NEWBORN SESSION PREP GUIDE (IN HOME, AROUND 2 WEEKS OLD)

Bringing a new baby home is beautiful and messy and tiring, often all at once. My newborn sessions are designed to feel calm, natural, and low-pressure. We take it slow, follow your baby’s pace, and create images that make sense as a printed album you will actually keep and look through.

When to schedule your newborn session

Most families book their newborn session for around 7 to 21 days after birth. At this stage babies are often sleepier and curl up naturally.

That said, there is no “too late.” Older babies can be wide awake, more alert, and more interactive. It is a different look, but still very meaningful. A lot can happen during this time so I am very flexible with the booking… I understand.

How long the session takes

Newborn sessions are usually 1 to 2 hours.

I keep it flexible because babies are in charge. We pause for feeding, settling, changing, and cuddles as needed. There is no rushing and no pressure to “get it done.”

The best plan for arrival and feeding

If possible, I like to arrive around a feed, or just as a feed is happening. A full baby is often a happy baby, and it helps us ease into the session calmly.

Some families love the idea of feeding photos (breast or bottle). Some prefer not to include them. Both are totally fine.

If you would like feeding photos, I’ll keep it respectful and discreet, and put you into flattering light. If you’re not, we just move on. No pressure either way, I only want to give you photos you love about this time.

What to do before I arrive (simple checklist)

You do not need clean. This is not a house inspection. A little specific prep can help though.

• Warm the house slightly (babies photograph best when they are cosy).
• Pick one main room with the best window light (often your bedroom or lounge).
• Clear a small space near that window (bed, couch, or a tidy corner is enough).
• Have nappies, wipes, and a spare wrap or blanket nearby.
• If you want personal touches, choose 1 to 2 meaningful items (a blanket from a grandparent, a soft toy, a special outfit).

What to wear (timeless beats trendy)

What you wear affects the whole look of the images. Simple wins.

Parents

• Neutral tones photograph best: creams, beige, grey, black, soft earthy colours.
• Plain tops with no logos or big patterns.
• Soft textures (knit, linen, cotton) look beautiful.
• Long sleeves are very flattering and feel timeless.
• Bare feet are totally fine.

Baby

• A simple onesie or nappy cover plus a wrap is perfect.
• Avoid bright colours, bold patterns, and visible branding if you can.
• If you want one “cute outfit” shot, have one outfit ready that fits well (not baggy).

Siblings (if included)

• Neutral, comfortable clothing.
• Avoid cartoon prints and neon.
• Matching is not needed. Coordinated is better.

If you’re unsure, take a quick photo of your outfit options and send it to me. I’ll tell you what will photograph best.

What the session feels like

This is not stiff posing. You do not need to know what to do.

I’ll guide you with simple prompts and small adjustments so everything looks natural:

• where to stand or sit
• how to hold baby comfortably
• where the best light is
• when to slow down and just cuddle

We’ll work mainly near windows, and we’ll keep things calm and simple.

What we photograph (examples)

Every session is a bit different, but here’s the typical coverage.

Baby alone

• wrapped and settled near a window
• tiny details: hands, feet, lips, lashes
• baby in cot if sleep takes them, or bassinet if the light is good

With parents

• baby tucked into your arms (close, intimate, calm)
• over the shoulder moments
• mum and baby portraits
• dad and baby portraits

Family together

• relaxed group photos on the bed or couch
• wide shots and close ups, so the story feels complete

Siblings (if included)

I keep sibling photos simple and safe. We usually do them early while attention is high, then let siblings go play.

Safety comes first

I won’t do risky poses or anything that feels unsafe. Comfort and safety always come first. Simple, calm setups look better anyway.

About your home (what matters, what doesn’t)

The light matters more than the size of your house.

The best spots are usually:

• master bed near a window
• couch near a window
• nursery window

A tidy corner is enough. I can work around real life.

If baby is unsettled or awake

Totally normal.

If baby is awake the whole time, we still get beautiful images, often with open eyes and more personality. If baby needs lots of cuddles or feeds, we slow down and let the session breathe.

How these photos will look in an album

I photograph newborn sessions with an album in mind. Albums are powerful because they tell the whole story, not just one hero image.

A typical newborn album flow looks like this:

• Opening: tiny details and calm baby close ups
• Middle: mum with baby, dad with baby, connection portraits
• Family chapter: everyone together (and siblings if included)
• Closing: quiet at home moments that feel real and warm

This is why simple clothes, consistent light, and calm pacing matters. It makes the images sit together beautifully on the page.

After the session: what happens next

After your session, you’ll receive your gallery to select images for print or the album (if you ordered one), It can feel overwhelming choosing, that’s normal. I will guide you by doing an initial layout, then you can give me notes on any image swaps or changes. You will be able to download your digital images from your gallery. It normally is 3 days for me to complete the editing

Local places for wraps and cute baby items (Hamilton)

If you’d like to add one or two special wraps or baby outfits, here are a few local ideas.

Bear & Moo (Frankton, Hamilton)
They stock swaddling blankets and have a physical retail store in Frankton, so people can actually go in and pick something up.

What’s Up Buttercup (Hamilton, NZ)
They have a “Wraps & Swaddles” range and note it’s available online or in store in Hamilton.

If you wanted to shop online, then use search terms like:

• newborn wrap nz
• baby swaddle nz
• muslin swaddle nz
• stretch wrap newborn nz
• newborn swaddle blanket nz
• newborn photo wrap nz
• baby wrap swaddle set nz
• bamboo swaddle nz
• merino baby wrap nz
• organic cotton swaddle nz

If you want “photography prop” style wraps

• newborn photography wraps nz
• newborn posing wraps nz
• newborn wrap set photography nz
• newborn prop wraps nz
• newborn beanbag wrap nz
• newborn headband and wrap set nz

Final reminder

You don’t need to have it all together. Your job is to care for your baby. My job is to guide you through a calm session and make something lasting from this short season of life.

NEWBORN BLOG