How to prepare for your newborn photo session

Here is all the information you will need to prepare for your newborn photo session. After years of looking at spaces around the Boston area, I opened up my dream studio in Dedham, MA. The studio is designed specifically for newborn sessions. I have multiple backdrops to give your photos lots of variety and a client closet for mom and baby. My goal was to create a space that is both a gorgeous setting for photos but also a comfortable space for my new clients, to create the best possible experience. I can’t wait to welcome you into my second home.

(Check out this blog post to see my favorite images newborn from 2023!)

How to prepare for your newborn photo session

What to bring to your newborn session

Obviously, bring your baby, your partner, and any other children! Surprisingly, many people ask me if you can bring siblings and the answer is an emphatic, YES PLEASE! If you couldn’t tell from my portfolio and Instagram, my Boston studio newborn photo sessions are family focused–siblings and parents are in most of the photos!

I have a changing table equipped with diapers and wipes, but most people prefer to use their own supplies, so bringing your stocked diaper bag is a great idea. One thing to make sure you pack is a pacifier. Even if baby doesn’t always take it or you haven’t used on yet, its a one tool to help with soothing and prevent needing to cluster feed if baby happens to be fussy.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session baby alone

Can I feed baby during the session?

You are more than welcome to feed baby during the session. Feeding schedules can be unpredictable during these early weeks. So its a good idea to either bring a bottle or anything else you might need to feed baby. I do have a nursing pillow that you are welcome to use.

I also love nursing/feeding photos, so if that’s something you would like to do, please let me know. We can definitely plan it into the workflow of poses. These are some of my favorite shots of Boston studio newborn photo sessions.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session burping baby

What to wear for your newborn photos

This is always the number one question that my clients have about preparing for their newborn photo sessions. I have a whole blog post on this topic: What should I wear to my newborn photo session? If you are planning to wear one of my dresses, feel free to wear sweats or leggings to the studio and you can change when you get here.

If you have any questions, please let me know. Whether you want to buy something new or choose from clothes you already own, I am happy to help you with styling.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session what to wear

What to do before you leave for the studio

Please do your hair and make up before arriving at the studio. Feel free to wear something cozy for the drive and change when you get here. Especially if you’re planning to wear one of my dresses. But besides changing, we’ll get started right away after you arrive.

If you are driving an hour or less to my studio, please give your baby a full feed right before you get in the car. Ideally, baby will be nice and sleepy and we’ll take them out of their carseat, into an outfit, and get started with photos. We can feed baby again during the session, but feeding right before you leave will hopefully set us up with at least an hour of shooting time.

If you’re traveling a further distance to my studio, give me a heads up and I’ll have you feed baby when you arrive to the studio instead.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session big brother kissing baby

What to expect from the studio newborn photos

After welcoming you at the door, I’ll direct you to the client sitting area where you can park your stuff. I have a bathroom where you can freshen up your make up and try on one of my dresses. If baby needs to be changed during the session, I have a fully changing table–actually mine from when I was a baby!

The studio have everything we need for the session, including multiple backdrops, outfits for baby and mom, swaddle blankets and tiny cribs, etc.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session baby girl

Other FAQs on how to prepare for your newborn photo session

Can I add on a maternity or milestone session to my newborn session?

YES! If you book two sessions with me at once, I offer a $100 discount on your session fees. Maternity sessions are so special, and often overlooked. Mine can be done either outdoors, or in your home or my studio. It can be difficult to Milestone sessions can be done in my studio, your home, or outside, depending on the weather. I love doing them in my studio and we can include parents, and even do a cake smash at the end! These are great for 1 year or when baby starts sitting up. Don’t be alarmed if I pretend to eat your child’s thighs, I can’t help it.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session all white

Can I bring my pet to your studio?

No, I do not allow animals in the studio for two reasons–one is for liability just in case there was an incident but the other is for all of my other clients who could have allergies, including other little babies! I do everything I can to keep everyone safe, and that includes keeping allergens out of the studio.

If you really want to include your pet in your newborn session, we can do it in your home! The photos will obviously have a different feel overall than in my studio, but I love them just as much. Here are my tips for how to prepare for your in home newborn or family photo session, to give you an idea of what to expect.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session lifestyle pictures in home with dog

Can I bring grandparents or additional family members?

Please give me a heads up, but yes! My goal is to give you as many great photos as possible, and if you would like to include additional family members, that works for me.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session with grandparents

Do I have to wear a dress?

No. Again, these are your photos and you can wear whatever you want. I’ve designed the studio backdrops to be neutral specifically to go well with any outfit style or colors.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session wearing jeans

Can we do newborn photos in my home instead of your studio?

Yes! If you prefer to do your newborn session in your home instead of my studio, just let me know. Here are my tips for how to prepare for your in home newborn or family photo session, to give you an idea of what to expect.

How to prepare for your newborn photo session in home lifestyle session
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Whitney O'Brien is a Boston newborn photographer with a studio in Dedham, MA. She specializes in natural, timeless portraits of motherhood, including maternity, newborn, milestone, and family sessions.

 

She serves Boston neighborhoods such as Roslindale, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Hyde Park, as well as Dedham, Needham, Newton, Brookline, Westwood, Norwood, Walpole and beyond.

 

To see my latest work and photos of my own kids, follow me on social media!

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