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Preparing for Your Newborn Session

Congratulations on Your New Baby!

Thank you for considering me to photograph your newborn and family during this very special time.

As a professional photographer with more than 30 years of experience and a mom of three myself, I understand how overwhelming those first few weeks can be. Between sleepless nights, feedings, diaper changes, and adjusting to life with a new baby, scheduling a photography session can sometimes feel like one more thing on an already full plate.

Take a deep breath.

My goal is to make your newborn session as relaxed, comfortable, and stress-free as possible. Every baby is different, and every family has unique needs. This guide will help answer some common questions and prepare you for your baby's first professional photography session.

When Should I Schedule My Newborn Session?

Newborn sessions are ideally photographed when babies are between 5 and 21 days old. During this stage, babies tend to sleep more deeply and are often more comfortable in the curled-up poses many parents love.

I recommend reserving your newborn session while you are still pregnant. When booking, I will place your due date on my calendar and then adjust the actual session date once your baby arrives.

Of course, babies don't always arrive on schedule. Some arrive early, some arrive late, and sometimes life simply becomes overwhelming after birth. Don't worry—we'll work together to find the best time for your session.

If your baby is already older than three weeks, that's perfectly fine too. While older babies may be more alert and less sleepy, they often reward us with beautiful eye contact, expressions, and personality-filled portraits.

Where Are Newborn Sessions Held?

Newborn sessions can take place:

  • In my professional portrait studio in Sudbury, Massachusetts
  • In your home
  • Outdoors during the warmer New England months

My studio is fully equipped for newborn photography and includes a variety of wraps, hats, headbands, blankets, and accessories for your session.

How Long Does a Newborn Session Last?

Newborn sessions typically last up to two hours.

While newborns sleep a lot, they often need time to settle into a deep sleep in a new environment. Feeding breaks, diaper changes, soothing, and cuddling are all a normal part of the session.

Please don't worry if your baby needs extra time. I schedule newborn sessions with flexibility in mind and follow your baby's lead throughout the session.

How Can I Help My Baby Sleep?

While every baby is different, these tips can often help:

  • Try to keep your baby awake for an hour before the session if possible.
  • Give your baby a full feeding immediately before the session or upon arrival.
  • Dress your baby in a simple zip-up or button-up sleeper that can be easily removed.
  • Bring extra bottles if bottle feeding.
  • Bring several clean pacifiers, even if your baby only occasionally uses one.

Most importantly, try not to stress. Babies can sense when parents are anxious. A relaxed parent often helps create a relaxed baby.

What Should Parents Wear?

For timeless portraits that keep the focus on your baby and family connection, I recommend:

  • Creams
  • Whites
  • Soft grays
  • Light earth tones
  • Neutral colors

Simple clothing photographs beautifully and helps create a soft, classic look that won't feel dated years from now.

If you're unsure what to wear, I'm always happy to help guide your clothing choices before your session.

What Should Baby Wear?

Less is often more when it comes to newborn portraits.

Most newborns are photographed wrapped, in a simple diaper cover, or with minimal clothing to highlight all of those tiny newborn details.

I provide a variety of:

  • Wraps
  • Hats
  • Headbands
  • Diaper covers
  • Blankets and posing accessories

If you have a special outfit, heirloom item, blanket, or family keepsake you'd like included, please bring it with you.

Including Parents and Siblings

I love including parents and siblings in newborn sessions.

Some of the most meaningful portraits aren't the posed ones—they're the quiet moments of connection between family members and their newest addition.

For younger siblings, I typically photograph family and sibling portraits first while attention spans are at their best. Once those portraits are complete, younger children may head home with another family member if desired while we focus on individual newborn portraits.

Of course, if you prefer portraits of your baby only, that's perfectly fine too.

Relax & Enjoy the Experience

One of the most common concerns I hear from parents is:

"What if my baby won't sleep?"

Please don't worry.

After photographing newborns for many years, I've learned that every baby has their own personality and timeline. Whether your baby sleeps through the entire session or prefers to stay awake and curious, we'll create beautiful portraits that capture this fleeting stage of life.

These first few weeks pass incredibly quickly. My hope is that your session becomes not only a way to preserve memories, but also an opportunity to slow down and enjoy this special chapter with your growing family.

I look forward to meeting you and photographing your new baby.

Questions or ready to reserve your session?

Please contact me at paula@paulaswift.com for more information.

Thank you for contacting Paula Swift

Thank you so much for reaching out! I’ve received your message and will be in touch within 24 hours.


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