How to Prepare Your Newborn for Their First Photo Session
Tips from a Professional Newborn Photographer Serving Vancouver & Surrounding Areas
Welcoming a new baby into your life is one of the most beautiful and emotional moments a family can experience. As a Vancouver-based newborn photographer, I know just how important it is to capture these fleeting early days. Whether you are in North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, or any nearby suburb, here's how to prepare for your newborn’s first photo session and ensure a smooth, memorable experience.
1. Schedule the Session Within the First 2 Weeks
For the best results, newborn photography sessions are ideally done within the first 5 to 14 days of life. Babies are still very sleepy and curl easily into those adorable poses during this time. If you're in Vancouver or surrounding cities like Coquitlam or West Vancouver, try to book early during your third trimester.
Tip: Don’t worry if your baby arrives earlier or later than expected—I always leave room in my schedule for flexibility.
2. Keep Baby Awake Before the Session
To get those peaceful, sleepy poses, it helps if baby is awake for 30–60 minutes before the session. A bit of awake time, plus a full feed right before the shoot, can make a huge difference in settling baby once we begin.
3. Feed Baby Right Before We Start
A well-fed baby is a happy baby! Plan a full feeding just before the shoot begins, whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding. If you're coming from areas like Surrey or Langley and it’s a bit of a drive, feeding once you arrive works perfectly.
4. Dress Baby in Easy-to-Remove Clothing
To avoid disturbing your sleeping newborn, dress them in a loose onesie or zip-up sleeper—no onesies with tight necks or buttons, if possible. This makes it easier to transition into wraps or props without waking them.
5. Keep the Environment Warm and Calm
Newborns are used to the cozy warmth of the womb. I keep the newborn studio warm (usually around 25°C) but there is a lovely waiting area where you can comfortably watch everything I am doing while you enjoy a coffee or tea! If we’re doing an in-home session in Vancouver or a nearby suburb like Port Moody or Maple Ridge, I’ll guide you on how to prep your space.
Pro tip: I will have a white noise machine to help keep baby soothed throughout the session.
6. Bring Sentimental Items, but please let me know you are ahead of time.
If you have a special blanket, heirloom toy, or meaningful item you’d like included in the photos, please let us know ahead of time so we can plan and incorporate them into the session properly. We will need to know the size and colouring specifically please.
7. What Parents Should Wear
Keep it simple and neutral—think soft creams, beige, greys, or pastels. These colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby. Coordinating your outfits helps if you plan to be in a few of the images to.
Serving Families Across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
Whether you are in North Vancouver (where our studio is located) Vancouver, Burnaby or Richmond, I’m here to help you capture your little one’s first days in a stress-free, loving environment.
Ready to book your newborn session? I offer in-studio and in-home newborn photography across Greater Vancouver. In home sessions do include an additional fee.
👉 Contact Me today (anita@markyourmoments.ca) or book through our website - www.markyourmoments.ca