My Top 5 Items to Bring to Your Session
When you leave the house with a newborn, you often feel like you’ve packed everything but the kitchen sink! And that’s understandable - there’s an endless list of baby-related things that you might need when out and about. When you come for your newborn portrait session though, you really don’t need much at all and that’s because we are well prepared for your visit. Clients often tell me I’ve thought of everything! But there are a few items you can bring along which will help things to run more smoothly.
#1 - A cosy blanket for baby
When you arrive at your session, it's best that you undress your baby down to their nappy and wrap them up in a cosy blanket from home while you feed them. While we do have several blankets here, I want your baby to be warm and comfortable with familiar scents around them which will help them to feel calm and relaxed before I start the photoshoot.
#2 – An extra bottle of milk
If your baby is bottle-fed, an extra bottle of milk can be very handy! Babies tend to feed more than usual during their photoshoot because it’s a different experience for them with lots of stimulation as they are moved from one pose to another or passed from prop to prop! The good news is they should sleep well for you later! :-)
#3 – A dummy
Dummies can be very helpful when transitioning from one pose to another. Usually, baby will wake briefly as they are re-positioned and it is natural for them to want to suck to soothe themselves during this short time. This is not a requirement, however, and I’m always on board with parents’ wishes. It’s worth noting that for most sessions I don’t need to use a dummy at all, but for others it can work wonders!
#4 – A change of clothes
A change of clothing can be a good idea as small accidents do happen! I’d recommend wearing some light and comfortable layers while I photograph your baby, and then later changing into the clothes you’d like to be photographed in so that they stay clean and wrinkle free!
#5 – A sentimental item
In general, I tend to use my own props, outfits and accessories as these are high quality items purchased from trusted newborn photography vendors and are deemed safe for use with babies. However, I’m more than happy to include a sentimental item from home too as this can definitely add a personal touch to your session. It might be a particular teddy bear that has been passed down the generations, a family heirloom with a special meaning behind it, or something to symbolise your family’s culture/heritage. For example, here’s beautiful baby Lia with a traditional Japanese tenugui cloth!
Newborn sessions can take a few hours so drinks and snacks are provided. We also have a fully stocked changing unit with nappies, nappy bags & water wipes, so unless you prefer a specific brand, you are more than welcome to use ours!
Hit the button below to view the newborn gallery – cuteness overload!