6 Newborn Photography Tips For A Stress-Free Session

Capturing Sweet Moments Without the Stress: Newborn Photography Tips

Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of life’s major milestones, and capturing those early days with newborn photos is something you’ll treasure forever. But as a parent, it’s natural to worry about how the session will go. Will the baby cry the whole time? What if I’m not comfortable in my body yet? Do I need to clean the whole house?! (Spoiler: absolutely not!)

The good news? Newborn photography can be a calm and enjoyable experience with the right kind of preparation. What’s more, it can even feel like an opportunity to spend quality time with your family and put all your other concerns on hold for a little while. As an in-home newborn photographer, I’ve learned that a little preparation and the right mindset can make all the difference. Here are my top newborn photography tips to ensure a smooth, relaxed session for both you and your little one.

Schedule the Session at the Right Time For You

Timing plays a big role in how smoothly your newborn photoshoot will go. One of the most frequent questions I get is, “When Is the Best Time For Newborn Photos?” (Click the link to read the full article!) The short answer when it comes to picking the best time for newborn photos is, there are really two timeframes to choose from: 1-2 weeks old vs 3-12 weeks old. The earlier days will likely provide you with the more classic “sleepy baby” photos, and a later session will yield more facial expressions and interacting. There are pro’s and con’s to each.

Additional considerations are: your recovery, the baby’s health and development, older siblings, and additional relatives/caretakers you might want to include in the photos.

As for time of day, morning sessions usually work best because babies tend to be calmer and parents fresher earlier in the day. As a documentary-style photographer, I always allow extra time for feeding and soothing breaks throughout the session. Some photographers have a time limit, so this is something worth thinking about when hiring your newborn photographer.

Keep Your Baby Cozy and Comfortable

A warm baby is a happy baby! Newborns are used to the warmth of the womb, so keeping the room at a cozy 75-78°F will help them stay sleepy and content throughout the session. This also makes it easier to take down-to-the-diaper photos without the baby getting fussy from being chilly. I would find a compromise between keeping the baby and the parents comfortable.

In terms of outfits for the baby, simple is best. Soft, neutral onesies, swaddles, or even just a diaper work beautifully in photos. Avoid anything with too many buttons, scratchy fabrics, or big ruffles that might be uncomfortable for your baby. Zippers also have a way of looping up in a distracting way, so I would avoid them.

Check out my article on “What To Wear For Newborn Photos” for a complete guide, with outfit ideas for the whole family!

Feed Your Baby Right Before the Session

One of the most effective newborn photography tips is to feed your baby just before the session. A full belly helps your little one stay happy and comfortable, leaving them in a better mood for the duration of your session. It’s also a good opportunity to connect with your baby before welcoming another person into your home.

And don’t worry—if you want breastfeeding photos, it’s something you can incorporate later into the session without the baby’s hunger feeling like an emergency.

Don’t Stress About a Perfectly Clean Home

Your photographer is not judging your home. We’ve seen it all! And as a fellow parent, I am well aware that bringing home a newborn calls for more pressing matters than keeping your home tidy.

We typically use just a few well-lit spots in your home, like the nursery, master bedroom, or living room. Focus on those areas, and forget the rest of the home.

My suggestion is to remove adult-related items (such as phone chargers, cables, laptops, dishes) and leave baby-related things. If needed, you can move things as you go, and your photographer will be happy to help you along the way.

Keep a Positive Mindset—Your Baby Will Follow Your Lead

Babies are amazing at picking up on their parents’ emotions. If you’re feeling anxious or rushed, your baby may sense it, too. One of my biggest newborn photography tips is to embrace the moment and go with the flow. Focus on the things you can control – your own headspace – and let go of the rest. The family will follow suit.

Crying, diaper changes, and feeding breaks are all part of the process. A professional newborn photographer will never rush you, and we’ll always work around your baby’s needs. The more relaxed you are, the more natural and beautiful your photos will be.

Trust the Process and Enjoy the Experience

At the end of the day, newborn photography isn’t about achieving “perfect” pictures—it’s about capturing real moments of love and connection with your little one.

Every baby is different, and each session unfolds uniquely. Sometimes the most unexpected, unplanned moments turn out to be the most beautiful. So, take a deep breath, soak in the sweetness of this time, and trust your photographer to create images that reflect the love and joy in your family.

Final Thoughts

I hope these newborn photography tips help you feel more prepared and excited for your session. Remember, your newborn’s first days go by in a blink, and these photos will be a way to freeze this fleeting moment in time.

So relax, snuggle up, and enjoy the good stuff—because these are the moments you’ll look back on for a lifetime.

Newborn Photography Tips For A Stress-Free Session

---

Marjorie Cohen is a Los Angeles Newborn Photographer offering at-home documentary sessions to families in LA County. Marjorie works with parents who want relaxed and natural photos with their newborn. Follow along on Instagram or Pinterest for her latest work!