks or think of some songs that might relax them.

All's well when everyone's well

You can't expect your little one to be relaxed and calm if those around them are nervous and agitated. So it's a good idea to schedule the day of the newborn photo session on a day when the rest of the family can relax and enjoy the event. Usually such a photo shoot can take up to four hours, so it's good to prepare accordingly and be patient with each other.

Be prepared for anything

The truth is that no matter how much we think ahead, no matter how many scenarios we rehearse in our heads, we can never be fully prepared. Certainly, during the newborn photo shoot and beyond, there will be unforeseen situations - babies who don't want to collaborate, sets that don't turn out exactly how we wanted them to, but the important thing is that through communication and patience we will overcome them all together.

So let's be prepared for anything and enjoy the experience to the full.