Are you a photographer that’s looking to get into the newborn photos scene? Maybe you’re a mom that’s preparing her baby for its first photos.

No matter what the case might be, newborn photos require a certain amount of skill, time, and patience. It can be tricky to get the newborn to cooperate.

Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to prepare the newborn baby for their big photo shoot.

See below for many different tips on how to set up a newborn photo shoot and maximize the pictures and precious moments. These newborn photo shoot tips are always helpful to keep in your back pocket.

1. Keep Them Comfortable

Newborn babies are all about comfort. They want to feel secure and warm no matter where they might be. The less comfortable that they feel, the more like they are to cry.

Fortunately, one of the main objectives of newborn photos is to capture them looking as cute and snuggly as possible. For that reason, things like swaddles, pictures with mommy, and setting them up on a pile of comfy blankets are encouraged.

Take the time to think through all the props you can use to keep them comfy while you shoot. If you strike the right balance, the baby will sleep virtually the entire time you’re taking photos.

Remember, the baby’s main gauge of comfort is warmth. Make sure to set the room temperature to around 80 or 82 degrees before the shoot begins.

2. Consider the Location

The further away the photoshoot location is from the comfy confines of home, the more it spells catastrophe. Many experts suggest that the photoshoot be performed inside the home.

That way, the baby is already comfortable with the location and you can catch them in the right mood for a few photos.

Many moms and dads worry about taking the pictures in their homes. Since they’re tending to a newborn baby, they haven’t been prioritizing things like vacuuming the floors or doing the dishes.

Remember, a good photographer can make cute baby photos out of almost nothing. All they require is a bit of space to set up props and you’ll have a photo you’ll cherish forever.

3. Tend to Them Beforehand

Of course, comfort and warmth aren’t the only things that will make a newborn baby cry during the shoot. If they’re hungry while you’re trying to take photos, you’d be lucky to grab even one memorable photo.

For that reason, you need to feed them and burp them before the photo shoot begins. The shoot itself could take around 3 hours to complete, so you might have to take a small break to feed and burp them again midway through.

Their full stomach will also help them start to feel a bit more sleepy and comply with the photographer.

4. Think of Photo Ideas

Even though they’re called “newborn” photos, this doesn’t mean your newborn has to be by itself for all the photos. This is a special occasion for all family members. You’re welcoming the newest member of your growing family! 

For that reason, you’ll want to invest time in thinking about the different photos of ideas that you want. 

You can go online and Google search newborn photos for a few ideas. You can even print them out or save them on your phone to show your photographer/client on the day of.

Think of ways to get big brother/sister involved, how to get mom and dad in the shot, what cute little props (such as a teddy bear) would look good, etc. 

You might also think of purchasing letters to spell out their name or comfy blankets to lay them on.

5. Have a Sit Down Meeting

The number one way to ensure a successful newborn photo shoot is using proper communication. Both clients and photographers have to talk through different ideas in order to find a photo that’s completely unique.

Before the big day of the shoot, be sure to schedule some time where you can meet with each other (either in person or via Zoom) to discuss. Ask your photographer about how they generally handle newborn photos, some of their favorites in the past, etc.

You can also time out things like taking the baby to change their diaper, when to feed and burp them, etc. 

6. Expect the Unexpected

Of course, no matter how much you plan and communicate with each other, there are bound to be unpredictable things that happen.

Newborn photo shoots are often as unpredictable as the newborn themselves. You might forget a prop, it might rain that day, the newborn could be exceptionally cranky that day, and so on.

No matter what happens, always remember to stay cool. Your baby is adorable, so you’re bound to get some beautiful photos from the day. 

In fact, those moments of high improvisation are when most of the best photos come to be. Take the day in stride and roll with the punches. As long as you do that, you’ll love the outcome!

Use These Newborn Photo Shoot Tips to Your Advantage

Now that you’ve seen several tips and tricks on how to approach a newborn photo shoot, it’s time for you to use them the right way.

Remember, as stressful as the newborn photos might be, they’re going to reward you with photos of your child that you’ll keep forever. They don’t stay that small for long, so be sure to take advantage of it!

Be sure to browse our website for more articles on newborn photography, as well as many other helpful topics.