Newborn portraits are so special because they capture what is most important - your baby! Whether this is your first or your last, becoming a parent is an experience like no other and the adding a new member to your family is a time worth remembering. Newborns grow and change so fast, which is why it’s worth investing in a newborn photography session. Photographing your baby so young allows you to savour those precious memories of how small and perfect they once were when you first held them. At Kiddy Kats Photography, I work to give you timeless photographs that you can cherish for years to come.
Unsure how to prepare for a newborn photography session at my Melbourne studio? Here are a few tips:
1. Plan ahead
Life can become quite hectic once your baby arrives and it’s easy to let the opportunity for a professional newborn photography session pass by. That’s why I recommend that you plan ahead and start the process before your baby even arrives so all you have to do is show up for the session. The best time to book a photoshoot is when you are pregnant as I can put your due date in my schedule. It’s impossible to know when exactly your baby will arrive, so just remember to contact me as soon as you give birth for us to finalise the details. For the best results, newborn portraits are ideally done within the first two weeks of life to capture deep sleeping portraits and those beautiful womb-like poses.
2. Have a style in mind
Once you’ve booked a session with me, part of the process is a design consultation. I want you to be happy with the newborn portraits you receive, which is why I will take the time to understand your preferences on poses, props, colours etc. You will be sent a pre-shoot questionnaire which allows me to personalise your session and ensure your satisfaction with my work. While I will gladly answer any questions you may have and help guide you through any decisions, I highly recommend having a general idea of what you like before booking a session. You can look through Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration and compare these photos to my portfolio to see if I’m the right photographer for you.
3. Prepare your baby.
When you arrive at the studio, you’ll be able to sit back and relax while I work magic with your baby. But in order for the photography session to go as smoothly as possible, please get your baby ready before coming in. We want to keep your baby happy for us to capture your baby’s genuine smiles and sweet innocence. Ideally you arrive after giving bub a nice full feed so they are sleepy and tired, and therefore it makes it easier for me to pose them. Also dress them in something easy to take on and off, like a zip-up or onesie, and avoid anything that goes over their head as that could wake them up during outfit changes.
Feed your baby around 30 minutes before the session (you could also do a full feed once you arrive at the studio if you live far away) to keep them content and sleepy. Pack your regular diaper bag, along with any sentimental items that were discussed during the consultation. Bring an extra blanket, dummy, and an extra bottle if you bottle feed. I know from experience that babies run on their own schedule, so don’t worry if your baby needs to be fed or changed.
4. Prepare yourself.
Your newborn is the focus of the session, but newborn sessions also include the opportunity to have sibling and family portraits taken, so make sure to get yourselves ready as well. The specifics can be discussed during the consultation, but do wear something that is quite plain and keep it neutral and natural - since simpler is better for newborn sessions. Once family and sibling portraits are taken, you’ll find yourselves with some down-time. Bring something to keep yourself entertained, and a few books or toys if siblings are around. The studio has a play area for toddlers and children, two parks are within walking distance, and a secured backyard if you want your dog to be included in the photos.
For memories that last a lifetime, please contact me. I’ve worked in the industry for over 5 years and have captured more than 300 babies. Your newborn’s comfort and safety are my top priority!