Planning a newborn photo session? Here are our five most frequently asked questions—and tips for your newborn photo session. Get ready for the cutest pictures ever!

Baby Liam in BnW

1. What Should Baby Wear?

Unless there is a sentimental or special outfit, don’t worry about how baby is dressed. A simple onesie or diaper (if you want those cute naked baby shots) will do just fine. We have a variety of diaper covers, wraps, baskets and other props we can utilize throughout the shoot. Make sure to keep the diaper loose prior to the session to avoid lines or red marks on the skin. Also, avoid socks which can also often leave marks on the skin.

2. We’re Shooting in the House. How Should I Prepare Before You Arrive?

Turn off the AC and any fans, and let the room get warm. Babies hate cold, especially when they’re naked! Also, turn off the TV, radio or any other distracting devices so we can focus, and the environment will remain calm and peaceful for baby. Turn off lights!

3. What Props Should I Have on Hand?

If your session is in your home a Boppy is a great tool to have on-hand for sessions, as is a cushy blanket or two so the set can be comfy. Other props can be added. Check out our portfolio for other newborn images and see what other parents are using! If you see something you like, let us know and we’ll be sure to coordinate it ahead of time. And if you don’t see what you had in mind prop-wise, let us know, too. We work with a number of amazing vendors and can source just about anything!

4. How Should I Prep Baby?

One of the most helpful things you can do is to feed baby 2 hours before their session, then play with them and keep them awake until their session starts. When I arrive we will make sure his/her belly is full and babe can take a nice long nap while we pose and play. Look at other newborn photos, and you’ll likely see sleeping newborns in most of the shots. That’s because while they’re sleeping, they naturally fall into the best poses—and that means adorable photos! Their eyes will definitely open throughout the shoot, so we can capture those “waking” moments, too. Have a paci on hand!

5. Anything Else I Need to Know?

While we will never leave baby unattended or in a precarious pose or prop, we do ask that you stay near your baby with a hand on or near him/her at all times. If you’re not able to do so please bring along someone who can! There are additional charges to add members of the family, so please let us know in advance so we can prepare and provide you with an accurate quote and time frame.

Nicole Hollenkamp is a custom portrait photographer in Milaca, Minnesota specializing in maternity, newborn, birth, and milk bath photography. Serving the Northern Twin Cities area, including (but not limited to) Anoka, Becker, Big Lake, Bock, Clearwater, Elk River, Foley, Foreston, Garrison, Gilman, Glendorado, Isle, Maple Grove, Milaca, Monticello, Oak Park, Ogilvie, Onamia, Otsego, Princeton, Rice, Rogers, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, St Cloud, St. Joseph, Waite Park, Watab, Zimmerman  and More.

www.bynicoleann.com

Nicole Hollenkamp

Nicole Hollenkamp is a Portrait and Wedding photographer that has been serving Minnesota for over 10 years. She specializes in Newborn and Maternity Photography and Mentors other photographers in Business and Photography. Nicole is a mother to 5 kiddos, she homeschools and homesteads. She lives on a little farm filled with goats, chickens, ducks, guineas, dogs and cats. She often has farm fresh eggs, goats milk and goat milk products, and even goats for sale. You can follow their little farm here.