Stepping into parenthood is an incredible journey filled with anticipation, joy, and a bit of uncertainty, especially for first-time parents. As a newborn photographer based in Richmond, Virginia, I understand the importance of creating a comfortable and memorable experience during this precious time! Following a breathtaking maternity session at Maymont, I had the pleasure of photographing this family’s beautiful baby girl in their home. If you’re planning your first newborn session, here’s how I prepare and support first-time parents for their newborn session, so that every moment is cherished and captured with care. My goal is to help families feel confident and at ease, ready to document these early memories!

Preparing for Success

A few months before the session, I schedule a phone call with moms to discuss the flow of the morning and address any questions or concerns they may have. I send out a detailed questionnaire to learn more about my clients’ preferences and expectations for their newborn’s portraits. This helps me tailor the session to their desires and ensures we’re all on the same page.

Timing and Preparation

While I aim for sessions ideally within the first 14 days after birth, I understand that every family’s circumstances are different. Whether it’s the first couple of weeks or a few months later, the most important thing is that parents feel prepared and ready! I encourage families to think about the time of day and which rooms we’ll be using, asking for photos of these spaces in advance to assess lighting conditions. This preparation helps me plan my approach, whether I rely on natural light or need to incorporate different artificial lighting techniques.

Feeding and Comfort

My goal is to coincide with or just after a feeding session. For exclusively breastfed babies, I prioritize allowing ample time for feeding without rush. For families using bottles or a combination, I recommend having extra bottles ready to keep baby content during the session. These moments also provide opportunities to capture intimate portraits of mothers nursing their newborns or offering a bottle, both ways celebrate the bond they share.

Embracing the In-Home Experience

One of the beauties of in-home sessions is flexibility and comfort. We build in time for diaper changes, extra cuddles, and soothing, all while creating a relaxed atmosphere where we can capture both planned and spontaneous moments. Whether it’s a sleepy baby in a basket or quiet moments between feeds, so many moments become an opportunity to document the natural beauty within your family.

How I prepare and support first-time parents for their newborn session is more than just about logistics. My goal is that parents feel supported and relaxed throughout the process. If you’re expecting and considering a newborn session, I’d love to chat more about how we can capture these precious early moments! Contact me today to start planning your session and preserving memories that will last a lifetime.