Preparing for a newborn family photography session can feel overwhelming, especially during those first few weeks with a new baby. Over the years, as a newborn photographer in Edmonton I’ve learned that small preparations can make a huge difference in helping both parents and babies feel more relaxed during the session.
Every family is different, every baby is different, and honestly, there is no such thing as a “perfect” newborn session. My goal is never perfection, it’s creating a calm space where your family can slow down for a few hours and preserve these tiny little moments before they disappear.
Here are a few things I always talk about with parents before their newborn session.
Table of Contents
1. Swaddle / Outfit / Naked — Which Option Is Best?
One of the first things I ask parents is:
Do you want your baby swaddled, wearing an outfit, or photographed naked?
This choice changes the entire feeling of the session.
Swaddled
Swaddling is usually the easiest and calmest option, especially for first-time parents. Because babies feel secure when wrapped, they tend to sleep more deeply and stay settled longer during posing.
Parents are usually more relaxed too because they don’t need to worry about tiny arms and legs moving everywhere while holding the baby. I often capture the sweetest connection photos when babies are swaddled.
The only downside is that baby’s real size is hidden a little under the wrap.
Naked
Naked newborn photos can feel incredibly emotional and intimate because you can truly see how tiny your baby really is. Without outfits or wraps, all the attention goes directly to the connection between parents and baby.
At the same time, this option can feel stressful for new parents who are still learning how to confidently hold their newborn. I never fully let go of the baby unless I know they are safely supported, but I can still feel parents getting nervous sometimes holding such a tiny little baby.
And yes — babies pee and poop whenever they want. It happens all the time. I always tell parents not to panic if there’s a baby emergency in the studio. I promise I care much more about keeping everyone calm than protecting my floor.
Outfits
Outfits are somewhere in the middle. We can still see baby’s tiny hands and feet while keeping them a little more covered and comfortable.
But without the security of swaddling, babies often wake more easily and move around much more. Sometimes their poses become wonderfully dramatic and completely unpredictable.
And honestly? Sometimes those are my favorite photos.
2. Planning Your Outfits
I always recommend keeping clothing simple and comfortable.
Neutral colors, soft earthy tones, black, white, cream, beige, or muted colors usually photograph beautifully because they keep the focus on your family instead of the clothing.
I also keep simple black and white t-shirts in the studio for exhausted newborn parents who simply don’t want to think about outfits anymore.
Some parents ask me if they should use fancy dress for their newborn photos. My answer is always:
Only if you think you’ll still love it 10 years from now.
Your newborn photos are likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your baby will never be this tiny again, and I want your photos to still feel beautiful years later.
Busy patterns, giant dresses, or trendy outfits can sometimes distract from the emotions and connection in the photos.
Comfort matters much more than looking fancy.
And definitely bring backup clothes for everyone. Babies are unpredictable, and accidents happen constantly during newborn sessions.
3. Hair, Nails, and Makeup
Your newborn is tiny, which means parents are often photographed much closer in the frame. Sometimes your baby may be full-body in the image while your hands, face, or upper body become the main focus.
Your hair, nails, and makeup do not need to look glamorous or professionally styled. I simply recommend making sure everything feels clean and photo-ready.
If you love professional makeup and hair styling, absolutely go for it. But I never expect it from newborn moms.
The first few weeks after birth are already exhausting enough. I never want moms sitting in a makeup chair for hours before coming into the studio for a short newborn and family part.
These photos are meant to feel soft, warm, emotional, and real. I want you to look like yourself. Years later, I want you to remember how those hugs felt, not how perfect your eyeliner looked.
4. Preparing Siblings
I usually photograph sibling and family images either at the very beginning or the very end of the session.
Young children often need time to warm up to a new environment, especially during such a huge life change at home. Before the session, I always ask parents how older siblings are adjusting to the new baby so I know what to expect.
I also recommend talking to your child beforehand and letting them know they’ll be coming to take photos with the baby. Even small preparation helps children feel less overwhelmed.
Sometimes siblings are confident enough to safely hold the baby.
Sometimes they are not.
And that’s completely okay.
I never force toddlers to hold the baby or smile for the camera if they’re upset. I would much rather capture genuine emotions than create a stressful experience trying to recreate a perfect Pinterest photo.
Real moments matter more.
5. What to Bring to Your Session
Make sure your diaper bag is fully stocked with:
- diapers
- milk or formula
- pacifiers if your baby uses one
And don’t forget extra clothes for yourself too.
Even the calmest newborn session usually includes at least one surprise accident.
6. Managing Expectations
Every newborn and family session is different.
Some babies sleep peacefully the entire time. Some babies need extra feeding, cuddles, or soothing breaks. Some toddlers walk into the studio already angry at the world.
All of this is completely normal.
Please don’t stress too much about trying to create a “perfect” session. Babies are babies. Toddlers are toddlers.
My job is to work around them, not force them into unrealistic expectations.
Some of the most meaningful photos happen in between the planned moments anyway.
Final Thoughts
The first few weeks with a newborn are exhausting, emotional, beautiful, and blurry all at the same time. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before your session, especially as first-time parents.
But you do not need to arrive perfectly prepared.
You do not need perfectly behaved children.
You do not need a perfectly sleeping baby.
My goal is simply to create a calm environment where your family can slow down for a few hours and preserve these tiny little moments before they disappear.
Because one day, these photos will remind you not only what your baby looked like — but what it felt like to hold them this small.
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photography, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. As an awarded newborn photographer, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
