Parent's Newborn Photography Guide

Welcome!

Congratulations on your newest little love!

Thank you for choosing Sarah Ann Photography to capture this incredible milestone. It is truly an honour to be trusted with your baby's very first portraits. Every newborn session is created with patience, love, and your baby's safety as my highest priority.

As both a mother and an experienced newborn photographer, I understand how precious these first days are. My goal is to create a relaxed, enjoyable experience while preserving beautiful memories your family will treasure forever.

Booking Your Session

Newborn sessions are best photographed when your baby is 5–14 days old. During this stage, babies are typically sleepier, more flexible, and easier to pose safely into those beautiful curled-up newborn positions.

Please keep me updated throughout your pregnancy and contact me as soon as your baby arrives so we can schedule your session within this ideal window.

If your baby boy has been circumcised, please allow at least 5 days of healing before your session.

Preparing Baby

A sleepy, content baby makes for the most successful newborn session. Here are a few tips to help prepare:

If You Are Breastfeeding

For 24–48 hours before your session, try to avoid foods that may cause gas or tummy discomfort, such as:

• Spicy foods

• Gas-producing vegetables

• Excessive caffeine

Feeding

During the 8–10 hours leading up to your session, feed your baby often to help ensure a full tummy.

Please give your baby a full feeding immediately before leaving for the studio. Once you arrive, your baby may need a small top-up feeding to settle into a deep sleep.

If your baby is bottle-fed, please bring extra formula or pumped breast milk.

Keep Baby Awake

If possible, try to keep your baby awake for 1–2 hours before your appointment. A warm bath before leaving home can often help.

Clothing

Please dress your baby in a loose-fitting sleeper that buttons or zips up the front.

Please do not dress baby in a onesie, as pulling clothing over their head can disturb them after they have fallen asleep.

Pacifier

Even if your baby doesn't normally use one, please bring a pacifier if possible. It can be extremely helpful for soothing baby during posing.

If you don't have one, I always keep brand-new pacifiers available in the studio.

Diapers & Accidents

Your baby will be photographed both wrapped and unclothed throughout the session.

Please bring:

• Extra diapers

• Extra wipes

• Extra clothing for yourselves

Accidents happen during nearly every newborn session—and that's completely normal! All blankets, wraps, and props are thoroughly cleaned after every baby.

Family & Sibling Portraits

Parents and siblings are always encouraged to participate.

Family portraits are photographed at the beginning of the session, allowing older siblings to finish early before the remainder of the newborn session begins.

For the most timeless photographs, please choose simple, neutral clothing such as:

• White

• Black

• Cream

• Beige

• Grey

Avoid clothing with:

• Logos

• Writing

• Busy patterns

Please coordinate everyone's outfits and let me know what you plan to wear before your session so I can style your newborn setup accordingly.

Mom & Baby

Moms, please don't worry about having just had a baby. I understand exactly how you're feeling.

A black or white thick-strap tank top paired with yoga pants photographs beautifully.

Simple hair styling and light makeup can also help you feel your best.

Remember—you just created life. Your body deserves to be celebrated, not hidden.

Dad & Baby

Dads look best in a plain black or white fitted T-shirt or undershirt.

Please avoid button-up shirts, as buttons can be uncomfortable for baby during chest poses.

Hands Matter

Parents' hands are often featured in newborn portraits.

Please ensure fingernails are clean and neatly trimmed before your session.

Props & Styling

Everything needed for your newborn session is provided, including:

• Wraps

• Blankets

• Outfits

• Hats

• Headbands

• Baskets

• Props

My style is best described as:

• Organic

• Earthy

• Rustic

• Timeless

• Natural

I use professional studio lighting that beautifully mimics natural light.

If you have a colour palette or favourite prop you've seen in my portfolio, please let me know before your session.

Pinterest inspiration is always welcome!

Many of my outfits and props are handmade. If there's something specific you'd love included, please provide at least two weeks' notice whenever possible.

You're also welcome to bring meaningful personal items such as:

• Blankets

• Handmade gifts

• Family heirlooms

• Special outfits

• Booties

What to Expect During Your Session

Newborn sessions typically last 2–4 hours.

This allows plenty of time for:

• Feeding

• Diaper changes

• Soothing

• Cuddles

• Safe posing

Feel free to bring:

• Snacks

• Drinks

• A book

• Your laptop

Or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your baby's first professional photo session unfold.

Because the studio is kept warm for baby's comfort, dressing in layers is recommended.

If siblings are attending, I kindly ask that arrangements be made for them to leave after family portraits have been completed. A calm, quiet studio allows me to safely focus on your newborn for the remainder of the session.

Baby's Safety Always Comes First

Your baby's comfort and safety are my highest priorities.

I never force a pose or place a baby into any position that isn't safe or comfortable.

Some babies simply prefer certain poses over others, and that's perfectly okay. Every newborn is unique, and I always work at your baby's pace.

There may be times when I ask a parent to assist by supporting baby's head or helping stabilize a prop while I photograph. These are standard safety practices and help ensure your baby remains secure at all times.

Every Baby Is Different

Even with the best preparation, babies can have unpredictable days.

If your little one needs extra cuddles, more feeding breaks, or simply isn't interested in sleeping, please don't stress.

Patience is part of newborn photography.

If necessary, we can discuss rescheduling or creating a beautiful lifestyle-style newborn session instead.

I Can't Wait to Meet Your Little One

Thank you again for trusting me to capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories.

If you have any questions before your session, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to help.

I look forward to welcoming your family into the studio and creating timeless images you'll treasure forever.