5 Tips for a Smooth and Successful Newborn Photo Shoot

Newborn photo shoots come with a specific challenge – an unpredictable subject!  The baby may simply refuse to sleep when you need him/her to, or he/she may start crying and get cranky just when you are all set to shoot.  There is no foolproof way to ensure this does not happen, but here are 5 tips that could help you avoid such situations and get a smooth and successful newborn photo shoot.

Well fed baby:  

Babies once they are fed are generally content and happy.  Make sure the newborn is well fed before the shoot begins.  This will help with a smooth beginning to the shoot.  However, you would need to take breaks in between for a few more feeds (newborns feed at short intervals).
    

Temperature:  

Newborns are still adjusting to the outside temperature so are bundled up most of the time.  However, a large chunk of the shoot would require them to be wearing nothing (all the cute butt shots) or probably just a diaper.  To ensure that they remain comfortable, turn up the heat in the home at least half an hour before the shoot.  This way, when you take off the swaddling, the newborn does not fuss too much.
    

Quiet environment:  

Try to keep the home as calm and quiet as possible.  A large portion of the newborn shoot would be done with the baby asleep.  If there are other children running around and shouting or too many adults hovering around the newborn, they are not going to sleep soundly, and this will not allow you to get them into all those adorable poses.  Make sure there are minimum people around the baby during the shoot.  Only those that will be photographed with the baby should be there, and that too only for as long as they are required.
    

Safety:  

Newborns are extremely delicate and you need to handle them with a lot of care.  If you are not experienced in handling such young babies, get the parents or someone more experienced to do the physical baby handling.  Give them clear instructions on where and how you would like the newborn to be positioned.  Also make sure that all the props you use are newborn safe.
    

Be relaxed and confident:  

This is especially important for newbie photographers shooting newborns.  Remember, newborn shoots are different than any other.  Here the baby’s comfort comes above all.  This may mean you have to wait while the baby calms down.  Be patient and wait.  You may also have to deal with overanxious new parents.  Stay calm, confident and relaxed.  This will give them the confidence to leave their precious little one in your charge during the shoot and in turn help you have a smooth and successful newborn photo shoot.