Yay! You have decided to schedule a Newborn Session! Welcoming your baby into the world is one of life’s most precious moments, and documenting those early days ensures you’ll have timeless portraits to cherish forever. To make sure your session is easy and enjoyable, I’ve created this guide to help you prepare for your Raleigh newborn session with confidence.
Whether this is your first baby or you’re adding to your growing family, these tips will ensure a smooth experience for both you and your little one. Newborn photography is about more than just images—it’s about preserving the tiny details, soft expressions, and love-filled moments that pass far too quickly. As your newborn photographer, my goal is to ensure you feel comfortable, confident, and relaxed throughout this session.
This guide contains everything you need to know to prepare for your Raleigh newborn session and make the most of our time together and help me create the photos you’re dreaming of. It also answers most of my clients’ questions about what happens next: selecting an outfit, what to know for the day of your session, after your session, etc. If you have a question that isn’t covered in this guide, please email me. I’m happy to answer anything. I promise, NOTHING will surprise me and there likely won’t be a scenario that I haven’t come across already.
If your Newborn session is taking place inside of your home instead of the studio, preparation will be slightly different. All details will be shared within the emails leading up to the day of your session!
So without further ado… let’s start to prepare for your Raleigh newborn session!
When to Schedule Your Raleigh Newborn Session
Typically, when you book your newborn session I will schedule you on your due date. Since babies arrive early and late (whenever they decide!), we’ll set an exact date once they are here. If youre hopeful for those sleepy, curled up images, we should schedule when they are between 5 and 14 days old. I have found that babies older than 2 weeks tend to be more alert and more prone to baby acne (which is totally normal!).
If your baby is older than two weeks, don’t worry! While the classic sleepy newborn poses may not be possible, we can still capture beautiful, heartfelt images of your baby in a more natural and interactive way.
Step One: What to Wear for Your Newborn Session
Choosing the right outfit plays a huge role in how your portraits turn out. For newborn portraits, simple and timeless attire works best. I recommend classic pieces in white, neutral, or soft tones. Access to my client wardrobe is included with your session. Here you’ll find a selection of beautifully curated postpartum flattering outfits designed specifically for these special portraits.
Avoid busy patterns, logos, or bright colors, as they can distract from the simplicity and elegance of the portrait. When selecting outfits, you want to think of how you are going to display your photos. Where will you hang them? If you have colors you incorporate often into your home, be sure to select outfits that will compliment your space.
For Baby:
I provide everything needed for your baby, including soft, neutral wraps, delicate headbands, and timeless outfit options. However, if you have a sentimental blanket or outfit, feel free to bring it! I love a simple swaddle, or knit outfit that leaves all of the attention on baby.
Tips for what should parents and siblings should wear for your Raleigh newborn session:
- Flowy Dresses or tops for Mom: Choose something comfortable yet elegant to enhance the warmth and intimacy of the session.
- Neutral & Earthy Tones: Soft neutrals, pastels, and warm earthy tones photograph beautifully in natural light and create a classic look.
- Simple & Elegant Pieces: Avoid bold patterns, logos, or bright colors that may take attention away from you.
- Client Wardrobe: I offer a carefully curated client wardrobe from flowing dresses for moms to classic shirts for dads and sweet outfits for siblings, everything you need is available to ensure your portraits are cohesive and elegant!
- Including your family members: I recommend coordinating outfits with neutral and simple color palettes. Soft earth tones, whites, and pastels photograph beautifully and allow the connection between your family to be the focus.
Outfit Inspiration For Mom
Outfit Inspiration For The Family
Step Two: The Days Leading up to your Raleigh Newborn Session
Taking a little time for self-care to prepare for your Raleigh newborn session can make all the difference. One of the simplest ways is by staying hydrated and moisturizing in the days leading up to your photoshoot.
Since your hands will often be featured in close-up baby shots, I recommend neutral or bare nails to maintain a timeless and elegant look. Soft, natural tones like nude, light pink, or a classic French manicure photograph beautifully and keep the focus on the connection between you and your baby.
Many moms-to-be also choose to pamper themselves with professional hair and makeup before their newborn session. Having your hair styled and makeup professionally done not only enhances your features on camera but also gives you an extra confidence boost. I would be happy to set up hair and makeup services with one of my trusted artists, or you can schedule an appointment with any that you prefer. A soft, natural makeup look and lightly styled waves is a popular request among clients.
Remember to make hair appointment for those who need it. Whether that’s highlights or root retouch for mom or haircuts for dad/siblings.
What to Bring for Your Raleigh Newborn Session
My studio is fully equipped with everything you need for baby—wraps, blankets, props, and backdrops. Here’s all you need to bring:
- A pacifier (even if your baby doesn’t typically use one, it can help soothe them during the session).
- Diapers and wipes. I have plenty of size 1 pampers if you use them.
- A change of clothes for baby (just in case).
- Nude undergarments for mom.
- Pants for Dad. I have sweaters and henleys for Dad but always recommend khakis or neutral colored chino’s. Jeans can work too depending on the look we are going for.
- Most people choose to go barefoot in my studio for a relaxed look but if you prefer to wear shoes, I suggest no sneakers, slides, or flip flops. Reach out ahead of time if you need help coordinating this!
For nursing moms, feeding your baby just before the session helps keep them calm and sleepy. Otherwise, be sure to bring a bottle along as baby will likely need to eat at some point during the session. We will follow their lead!
Step Three: The Day of Your Raleigh Newborn Session
As a former labor and delivery nurse with over a decade of experience, I bring a unique set of skills to my newborn photography sessions. Your baby’s safety is always my top priority. Every pose, prop, and adjustment is done with care to ensure your baby is comfortable and secure at all times. You can trust that your little one is in expert hands.
Our Location: Williamsburg Commons, 3708 Benson Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609
Things to Note:
- please arrive 5-10 minutes before your session time to allow for dressing, feeding, and changing if necessary. I always advise to bring outfits on a hanger to avoid wrinkling or stains on the way in.
- if there are special sentimental items you’d like to include, be sure to bring them with you. This could be ultrasound photos, baby shoes, a family heirloom piece, etc.
- if you are getting ready at home, be sure to bring a touch-up essentials kit (or your entire make-up bag), including lip gloss, a brush, light powder, etc. Anything that could help with quick touch-ups during your session if needed.
Once everyone is ready to go, I’ll take over. All you need to do is relax and enjoy this special time.
Your New Baby is My Number One Priority
Your Raleigh newborn session is designed to be a relaxed and comfortable experience. Sessions typically last 1.5-2 hours to allow plenty of time for soothing, feeding, and capturing a variety of poses. Here’s what you can expect:
- A Calm, Cozy Environment: My studio is kept warm and quiet to ensure your baby stays comfortable and relaxed.
- Gentle Posing: I use soft wraps, blankets, and natural posing techniques to safely position your baby in beautiful, timeless portraits.
- An (almost) Stress-Free Experience: Because let be real, family photos and adjusting to life after having a baby can rarely be described as stress free. However, my goal is to take care of everything—from outfits, to setups, to soothing techniques and gentle posing—so you can sit back and enjoy the session.
Newborn sessions move at your baby’s pace, allowing plenty of time for cuddles, feeding breaks, and diaper changes when needed.
Including Parents & Siblings
Newborn portraits of course, are about celebrating the new life of baby—but they are about capturing the deep love, excitement, and anticipation that surrounds your growing family. Including both parents or siblings in your Raleigh newborn session can make the experience even more meaningful, creating images that tell the full story of this special chapter in their life.
If older siblings are joining the session, making the experience fun and engaging is key to capturing their most natural smiles and interactions. Bringing a small snack, a favorite toy, or a comfort item can help keep little ones happy and involved throughout the session. I create a relaxed, playful atmosphere so that children feel comfortable, ensuring we capture those sweet, candid moments that reflect their genuine excitement about welcoming a new sibling.
During the session, I’ll guide you through natural and heartfelt poses. Whether it’s a tender embrace with your spouse, an older sibling placing their hands on baby, or a quiet moment of reflection, I’ll ensure that every pose feels authentic and meaningful. My goal is to document the deep bond and joy that comes with growing your family, preserving these moments in a way that you’ll cherish for generations to come.
Step Four: After Your Raleigh Newborn Session
Within 2 weeks of your session, you will receive an email with a link to a proofing gallery with lightly edited images. You will have 3 days to choose a package and complete your payment. From there, the final edits will be applied and final high resolution digital files shared within 2 weeks.
Choose Your Products
Now for the fun part… lets put these beautiful portraits on display! I love to help you choose artwork for your home or gifts for your loved ones. Your newborn portraits are more than just photos—they’re timeless keepsakes that deserve to be displayed and cherished.
I offer museum grade custom-framed artwork, heirloom albums, and fine art prints so you can enjoy your images every day. Imagine walking past a beautifully framed portrait in your home or flipping through an album with your little one as they grow—it’s a gift for both you and your child.
One day, your child will walk into their own home and see this same portrait hanging on their wall—a tangible reminder of their first moments and the love that surrounds them.
Some fan favorites are the fine art albums, framed and matted deckled edge prints, and printed proof sets in display boxes.
Fine Art Albums
Deckled Edge
Matted Print
Printed Proof Set
I hope this have covered any question you may have!
As always, please contact me with any questions you may have as you prepare for your Raleigh Newborn Session. I am looking forward to seeing you soon.
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