Thank you for booking your newborn portrait session! It is a great honour for me to capture these special moments. This guide will help you prepare for our session. I will do my best to ensure a relaxed and stress-free atmosphere. Let’s get started...
WHY A HOME NEWBORN SESSION?
Newborn sessions at home allow for photos to be taken in the comfort of your own space. I select rooms that make the best use of the available natural light on the day. These are usually the nursery, the master bedroom, and the living room. Capturing those small details, such as the nursery you carefully put together, while holding your precious little one in your arms, can be truly special.
When we decide on a home session, we will discuss your home’s decor and the best times of day when the light is most beautiful. Sessions usually take place in late morning or early afternoon, although this may vary depending on conditions.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR A NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION?
For most sessions—especially newborn sessions—I always recommend choosing an outfit that is comfortable and flexible. Flowing fabrics add beautiful movement to images, and soft materials not only enhance the aesthetic but also ensure extra comfort. I suggest maxi dresses made of soft silk, cotton, or linen fabrics, so you feel comfortable and beautiful at the same time. Choose an adjustable fit that accommodates different sizes, so you don’t have to worry about post-pregnancy changes—this allows for great flexibility.
If you prefer to wear trousers (or want to fit in two outfits), a great combination is jeans and an oversized sweater, or leggings with a cosy sweater or blouse. Below are some of the most popular colours for newborn portrait sessions. We will choose a main colour for the mum and then complement it with coordinating shades for the rest of the family.
MORE WARDROBE TIPS:
– Avoid wearing watches and large, attention-grabbing jewellery that might distract from the photos. We want to capture timeless moments that will look beautiful in your home for years to come.
– Before the session, either remove nail polish or apply a fresh coat. For busy mums, the easiest option is often to go natural—clean nails look better than chipped polish. I will take close-up shots of you holding your baby, so well-groomed hands make a difference. If you opt for a manicure, neutral colours are the best choice.
– Avoid clothing with large logos and bright, neon colours, especially intense reds and fluorescents.
WHAT SHOULD YOUR BABY WEAR FOR A NEWBORN SESSION?
Simple and sweet is best! I highly recommend a plain white onesie and a neutral swaddle. I always bring wraps to every session, so you don’t have to worry about that. Simple outfits keep the focus on your baby. Bold patterns and bright colours can be distracting. Avoid clothing with words, letters, or busy patterns, as they take attention away from your baby in the photos. Also, avoid onesies with built-in mittens and covered feet—we want to capture those tiny toes in some of the images! Keeping it simple and classic is key. You can also add a small headband or bow for a few shots.
TIPS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR NEWBORN SESSION
What to expect: Most newborn sessions last between 1.5 to 2 hours. Please keep in mind that we can pause at any time for feeding, changing, or comforting. Each session is tailored to your baby’s needs, and the most important thing is to keep your little one happy and comfortable. When I arrive at your home, I will take a few minutes to set up and get ready. I will assess the lighting and choose the best spots for photos. Once we start, we will follow your baby’s lead and begin with whatever is most comfortable for them. There’s nothing to worry about—I will guide you with posing, adjust for the best light, and ensure enough breaks for your baby.
It’s best to declutter the room where we will be taking photos. You don’t need to clean the whole house, but tidying up the spaces where we are likely to shoot will help us make the most of our time. Please also open blinds and curtains in these rooms to allow in as much natural light as possible.
Try to keep your baby awake for at least 60–90 minutes before the session, and feeding them just before we begin will help them feel calm and settled. You can start feeding around 15 minutes before my arrival. Dress your baby in a simple white sleepsuit or swaddle that can be easily removed and put back on. Changing their nappy, swaddling them, or putting them in a sleepsuit before feeding helps ensure they are ready to go when we start.
Newborn photos are best taken within 1-3 weeks after birth. If you’d like to capture those sleepy moments and tiny details, the first two weeks are ideal. However, don’t stress too much—my lifestyle photography style allows for flexibility. Your baby will be adorable no matter what. If you have already booked your session, please send me an email as soon as your baby arrives so we can schedule the official date and time.
Finally, it’s important to enjoy this special time. Welcoming a newborn is an incredible experience. I will make sure you have plenty of time to cuddle your little one and cherish these moments! Even if you’re running on little sleep, these photos will instantly transport you back to this precious stage.
If you haven’t yet booked a session but are interested in newborn portraits, please fill out my contact form, and I’ll be in touch soon.
Capturing this magical part of your story is an honour!
Little - Memories Photography | How ro get ready for a Newborn Session | Malta Photographer
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