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overhead photo of smiling newborn baby girl being held by dad

Tips for New Parents During Newborn Photoshoots

Written By:

Maryam Salassi

Apr 11, 2024

At Hi & Hello Photography, I understand the importance of capturing the essence of these precious moments. With years of experience in newborn photography, I’ve gathered valuable insights and tips to ensure that your newborn photoshoot is a smooth and memorable experience for both you and your little one. Here are my top tips for new parents during newborn photoshoots.

Bringing a newborn into the world is a joyous occasion filled with love, wonder, and countless precious moments. As new parents embark on this journey of parenthood, capturing those fleeting early days becomes a cherished priority. Newborn photoshoots offer a unique opportunity to freeze those precious moments in time, creating lasting memories to cherish for a lifetime.

mother in beige cardigan holding squishy newborn baby in floral onesie

Tip 1: Schedule Early…or don’t

Newborns grow and change rapidly during their first few weeks of life, making it essential to schedule your photoshoot sooner rather than later. Ideally, aim to schedule your session within the first two weeks after birth when newborns are typically sleepier and more curled up, making it easier to capture those adorable, cozy poses. That being said, if life gets away from you and you haven’t scheduled your session ahead of time, I can almost always schedule in a last minute newborn session and have done newborn sessions anywhere from 12 hours after birth to 3 months old.

mother holding newborn baby's feet

Tip 2: Choose a Comfortable Setting

Creating a comfortable and relaxed environment is key to a successful newborn photoshoot. Whether you opt for a hospital Fresh 48 newborn session, a short and sweet in-studio session or prefer the comfort of your own home, ensure that the temperature is warm and cozy to keep your baby comfortable and content throughout the session. We can always take a break for feeding, changing, and comforting (or continuing photographing all those real parts of newborn life).

sleeping newborn baby boy being held facing outward by dad

Tip 3: Be Flexible and Patient

Newborns can be unpredictable, and their needs often dictate the flow of the photoshoot. Be prepared to take breaks for feeding, soothing, and diaper changes as needed. Remember to remain patient and flexible, allowing your photographer ample time to work their magic and capture those precious moments. Trust me when I say I’ve seen it all, and there is no need to stress out. Release those expectations and go with the flow!

photo of newborn baby boy with fists squished up to his mouth

Tip 4: Keep it Simple

When it comes to newborn photography, less is often more. Opt for simple, timeless clothing and accessories that complement your baby’s natural beauty without overwhelming the scene. Neutral colors and soft textures work well to create a timeless and elegant look that keeps the focus on your little one, but don’t be afraid to embrace rich colors if that’s more your vibe! While I love mixing prints for family photos, I tend to gravitate towards solid colors for newborn sessions and color blocking bold colors can be a great way to incorporate color without overwhelming. If you have a busier fabric or heirloom piece that you’d like to incorporate into your newborn photos let me know and we can work together to create a color palette and style plan for the rest of the wardrobe.

overhead photo of smiling newborn baby girl being held by dad

Tip 5: Embrace the Moment

Above all, remember to relax and enjoy the experience. Your baby’s newborn phase is fleeting, and these precious moments will pass by in the blink of an eye. Embrace the opportunity to bond with your little one during the photoshoot, and trust in your photographer to capture the magic of this special time in your family’s journey.


I hope you enjoyed my tips for new parents during newborn photoshoots! At Hi & Hello Photography, I’m dedicated to helping you preserve the precious moments of your baby’s first days. Contact me today to schedule your newborn photoshoot and embark on this beautiful journey of capturing new beginnings.

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