Newborn Advice: 3 basics for every newborn session

Wraps: You can purchase scarves or pashminas at a number of local retailers. Wrapping a newborn is a great way to start a session, as it tends to be comfortable, warm and provides them with a sense of security, which will lull them to sleep. I tend to find that all newborns begin a photo session wide awake.  Maybe it is the excitment or apprehension they feel emanating from their parent(s) or maybe it is the introduction of a new character in their life as they have seen so few faces, generally, at this point. Irregardless of the reason, wrapping a newborn is also a great way to ensure that they do not squirm or move around too much, it also serves as a great alternative to the classic birthday suit poses that you are sure to get.

Blankets: Blankets and cloth look amazing in newborn photos. A wide assortment of patterns can be found at fabric stores such as Jo anne fabrics or Hancocks. Make sure that the fabrics are soft to the touch, and never place a baby on a blanket or fabric that is rough. I also recommend choosing fabrics/blankets that are easy to wash, a newborns skin is very sensitive wash all materials in a hypoallergenic fabric cleaner before using for a photo shoot. Some of my favorite blankets are very simple, although plain textured materials looks stunning on camera. Purchasing fabrics as opposed to blankets can be a little cheaper and afford you a wider variety which I believe make an amazing newborn session.

Hats or Headbands: Cute and colorful hats and headbands add a touch of whimsy to newborn pictures. Instead of the classic bare baby shots, simply by putting a floral headband on your little baby girl you now have a more artistic and interesting image. It is very easy to go overboard when staging a scene, but by utilizing this simple prop with a complimentary backdrop the affect is a timeless image that captures the innocence of your baby boy or girl.

Although photographing a newborn is not always easy, being able to get that amazing shot is always worth the time and effort that you put in. Remember they won't be this little forever, dress them up, have their picture taken and most importantly dote on them while you still can!