newborn Session Guide

Newborn Photography


Congratulations on your growing family! I am so honored you've chosen Fairchild Photo Co. to capture these first precious days. As an APNPI-certified newborn photographer, your baby's safety and comfort are always my highest priorities. A little preparation can help your session run as smoothly as possible.

Before your session

 

🀍 Newborn sessions are typically scheduled within the first 7–21 days after birth and generally last 1–3 hours. Every baby is different, and I always allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and cuddles as needed.

🀍 If parents and siblings will be included, family portraits are completed at the beginning of the session. Because newborn sessions can be lengthy, siblings are welcome to participate in their portion of the session and then head home afterward if preferred.

🀍 If your baby is being circumcised, please let me know when scheduling so we can allow appropriate healing time before the session.

🀍 If possible, try to keep baby awake for about an hour before arriving. A bath, diaper change, or some extra interaction can help keep baby alert before the session. If you have a longer drive, I also encourage you to gently interact with baby during the car ride to help them stay awake. A sleepy baby often settles more easily into posing once the session begins.

🀍 Please plan to give baby a full feeding immediately before the session begins or upon arrival. A full tummy helps baby settle comfortably into poses.

 

What to Bring

 

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🀍 Dress baby in a loose-fitting sleeper that zips or snaps down the front. This helps prevent marks on their skin and makes transitions easier.

🀍 Bring extra bottles if bottle-feeding, along with any supplies you may need during the session.

🀍 A pacifier is highly encouraged, even if baby doesn't use one regularly. It is only used briefly when needed to help keep baby settled and will not interfere with feeding.

🀍 Feel free to bring any meaningful heirlooms or special items you'd like incorporated into your images.

🀍 Please bring a fully stocked diaper bag with any feeding supplies, diapers, wipes, or comfort items you may need during the session.

 

For Parents & Siblings

 

🀍 Neutral, timeless colors photograph beautifully. Creams, beiges, soft grays, earth tones, and muted colors are always great choices.

🀍 Avoid bright colors, large logos, and busy patterns, as they can draw attention away from your baby.

🀍 The studio is kept quite warm for baby's comfort and safety, so I recommend dressing in layers to stay comfortable throughout the session.

 

What to Expect

 

Newborn sessions are completely baby-led. Some babies sleep deeply for the entire session, while others prefer extra cuddles, feeding breaks, or soothing time. Both are completely normal.


The studio is kept warm for baby's comfort, and we will take as many breaks as needed for feeding, diaper changes, and snuggles.


And one more thing, babies pee, poop, and spit up during newborn sessions all the time. It is completely expected, so please don't worry if it happens during your session.

 

Safety First

 

Your baby's safety and comfort will always be my highest priority.


As an APNPI-certified newborn photographer, I have completed specialized newborn safety and posing education and continue to invest in ongoing training. Every pose is done with your baby's comfort and well-being in mind.


If a pose is not safe or comfortable for your baby, I simply will not do it. Some images may be created using composite techniques, meaning multiple images are combined during editing to ensure baby remains fully supported and safe at all times.


All wraps, blankets, props, and posing surfaces are cleaned and sanitized between sessions, and your baby is never left unattended.


A beautiful image is never worth compromising your baby's safety.

 

Relax & Enjoy

 

Many parents worry about whether their baby will sleep, cry, or cooperate. Please don't stress! Newborn sessions are completely baby-led, and your baby's comfort and safety are always my highest priorities. The best thing you can do is arrive, relax, and let me take care of the rest.

I can't wait to meet your little one and preserve these fleeting moments for your family.

 

One Last Thing...

 

I know these first days can feel like a blur. You're adjusting to a new routine, learning your baby, and doing your best to soak in every moment.

As overwhelming as it may feel right now, these tiny details the sleepy stretches, fuzzy shoulders, tiny fingers, and the way they fit perfectly in your arms will change faster than you can imagine.

So take a deep breath.

Don't worry about whether baby will sleep perfectly or whether everything will go exactly as planned. My goal is to create a calm, relaxed experience where you can simply enjoy your family while I preserve these memories for you.

Because the version of them you have today will be gone before you're ready.

I can't wait to meet your little one and tell the beginning of your family's newest chapter. 🀍

Remember, there is no such thing as a perfect newborn session. My goal isn't perfectionβ€”it's preserving this season of life exactly as it is.

 

I can't wait to hear from you

 

Say hello. Let's work together!

 

Contact me