A newborn shoot is one of the most emotional photo shoots. Calm and good preparation are therefore very important, as the first few days are still unfamiliar for you as a family with a baby. Professional newborn photographers create a relaxed atmosphere by calmly capturing magical newborn pictures and reacting flexibly to any challenges that arise.
If you’re passionate about creating magical newborn pictures and are willing to invest a little time in preparation, you’ll get wonderful photos of your newborn. The checklist for the newborn shoot is designed to help you prepare and gives you practical tips on what you should think about, from finding a photographer during pregnancy to final preparations on the day of the shoot.
For all those who prefer to approach their newborn shoot spontaneously and without much preparation: The shoot will usually be successful even without using a checklist for the newborn shoot. However, you should definitely find and book a good newborn photographer during your pregnancy. A newborn shoot usually produces great pictures without a lot of preparation, as good newborn photographers provide beautiful accessories and know lots of great poses.
Would you like to find out more details before downloading? Below you will find the contents of the checklist for preparing your newborn shoot.
- Download a free checklist for your newborn shoot
- Download your free newborn shooting checklist now
- Finding the right newborn photographer
- Professional newborn photographer in Munich
- The right time for booking and your newborn shoot
- After the birth: A quick check-in with the newborn photographer
- Planning and preparation of the newborn shoot after the birth
- Newborn photography Munich: My photographic offer
- Final preparations on the day of the shoot
- Stay calm and relaxed during the newborn shoot
- Conclusion: Perfectly prepared for your newborn shoot
- Find out more about newborn shoots
- You can find more information about newborn shoots on my blog
Find a newborn photographer: Google, Instagram and Pinterest are great places to start to get to know different photographers and their work. Take a look at their entire portfolio to get an impression of their style. Personal recommendations are particularly valuable: If you have friends or acquaintances who have already done a newborn shoot, ask them about their experience. What was the atmosphere like and how much time did the photographer take? How did he deal with unforeseen situations? Such insights will help you make a decision.
What you should look out for when making your choice: The photographer’s style should appeal to you, after all, you want to love the newborn pictures for a lifetime. Look for a portfolio that shows real experience and specialization in newborn photography. Specialized newborn photographers usually know how to handle your baby and which poses are beautiful and safe. Usually, specialized newborn photographers provide beautiful outfits, hats, wraps, scarves, baskets and other accessories for the shoot. In my experience, another very important point is whether you personally harmonize with your newborn photographer and feel comfortable.
In the days leading up to the newborn shoot, you can go through the final details in peace and quiet. You can do this while breastfeeding or whenever it suits you. If you have any questions, just get in touch with the newborn photographer.
Picture motifs and poses: Think about which motifs are particularly important to you. Would you like detailed shots of the tiny hands and feet? Do you want warm family photos with siblings? Or do you dream of classic newborn poses in baskets or on soft blankets? If you see any newborn pictures that you particularly like, for example on Instagram or Pinterest, feel free to save them and show them to your photographer. Suggestions from friends and acquaintances can also be inspiring if they have recently had newborn shoots.
Outfits for the family: Think about what you want to wear as a family well in advance. After the birth, you usually won’t have the time or leisure to go shopping if you need to. 😉 I recommend light, plain-coloured clothes that harmonize in terms of colour. This doesn’t distract from the essentials and creates a timeless look. For your children, you should avoid eye-catching logos or cartoon characters in particular, as these can quickly become distracting. You can find more tips on suitable outfits for your baby in the article Newborn shoot outfit and for the whole family in the article Outfits family shoot.
Personal accessories: Think about which personal items you would like to include in the shoot. The ultrasound picture, the first baby shoes, a special cuddly toy, a hand-knitted blanket or a name tag: details like these make your newborn photos unique and personal. Discuss with your photographer which accessories you would like to include. Your newborn photographer will usually provide you with classic props such as baskets, scarves, wraps and hats.
Personal preparation: Make sure your hair is well-groomed. Men should remember to shave or groom their beard. Well-groomed nails are important, as hands are often the focus of attention, especially in detail shots. If you wear nail polish, choose subtle colors. Try to go into the shoot feeling rested. A relaxed newborn shoot leads to the most beautiful, natural pictures.
Shortly before the newborn shoot, you are already well prepared with the preparations of the last few days. Trust your photographer and your gut feeling now. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and enjoy the day.
If you have booked a home story, you can start the day completely relaxed. Your photographer will come to you and bring everything you need. All you have to do is take care of your baby.
Bathing for relaxation: A warm bath about an hour before the shoot can work wonders. Your baby will be clean, relaxed and pleasantly tired afterwards. But this is not a must, only do it if it fits in with your daily routine.
Feed correctly: It’s best to feed your baby just before or right at the start of the shoot. A full baby sleeps contentedly and can be gently placed in various poses. Tip: Don’t let your newborn baby sleep for about an hour before the shoot so that it is really tired after feeding.
Practical clothes: Dress your baby in clothes that are easy to open. Changing bodysuits or rompers with zippers or press studs are perfect. Nothing that has to be pulled over the head! This way you can change your baby quickly and stress-free, even when they are asleep.
Travel to studio shoots: If you are taking photos in the studio, plan enough time to get there. Getting stuck in traffic or frantically looking for a parking space is the worst possible start to a relaxed newborn shoot.
So that you can start the shoot relaxed, you should have the following things ready for your baby:
- Loose swaddling clothes (swaddling bodysuits, rompers with press studs)
- Sufficient diapers and wet wipes
- Burp cloths and muslin diapers
- Changing mat or blanket
- Milk/bottle with bottle warmer (if not breastfeeding)
- Pacifier, even if not normally used
- Change of clothes for after the shoot
- Rooms tidy and well heated (at Homestory)
You should think about the following things for the family:
- Color-coordinated, bright outfits without eye-catching logos
- Change of clothes (especially for siblings)
- Well-groomed hair and nails
- Discreet make-up (if desired)
- Your personal accessories
- No further appointments on the same day
You should have these things ready for siblings:
- Snacks and drinks
- Favorite toys or books
- Small rewards (jelly babies, stickers)
- Possibly a blanket for a cozy corner
Now everything is prepared and you can relax. The most important thing is that you trust your photographer and concentrate on the moments with your baby. A professional newborn photographer has enough experience to deal with the usual challenges and will take magical newborn pictures for you.
Above all, bring one thing with you: a lot of patience. Don’t get stressed if the baby doesn’t fall asleep straight away or cries in between. Newborns sense your restlessness. The more relaxed you remain, the easier it will be for your baby to calm down. A relaxed atmosphere is the key to natural and authentic photos.
Plan enough time for your newborn shoot. Ideally, you should not have any other appointments on the day so that you can remain flexible and work without time pressure. A newborn shoot can easily take 3 hours, with breaks for breastfeeding, changing and cuddling. This time is well invested, because relaxed parents mean relaxed babies and therefore beautiful pictures.
Please accept that a newborn shoot often goes a little differently than planned. Your baby may not want to lie in all the planned poses, or it may need more breaks than expected. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. Just stay calm, every newborn shoot produces beautiful pictures, even if the schedule doesn’t go exactly as planned.
Communicate openly with your photographer. If you have any requests or comments, or if someone feels uncomfortable, simply speak up. A good newborn photographer will be understanding and find a solution together with you. Even if you need a break, be it to take a deep breath or for another breastfeeding break, don’t hesitate to talk about it.
Don’t worry about small blemishes such as baby acne, reddened skin, scratches or pressure marks from the diaper. These are reduced or removed by experienced newborn photographers in post-production.
With this checklist, you’ll be prepared for your newborn shoot and can look forward to a relaxed experience that captures the precious first days of your baby’s life. The most important points summarized once again:
- During your pregnancy, choose a newborn photographer whose style appeals to you and who has experience in newborn photography. Do some research on Google, Instagram or Pinterest and ask your friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Reserve a time slot around your delivery date well in advance. The ideal time slot for a newborn shoot is in the first 14 days of life, when your baby is still sleeping a lot and can be gently placed in the classic newborn poses.
- Start the final preparations a few days before the shoot. Think about which motifs and poses are particularly important to you: Detail shots of little hands and feet, warm family photos with siblings or classic newborn poses in baskets. Choose light, plain-coloured outfits that harmonize in terms of colour and avoid eye-catching logos or cartoon characters in children’s clothing. Create personal accessories.
- Plan enough time on the day of the shoot and avoid other appointments so that you are flexible and not under time pressure. Feed your baby shortly before or at the start of the shoot so that it is content and relaxed. A warm bath an hour beforehand can also have a calming effect. Pack a bag with all the essentials: Diapers, wet wipes, burp cloths, changing clothes, a change of outfits for the family, snacks and toys for siblings. For a home story, you should tidy up the rooms beforehand and heat them well.
- The most important thing during the shoot is calmness and patience. The more relaxed you remain, the easier it will be for your baby to calm down. Accept that a newborn shoot often goes a little differently than planned, this is completely normal. Trust your photographer and communicate your wishes openly. Don’t worry about small blemishes such as baby acne or reddening of the skin, these will be reduced in post-production.
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