Your Nrwborn Session's Journey
What to expect & How to prepare
When Should We Have Our Newborn Session?
Newborn sessions are generally scheduled during the first couple of weeks after your baby is born. This is when babies tend to be sleepier and naturally curl into those sweet newborn positions.
That said, there is no magic deadline. Every baby is different, and beautiful photographs can be created at any age.
We recommend contacting us during your pregnancy to reserve your approximate session date. Once your baby arrives, simply let us know and we'll finalize the exact date based on your baby's arrival and how everyone is doing.
MewBorn Photography: What to Expect & How to Prepare
Bringing your new baby home is one of the most beautiful—and sometimes overwhelming—times in your life. Between feedings, diaper changes, little naps and figuring out your new routine, the idea of preparing for a newborn photography session can feel like just one more thing on your list.
The good news? You don't need to have everything perfectly organized. At BarnDoor Studio, we understand that newborns have their own schedule, and we work around your baby rather than expecting your baby to work around us.
Our goal is simple: to create beautiful, timeless images while keeping you and your little one comfortable and relaxed.
What Happens During Your Session?
You don't need to pack the entire nursery!
We will discuss the colours, props and overall style you'd like before your session so we can plan the setup.
It's helpful to bring:
- Plenty of diapers
- Wipes
- Formula or expressed milk, if applicable
- A soother/pacifier if your baby uses one
- A favourite blanket
- Any special family heirlooms or meaningful items you'd like included
- A change of clothes for yourself, just in case
- Anything your baby needs to feel comfortable
If there is a special item you'd like photographed with your baby—a handmade blanket, stuffed animal, family keepsake or something passed down through generations—please bring it along.
These personal touches can make your photographs even more meaningful.
How to Prepare your Baby
Feed Baby Before Leaving
If possible, give your baby a good feeding shortly before leaving for the studio. A nice full tummy often helps encourage a sleepy, content baby.
Don't worry if your baby needs another feeding once you arrive. We expect it!
Keep Baby Awake—But Don't Stress About It
Some parents try very hard to keep their newborn awake before the session.
You can certainly have some gentle awake time before leaving, but don't worry if your baby falls asleep. We aren't expecting you to keep a newborn awake on command!
Your baby will decide the schedule—and we'll work with it.
Dress Baby in Something Easy to Remove
A simple sleeper or outfit that can easily be removed is ideal.
Avoid complicated clothing that has to be pulled over your baby's head if possible. We want to disturb your little one as little as we can once they're comfortable.
Bring a Soother
Even if you don't normally use one, bringing a soother can sometimes be helpful during transitions between poses.
It can be a wonderful little tool for settling your baby without completely waking them.
What Should Parents Wear?
Soft colours, creams, whites, beige, taupe, grey, muted greens and other natural tones photograph beautifully.
Try to avoid:
Large logos
Very bright or fluorescent colours
Busy patterns
Matching outfits that are too identical
Clothing that is uncomfortable or restrictive
Most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable and beautiful in.
We can help you coordinate colours and clothing before your session if you'd like.
Should Mom Have Her Hair and Makeup Done?
Absolutely—if it makes you feel good!
You don't need full professional hair and makeup unless that's something you enjoy. A natural, polished look works beautifully for newborn photography.
If you've just had a baby, remember that you have been through something amazing. You don't need to look "perfect."
We want you to look like you—just photographed beautifully.
A little moisturizer, lip colour and some simple hair styling can go a long way if you're doing your own makeup.
And don't forget Dad!
A clean, simple shirt or sweater in a neutral colour is usually all that's needed.
What About Your Children?
If your newborn has older brothers or sisters, we definitely want to include them!
Sibling photographs can be some of the most precious images from the entire session.
We understand that young children may not want to sit still, smile or follow directions—and that's okay.
We'll take our time and look for natural interactions rather than expecting a perfect smile on demand.
If possible, bring a small snack or quiet activity for siblings to enjoy when they're not being photographed.
What If My Baby won't Sleep
Don't worry.
This is one of the most common concerns parents have, and it is completely normal.
Some babies sleep beautifully throughout their entire session.
Others want to look around, stretch, feed, cuddle and let everyone know exactly what they think about the situation!
We don't force babies into poses or rush through the session. We simply work with your baby's personality and comfort level.
Awake photographs can be absolutely beautiful too.
Safety Comes First!
Your baby's safety and comfort are always our priority.
Newborn photography sometimes involves poses that may look elaborate in photographs. These images should only be created with appropriate support and care.
We never place a baby in a position that is unsafe or uncomfortable simply to create a photograph.
Some photographs may also be created as a composite image, combining multiple photographs so that the baby is properly supported throughout the process.
Beautiful photography should never come at the expense of your baby's safety.
Don't Forget About Yourself
This is one of the biggest pieces of advice we can give new parents:
Get in the photographs.
It's very easy to spend your entire newborn session thinking about how tired you are, whether your hair looks right or whether you still fit into your favourite clothes.
Years from now, those things won't matter.
What will matter is seeing the way you held your baby.
The way Dad looked at them.
The tiny hand wrapped around your finger.
The way your older child kissed their new sibling.
Those photographs tell the story of your family at the very beginning.
A Few Days Before Your Session
Try not to overthink it.
A few simple things can make the day easier:
☐ Confirm your appointment time
☐ Pack diapers and wipes
☐ Pack feeding supplies
☐ Choose your family's clothing
☐ Gather any special keepsakes
☐ Bring a soother if your baby uses one
☐ Feed baby before leaving if possible
☐ Give yourself plenty of time to get to the studio
☐ Most importantly—relax!
What If We're Running Late?
Life with a newborn doesn't always run according to schedule.
We understand.
If feeding, diaper changes or getting everyone out the door takes longer than expected, simply let us know.
Your baby doesn't know what time the appointment is.
We do. 😊
And we'll work with you.
Your Newborn Session Should Be an Experience
Our goal isn't simply to create a collection of pretty pictures.
We want to preserve the little details you'll wish you could remember forever.
Before Your Session
We'd love to talk with you before your appointment about your ideas, colour preferences, clothing and any special photographs you'd like us to capture.
Whether you envision soft and simple newborn portraits, beautiful family photographs, sibling images or something more personal and creative, we'll work together to make your session uniquely yours.
You bring the baby. We'll take care of the rest.
