Preparing for your newborn session
Congratulations on your new baby. I am so excited you are here and so honored you’ve trusted me with this season. Whether your session is in your home or in the studio, this guide will walk you through what to expect and how to feel prepared without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re still pregnant and reading ahead, gold star for planning. Your future sleep deprived self will thank you.
Timing is important
Newborn sessions are best scheduled within the first two weeks after birth. This is when babies are naturally sleepier, curl up easily, and give us those sweet scrunchy moments everyone loves.
When you book, I pencil you in based on your due date. Once your baby arrives, you’ll send me a quick text or email and we’ll choose the exact session date together. This way you don’t have to stress about rescheduling or availability while you’re recovering and soaking in those first days.
If your baby is already here and you didn’t book ahead, reach out anyway. I’ll always do my best to fit you in.
What your session will look like
You’ve already chosen whether your session will be an in home lifestyle session or a studio newborn session. Both are designed to feel calm, baby led, and unrushed, just with a different setting.
- In-home sessions are cozy, real, and relaxed. Think feeding, snuggling, rocking, little moments that feel like your everyday life right now. We'll capture moments in your home but keep the focus on your sweet little family.
- Studio sessions offer a clean, bright, timeless look. Think soft light and a simple blank canvas that keeps all the focus on your baby. I provide everything needed for the session, and all posing is done gently with your baby’s comfort and safety as the top priority.
Preparing your space
For in-home sessions:
- Aim to keep your home around 75 to 78 degrees so your baby stays comfortable, or have a small space heater nearby if needed.
- A little tidying helps images feel calm and timeless, but please hear this clearly: You do not need a perfectly clean or tidy house. I know you’re tired. I typically photograph in the primary bedroom, nursery, and living room, and I’ll naturally move small distractions as I shoot. You do not need to deep clean or stress.
If your session is in the studio, you can skip this entire step. Just show up, breathe, and let me take care of the rest.
Wardrobe tips
You never have to figure wardrobe out on your own. I am always happy to help and will gladly send specific outfit suggestions for your whole family. Reach out anytime.
- Start with mom’s outfit first. Flowy, comfortable dresses with a soft waistline photograph beautifully and feel good postpartum. If dresses aren’t your thing, maternity or postpartum pants with a loose blouse are a great option. Soft fabrics that move well and make you feel confident are always the goal.
- Once mom’s outfit is set, build everyone else around it. Soft neutrals like creams, blush, soft blues, and greens photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby. Avoid bright colors and busy patterns that pull attention away.
- Siblings should coordinate without matching exactly. Stick to a similar color palette and mix tones and subtle textures so everyone looks cohesive but still themselves.
- For baby, please start the session with them dressed in a front zip or easy to remove outfit. I always begin with baby in just a diaper, then move into swaddling for the rest of the session so they stay cozy, calm, and comfortable. I bring a couple of neutral swaddles to every session, but if you have any special outfits, bows, or meaningful blankets you’d like to include, keep them nearby and we can absolutely use them. Simple, tight fitting outfits photograph beautifully and really highlight just how teeny your little one is. A plain white onesie is always a classic, timeless choice.
Pro tip. For diaper only images, plain white diapers (like these) photograph best. Though for the record, I was absolutely a Huggies mom myself.
Siblings & Pets
Siblings are adjusting to a big change, and I always follow their lead. Some want to cuddle immediately, some need time to warm up, and some prefer to observe from a distance. All of that is completely normal!
I have a few tricks up my sleeve to get genuine smiles and natural interactions, whether that’s a game, a question, or something a little silly. The goal is always to keep things relaxed and positive so their personalities shine.
Pets are welcome for in-home sessions as long as they are calm around the baby. High energy pets usually work best for a quick cameo or background moments so the focus stays on your newborn.
Feeding, breaks & Comfort
Babies lead the session. Always. We take breaks whenever your baby needs to feed, cuddle, or reset. There is no need to overfeed in hopes of sleep. Awake babies are just as beautiful, and those curious eyes often end up being favorites.
Helpful items to keep nearby include diapers, wipes, burp cloths, and one or two spare outfits. Babies have impeccable timing and messes happen. It’s completely normal and nothing to stress about. Snacks are also a great idea for tired parents, hungry siblings, and anyone who might need a little motivation mid session.
Relax. Really.
I know these photos matter. And I know you want everything to go perfectly. But the truth is, the most meaningful images come from calm, connection, and being present. Crying, yawning, stretching, and fussing are all part of this season and often become the images families love most.
This guide is here for those who love to plan, and if that’s you, I’ve got you. If you’re more of a we’ll figure it out as we go family, that’s perfect too. My job is to take care of you, guide you through the session, and make this experience feel easy and supported.
You don’t need to worry about a thing. I truly have your back, and I can’t wait to capture this season for you.
I’m Heather Wall, the photographer behind Hello Indy Photography, serving Indianapolis families, expecting moms, and newborns. I love creating bright, joyful, and playful portraits that capture real connection and the happiness of this season of life. My approach is relaxed, personalized, and focused on making your session memorable and fun.
