Tips for your baby’s first photo shoot

You just welcomed your sweet new baby (or babies) into the world, and as proud mama, you want to show off photos of your gorgeous newborn(s). But the thought of digging out your camera, finding a clean corner of the house, and getting a sweet slumbering picture of your bundle of joy is enough to send you right back to bed (with the baby sleeping on your chest, naturally.) So what do you do?

IMG_V28983You call in the professionals. Trust me, this is not something you want to handle yourself, even if you are a photographer. When my boys were newborns, it was all I could do to focus my own eyes, much less the lens on my camera.

Here are some tips to make your newborn’s first modeling gig as stress-free and easy as possible.

– Schedule your photo session before the baby is born. I know, this is tricky since you can’t ever be 100% sure when a baby is going to arrive, but since you want the photos taken in the first week of the baby’s life, it’s important to at least be on the books close to your due date.

_MG_FB15727 copy– Feed the baby right before photos, and be prepared to feed him or her throughout the session. A happy, full baby is a cooperative, sleeping baby!

– Don’t let the baby nap right before the session begins, unless you want wide-awake shots. Of course, those are sweet too!

– Lay out any outfits, special blankets or other meaningful props you want to use. Have them washed and ready to go.

– If you are going to be in any of the photos, talk to the photographer about what you (and your significant other, and possibly siblings) will wear.

_MG_FB15741 copy– Make the house warm. Even if it’s July. A cold baby is not a happy baby. You will sweat, but that’s okay. All in the name of a great photo!

– Relax. This is why you hired a professional, so you don’t have to stress about getting the perfect shot!

All photos by AmyCherie Photography

Pam Kocke
My name is Pam, and I live in Algiers Point with my husband George and my identical triplets Linus, Oliver, and Miles. I work from home as a Happiness Engineer for Automattic. I enjoy reading and photography and sewing (and blogging!)

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