You want natural, authentic photos of you and your newborn baby that truly capture what it feels like to be in this season with your little one. Getting to know each other in the quiet bubble of your home as the chaotic world continues outside. Perhaps you’re nervous about what to expect or how to prepare yourself, your baby and you home to make the most of the photoshoot? Don’t worry, I got you! Read on for my 5 top tips tpo prepare for a natural, in-home newborn photoshoot

1. Schedule the photoshoot for a time that suits you

I often get asked ‘when is the best time for a newborn photoshoot?’ There are two options here, within the first 2 weeks of birth you will get the most sleepy, curled up, ‘newborn’ looking photos.

However, as a mother myself I know that you might be recovering from an unplanned c-section, baby might have had an extended hospital stay or you might just not feel ready to let the outside world into your little newborn bubble yet. And that’s OK. You can still capture beautiful newborn photos within the first 3 months of your baby’s arrival. These photos will have baby more awake and yield more facial expressions and interactions which is so special.

As for time of day- morning works best when everyone is as fresh as possible. I usually suggest around 11am to allow for as much light as possible for in-home newborn sessions with our grey climate.

2. Feed your baby right before the session

A full baby is a sleepy baby, and this makes your session run a little smoother. Try to feed your baby just before I arrive so that they’re content and sleepy, this will make the whole session run a little bit more smoothly.

If your little one needs to be fed during our time together, please don’t worry—it’s perfectly natural and not a problem at all! I know from experience that in the early days it doesn’t always come easily, so rest assured there will be no rush, your baby’s comfort comes first, always.

It also provides a precious opportunity for you to nourish and bond with your baby while I prepare for the next set of beautiful shots. If you feel comfortable, feeding photos are also in my opinion one of the most beautiful parts of a newborn shoot, and were a part of my own motherhood journey that I treasured and wanted to celebrate.

3. Turn Up The Heat

Your baby is SOOOO much happier in a warm environment! This helps to keep them sleepy and content, makes any nappy or outfit changes less unsettling and enables us to capture some little details of tiny feet and newborn skin (those skinny little legs and back wrinkles!!) without upsetting them too much.

Having said that, you don’t need the heating on so high that you’re sweating- you need to be comfortable too! About 22-24 °C works well.

4. You don’t need a perfect showhome

I’ve had family photoshoots in my own home and I know firsthand the stress of trying to tidy up, especially with a newborn and the mountain if laundry and kit that accompanies them!

You don’t need a perfect home, all I need is one room with nice, natural light. I often shoot in your bedroom, so make sure that area is tidy and the bedside tables are free of clutter.

If natural light is a real problem, I’ll bring a flash which I can bounce off the ceiling or walls at a very low power to add a bit of ambient light.

5. Don’t put pressure on yourself

To look a certain way, to wear a certain thing. It can be so easy to just focus on the way we look, (especially when you’ve just had a baby, nothing really fits and you’re leaking in places you’d rather not talk about). But in years to come your babies won’t even notice if your makeup wasn’t perfect, or your hair was slightly out of place.

What they will notice is YOU. You, present in their memories, captured loving them, cherishing them. A true memory of their family.

But most of all, enjoy it!

Be in the moment, totally wrapped up in this beautiful family that you’ve created, and this fleeting moment that you cherish enough to capture forever.

For more examples of my newborn work check out my website

http://www.helenmildmay.com/newborn

For detailed pricing for newborn photoshoots check out

www.helenmildmay.com/newborn-pricing