Here are my 10 top tips for preparing for your Gold Coast Newborn Photoshoot.
1. Choosing your photographer
There are two main styles of Gold Coast newborn photography. A popular option is studio newborn photography, where you travel to the photographer’s studio and they create a very warm environment so that the baby becomes very sleepy and easy to get into those cute little poses. If you are choosing this style, then make sure you do your homework and find a photographer who is experienced and trained in safely posing newborns, because it is extremely involved and requires a lot of expertise. The second main option, and the option that I have chosen to offer my customers, is the baby led or lifestyle approach. This is where the photographer comes to your home and documents whatever is happening, led by the baby’s needs and schedule. Feeding, burping, changing and family cuddles all make for the most precious memories of your newest family member settling in at home. Why did I choose this style of photography? Firstly I think the intimate, natural, relaxed nature of the sessions delivers the most amazing photographs, without the baby or parents feeling stressed or like they need to perform. Secondly, me travelling to your home is so convenient for you, especially if you also have toddlers or older children who might not enjoy spending 3 hours in a photography studio! I believe that nesting close to home in the first month of your baby life is so important not only to your recovery from pregnancy and birth but also to the good establishment of breastfeeding. Some people worry about having to get the house ready for the newborn photoshoot – don’t worry – I have a no cleaning required approach and I will shoot around the clutter!
2. Safety First
Absolutely the most important point on this list. Newborns are the most precious, delicate little things and no risks should be taken when it comes to their safety. When choosing a photographer, ask them if they are accredited with the AIPP, are they insured, do they have a registered business, when was the last time they had a whooping cough vaccination? If they pose newborns, are they experienced and have they studied newborn safety?
3. Styling for New Mums
If there is one question I get asked with every woman I photograph, it is something to do with clothes! When you have just had a baby, there is a good chance that you will still be wearing your maternity clothes and fitting into your pre pregnancy jeans is still a way off. I think I lived in lounge pants and nursing singlets for the first month as a new mum, but for your newborn session it definitely helps to feel your best. I personally feel that neutral tones work really well as this puts more focus on the baby. Make sure you are comfortable and are dressed in something that you feel is flattering. Personally I feel like a long dress in a solid colour or lightly patterned works beautifully but work with what you feel best in. I remember feeling really puffy still after having my son and a nice cardigan thrown over whatever I was wearing really helped my confidence levels! Gingham and Heels sell some absolutely beautiful maxi dresses that would be perfect for a Gold Coast Newborn Photography session – many of them are breastfeeding friendly too!
5. Hair & Make-Up
Believe me, hair and make-up will be the last thing that you think about as a new mum – I think the mum bun was my go-to style for about 4 months when I was on maternity leave! However, it is worth giving some thought now to what look you would like to go for in your newborn photographs. My relaxed, natural style of Gold Coast newborn photography means that you don’t have to go overboard with styling if you don’t want to – it is really up to you. Also, because I come to your home for the session, it means you can spend more time getting yourself ready and less time trying to get a newborn ready to leave the house and travelling to a studio. Some of my clients choose to treat this as their first postpartum pampering experience and get a hair and make-up artist to come and make them look and feel amazing – in fact I highly recommend that you let daddy play with the baby for an hour while you relax!
5. Styling for New Dads
Make sure dad has a grooming session as well, a shower and shave can do wonders for a tired dad too! In terms of clothes, a shirt in a complimentary colour to whatever mum chooses is best. Button up shirts, polos or smart T shirts are all absolutely fine, but avoid loud patterns or logos. Remember that these images will be treasured for a lifetime so you don’t want them to appear dated. Think classic! Below are some examples of dads who totally nailed their photography styling. Also, the dads section of this article about what to wear for a family photoshoot is totally relevant for a Gold Coast Newborn Photography session too.
6. Get baby nice and sleepy
Although my baby led style of newborn photography works whether the baby is sleepy or wide awake and ready to party, it is preferable for them to be sleepy and ready for a nap. This is why I recommend keeping them up for around an hour before the session if possible. That way you can give them a feed when I arrive and they will fall into a blissful slumber while we take our beautiful photographs.
7. Feed, feed, feed
If there is something that newborn babies like to do a lot, it is feed! Especially if you are breastfeeding, it can feel like you always have a baby attached to you! The most important thing during a session is that the baby has as many feeds as they want – my Gold Cost Newborn Photography sessions usually last for around 2 hours so that we can take it at the baby’s pace. Often I keep shooting through these times and get some beautiful photographs of you feeding your new bub.
8. Include any sentimental items
Perhaps you have your grandmother’s heirloom baby blanket, or perhaps you have other sentimental keepsakes that you would like to be included in the photographs. Parents who have experienced pregnancy loss often want to commemorate that in some way too during the newborn session. I am so happy to accomodate any requests – please just ask. 
9. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
There is no such thing as a stupid question! I think we have all dealt with companies where they assume that we know what the process of working with them is and we feel like we can’t ask questions. I welcome as many questions as you want to throw at me, as I understand that many people have not been professionally photographed before, or may be used to the way that a different photographer works. My challenge to you is to try and ask me a question that nobody has ever asked me before – I bet you can’t!
10. Relax and enjoy your session
The beauty of my lifestyle Gold Coast newborn photography sessions is that they are designed to be relaxed and enjoyable for mum, dad and baby. Regardless of your choice of photographer though, one of the most important things you can do is to relax, enjoy the session and don’t feel stressed out if your baby doesn’t “perform”. Some baby want to be held by mum all the time (mine was like this for the first 4 months) and others want to be wrapped up in layers of clothes and scream the house down if you try to strip them off. A good experienced photographer will ultimately be able to work with whatever situation is thrown at them by your little squish. If your stress levels start to rise, the baby will pick up on it and matters will get a lot worse – they may be little but they are very perceptive to emotions.
Feel free to reach out and speak to me via phone any time with any questions – my number is 0498 173 132 and I’m happy to shout you a coffee too if you would like to meet in person.
0 Comments