How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot | Newborn Session Prep Guide


Welcoming a new baby is such a special time, and your newborn session is designed to capture those first fleeting days beautifully and stress-free. If you're wondering how to prepare for your studio newborn photoshoot, you're in the right place. This newborn session prep guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from what to wear to how to prepare your baby—so you can feel confident, relaxed, and ready for your session.


If you're searching for a Pittsburgh newborn photographer, this guide reflects my 15 years of experience in exactly how I prepare my clients for studio newborn sessions.

Guide to prepare you for your newborn photos done in my Pittsburgh studio

When to Schedule Your Newborn Photoshoot


First things first! The best time to photograph newborns is typically within the first 5–21 days after birth. During this stage, babies are sleepier, curl naturally into those classic poses, and are less sensitive to being gently moved.


Typically, interested moms-to-be contact me during pregnancy. We "book" the session then and I allow time in my calendar near your due date.

*Booking* entails just 2 things: completion of an online Portrait Agreement and retainer payment.

Then, once the baby is born, just email me again and we will schedule the exact date for your baby's first photoshoot! Super easy!


Pro Tip: It’s best to book your newborn session during your second trimester to ensure availability in the 5-21 day timeframe. That said, do not hesitate to reach out if you are due soon or just gave birth. I always do my best to accommodate last minute bookings.

You should schedule your newborn photoshoot during your pregnancy

~ On Shoot Day ~

Feeding Tips for a Successful Newborn Session


A well-fed baby is a sleepy baby—and that makes all the difference during your session.


  • Feed and burp your baby right before leaving the house

This helps ensure your baby arrives full, digested, and settled. A full baby can fall into a deep sleep in your car ride to the studio. Simply pop out the car seat and carry that into my studio. I will gently get the baby out and begin wrapping, all while they stay comfortably asleep.


  • Bring extra milk or formula in a bottle (if you are using them)

If you've given your baby a full feeding right before leaving, we often get through a whole shoot without needing any breaks. But, not always. Having extra on hand keeps everything stress-free. If you are using bottles, I prefer them during the shoot because I can often keep the baby in a pose while feeding them. This eliminates a potential wake-up when transferring baby from mom, back to me, back to the pose.


  • Breastfeeding moms

If you are exclusively breastfeeding, that's great too! You’re absolutely welcome to breastfeed in the studio—I have a comfortable, private space available. For baby’s comfort, try to avoid caffeine, acidic foods, and spicy foods the evening before and the morning of your session. This can cause gas and discomfort in the baby, making the curly poses much harder to capture.

Dress baby in something with snaps or a zipper that we won't have to pull over their head, which can wake them up.

Don’t Forget the Pacifier! SOOO Important!


Even if your baby doesn’t regularly use one, bringing a pacifier is so important. It can be the key to soothing your baby quickly between poses and keeping the session running smoothly.

behind the scenes newborn photos. Posing baby with a pacifier so they settle.

This is just a small fraction of "test" images that I took while settling a newborn into a pose. None of the resulting images (without the pacifier) would have happened without the binky. Some babies just need more soothing and settling while getting into those cute squishy poses and the pacifier is the answer.

What Should Baby Wear to the Session?


The first thing I do when you arrive for your photoshoot is swaddle and wrap the baby. I provide everything for the baby for the photos so you don't need any special outfits for them. For that reason, you just need to dress the baby in something easy to remove. That means, outfits with a zipper or snaps in front so I don't need to pull anything over their head which could cause wake-up.

when to feed your newborn before photos so they stay sleepy

What Should Parents and Siblings Wear for Newborn Photos?


If you’re planning to be in photos (which I highly recommend!), your outfit choices can make a big impact.

  • Stick to neutral colors. Creams, whites, beige, brown, tan, navy, etc
  • Choose simple, timeless pieces. Avoid busy patterns or logos to keep the focus on your baby.
  • Opt for soft, comfortable fabrics. Soft sweaters, plain t-shirts, flowy dresses. I recommend avoiding collared "work shirts" as these can look stiff and out of place with your newborn baby.
A family poses tenderly with their newborn baby in a bright white photography studio setting.

Plan Ahead for Arrival Time


Babies (and kids!) have a way of making even the simplest outing take longer than expected. If you are a new parent and don't already know this, you will soon, haha! Plus, Pittsburgh traffic! So, build 15 extra minutes into your morning timeline. This helps you arrive relaxed and on time. To ensure we have enough time for all desired setups (and possible soothing and feeding breaks), it’s important to start as scheduled. 

Always leave at least 15 minutes of extra time in your morning schedule when planning to leave for your newborn photos.

What to Expect in the Studio


Your comfort matters just as much as your baby’s.

  • The studio will be warm to keep your baby cozy and sleepy so dress in layers or bring a t-shirt so you stay comfortable throughout the session because it will get toasty in there!
  • For siblings- We will do the family and sibling photos first. Kids (especially toddler ages) will not want to wait around in my studio so plan to have dad or another helper take them somewhere nearby while we finish the shoot. There are several breakfast spots and stores within 10 minutes of my studio. At the very least, bring them something quiet to play with so that you can sit and enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet while I care for and photograph your new baby.
  • Relax and enjoy the experience—I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Prepare for your newborn photos by dressing in layers

Ready for Your Pittsburgh Newborn Photography Session?


With just a little preparation, your newborn session can be a calm, enjoyable experience that results in beautiful, lasting memories.

If you have any questions before your session, I’m always here to help.