Preparing for your Newborn ShooT
Congratulations on your new arrival!
Welcoming a new baby into the world is one of life's most precious moments, and we're honoured to help you capture these memories. This guide will help you prepare for your newborn session so you can relax and enjoy the experience while we create beautiful photographs you'll treasure for years to come.
Before Your Session
Feed Baby Before You Arrive
A full tummy often helps babies settle into a deep sleep. If possible, try to feed your baby just before leaving home or once you arrive at the studio.
Don't worry if your baby needs feeding during the session, we'll allow plenty of time for cuddles, feeds and comfort breaks.
Dress Baby in Simple Clothing
Loose-fitting clothing with poppers or zip-up sleepsuits are ideal, as they're easy to remove without disturbing your sleeping baby.
Try to avoid tight socks or clothing that may leave marks on their skin before the session.
Keep Baby Awake Before the Session (If You Can)
If possible, try to keep your baby awake for an hour before arriving. This isn't essential, but it can sometimes help them settle into a deeper sleep during the session.
What to Bring
Extra nappies
Bottles (if bottle feeding)
Muslins or burp cloths
Dummy (even if only used occasionally)
Spare outfit
Any sentimental items you'd like included
Relax & Enjoy the Experience
Newborn sessions are completely baby-led. There is no rush. We allow plenty of time for feeding, changing, cuddles and settling. Some babies sleep throughout the session, while others prefer to stay awake—and that's perfectly okay. Our priority is always your baby's comfort and safety.
The most common question is “what do I wear?”
While every family is unique, here are some general guidelines to help you look your best:
Avoid Logos and Bold Patterns:
Large logos, graphics and bold patterns, such as wide stripes, zigzags or busy prints, can distract from what matters most – your family's faces and connection. Simple, timeless clothing allows the focus to remain on you rather than your outfits.
This doesn't mean you can't wear patterns. Smaller, subtle prints and textured fabrics photograph beautifully and add interest without overwhelming the image.
Coordinate Your Outfits
Focus on matching as a family.
Rather than everyone wearing exactly the same outfit, you choose colours that complement each other. Different shades of the same colour or a palette of 3–4 coordinating colours work beautifully together. This creates a cohesive look while still allowing everyone's individual style to shine through.
Light or Dark Tones
Focus on balance and contrast.
Once you've chosen your colour palette, try to keep everyone in either lighter or darker tones. For example, if most of the family is wearing darker colours and one person is dressed in bright white, that person will naturally draw more attention in the photographs. Keeping your outfits balanced helps ensure the focus stays on your family's faces and connection rather than on one particular outfit.
Plan Ahead:
Lay out everyone's outfits a few days before your session to see how they look together. This gives you time to make any changes if needed and helps avoid last-minute stress on the day. Taking a quick photo of the outfits laid out side by side can also make it easier to spot if any colours or styles don't quite work together.
Ideas and Personalising your Experience
We want your newborn photography session to feel as personal and meaningful as possible. If there are any particular photographs you'd love to recreate or ideas you've seen online, we'd love to hear them. Feel free to browse Expose Photography's Facebook or Instagram pages and save any images that inspire you, as they can help us understand the style and feel you're looking for.
Before your session, we'll take the time to get to know you and your family so we can plan a shoot that's perfect for you. Whether you love simple, timeless portraits or want to include special family moments with parents and siblings, we'll tailor the session to reflect your family's story.
You're welcome to bring along any sentimental items you'd like to include, such as a special blanket, knitted outfit, teddy bear, heirloom or personalised keepsake. If you have a particular colour palette or style in mind, just let us know and we'll do our best to incorporate it into your session.
We'd also encourage parents and siblings to be part of the photographs. These images often become the most treasured, capturing not only how tiny your baby was, but the love and connection your family shared during those precious first weeks together.
Cream Background
The cream backdrop has a soft, warm tone that adds a cosy, comfortable vibe to your photos. It’s a gentle, neutral background that really flatters skin tones and brings a nice warmth to the images.
It works for all sorts of sessions, and while it looks great with most colours, I especially recommend neutral or pastel outfits to complement the backdrop.
It’s perfect for creating that intimate, relaxed feel or highlighting soft, delicate tones in your outfits.
Black Background
The black (or deep blue) backdrop brings a gorgeous, dramatic touch to your photos. It adds real depth and intensity, creating a stunning contrast that makes light-coloured outfits and subjects really stand out.
It’s an amazing choice for formal, elegant sessions or if you’re looking for something a bit more artistic and creative.
Perfect for when you want to highlight light or neutral-coloured outfits and create a striking look.
White background
The white backdrop gives you that clean, timeless look that always feels fresh.
It’s a simple, neutral background that really puts the focus on you and your loved ones.
It works beautifully for all kinds of sessions. From Family portraits, children's photography, or even pet portraits. Plus, it goes with any outfit and style, making it super versatile.
It’s perfect if you’re after something modern and minimalist, want to make vibrant outfits pop, or just love that polished, professional feel.
Before your session, your photographer will give you a quick call to chat through the final details, answer any last-minute questions, and make sure you're feeling relaxed and ready for your family photos.
We Can't Wait to Meet You!
Thank you for taking the time to read through your preparation guide.
A little planning goes a long way in helping us create beautiful, natural photographs that you'll treasure for years to come.
Most importantly, come ready to relax, have fun, and enjoy spending time together. The best photographs are created when you're simply being yourselves.
We can't wait to capture your family's story.