How to Prepare for a Newborn Photography Session: A Calm Guide for New Mums
How to Prepare for a Newborn Photography Session: A Calm Guide for New Mums
You’ve just had a baby. You’re sore, sleep-deprived, emotional — and somehow you’ve booked a photoshoot.
First of all: you’re amazing.
As a Sunshine Coast photographer who specialises in newborn and family photography (and a mum myself), I know how vulnerable and tender these early days are. That’s why I want your session to feel more like a deep breath than another thing on your to-do list.
Here’s a gentle, baby-led guide to preparing for your newborn session — no pressure, no stress, just thoughtful tips that will help you feel calm and cared for.
How to Prepare for a Newborn Photography Session: A Calm Guide for New Mums
When to Book Your Newborn Photos
I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant, ideally during your second or early third trimester — this helps secure your preferred timeframe and allows us to stay flexible based on your baby’s arrival.
For classic sleepy newborn photos: The sweet spot is 7–21 days old — baby is still curled, snuggly, and generally quite sleepy.
For more alert, lifestyle-style sessions: Anytime in the first 6–12 weeks works beautifully. Don’t worry if the early days have passed — these images are just as meaningful.
What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)
Here’s what you actually need for your newborn session — and what you can absolutely let go of.
✅ Bring:
- Nappies, wipes, extra change of clothes (yes, for you too)
- A favourite swaddle or wrap
- A dummy or comforter (if using)
- A bottle (if bottle feeding or expressing)
- Any sentimental items you’d like included (a special toy, heirloom, or blanket)
🚫 Don’t stress about:
- A super tidy house (if we’re shooting at home) — I’ll work around the mess, promise
- Fancy outfits (simple onesies, wraps or even just a nappy and a blanket photograph best)
Love
JEN
Chelsea was a dream to work with. Not only a true master behind their craft, but made my husband and I feel so comfortable. The results and outcomes are reflected in their art. Show-stopping every time. It was everything that we had hoped for and we have heard nothing but positive comments from our friends and family.
SHARNIE
Absolutely fantastic! Communicated incredibly – making us feel so comfortable SO quickly. I wouldn’t choose anyone else to capture these memories that are going to last us a life time. Cannot thank, or recommend enough!
KRYSTAL
The nicest person and incredibly talented at what she does. Easily explained to us how to pose so we never felt awkward like we didnt know what to do and kept it so fun!! So easy to deal with on the lead up and had everything covered. So cool, calm and collected, the whole time. We are in love with our photos!!!
Studio or In-Home?
You can choose between:
Studio sessions (Sunshine Coast) — calm, warm, softly lit space with everything set up for baby
In-home sessions — natural, unposed and intimate. I’ll use available light and guide you into pockets of connection
Both options are relaxed and baby-led — meaning we follow their rhythm, stop for feeds or cuddles as needed, and never rush.
What Should We Wear?
Keep it soft, simple, and natural. The focus should be on connection, not clothing.
Stick to neutral or earthy tones (white, beige, grey, soft pastels)
Avoid logos or busy patterns
Mum: flowy dresses, robes, oversized knits — whatever feels comfortable and gentle on your body
Dad/partner: plain linen shirts, tees, soft pants or chinos
Baby: wraps, onesies, or just a nappy and blanket — let their skin and tiny features shine
Most of All — Let Go of Expectations
Your baby might cry. You might need to feed three times. You might feel a little unsure or emotional — all of this is welcome here.
Newborn sessions aren’t about perfection — they’re about preserving what it felt like in these first fleeting weeks. The snuggles. The stretch marks. The soft way you hold them when no one’s watching.
You don’t need to perform. You just need to be present. I’ll take care of the rest.
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DON’T FORGET
Want first access to seasonal sessions + special offers?
I open up a very limited number of seasonal sessions throughout the year — think Christmas minis, Mother’s Day portraits, and other beautiful one-off moments.
Join the list and you’ll be the first to know when they’re released.
