Newborn babies are unpredictable: they can be happy, angry and fussy all at once. Here are 7 tips to enjoy a smooth photo experience with your little angel.
1. A full tummy = a happy baby.
Feed your baby 30 minutes before the photo session. Newborn babies fall into a deep sleep easily with a full tummy and can be posed into many cute and curled positions.
2. Get your clean towels and baby wipes ready to go.
It’s best to swaddle your baby and keep their diaper on while feeding as they wee wee soon after their meal. It’s likely that your baby will wee again after being undressed during the session. Stay calm and have clean towels and wipes ready. Your baby can be cleaned right up.
All props are sterilized and cleaned with organic baby soap before and after each session to ensure your baby stays healthy.
3. Keep the room temperature between 25C and 28C.
Your baby will be naked for most of the session thus keeping the room temperature between 25C and 28C is essential. If you feel warm, that’s the right temperature. Turn off the air conditioner during summer time and turn on the heat before the session in the winter.
4. Make the bed and clear a space by the window.
I can set up my “mini studio” in any BRIGHT and naturally lit space at your home for any posey images – near the window is ideal. I also prefer to do some relaxed and natural images in your bedroom. The baby may have turned your place into a disaster but don’t worry – I promise, it won’t show in the photos.
5. The most ideal time to schedule your photo session is between day 7 and day 14
Preferably 2 weeks or younger is the most ideal age to photograph a newborn. At this age, newborns sleep more deeply and are more flexible and can be posed more easily. Newborn acne usually flares up from 2 to 3 weeks of age. Although Photoshop can work its magic, natural is best so try to schedule your session during the ideal timeframe.
Older newborn babies (up to 1 month) also look incrediblely cute. Don’t stress if you can’t manage a time within first 2 weeks.
6. Parents, dress in simple and plain clothing.
A newborn’s skin tone is soft and creamy. Dress in light to mid tone colors to provide the best contrast, for example, white, ivory, grey and chocolate. Try to avoid logos and stripes.
7. Maternity helper and/or Dad, get ready to help!
It’s a baby’s instinct that they want to eat when they can smell mommy. This is the perfect time for mom to take a break. Maternity helper / Dad can help in posing the baby and Mom can join in at the end for the family portrait.
Now get ready and have fun in your newborn photo session!
Stay tuned for more tips on newborn, maternity and baby photography
byJanelle, your hong kong newborn and maternity photographer
