Newborn Photography Prep List: Richmond Family Photographer

Congratulations on your new arrival! As you prepare for your newborn’s first professional photo session, it helps to know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. This newborn photography prep list will ensure you have everything ready for a smooth, stress-free 1-hour lifestyle experience—30-40 images—in your in-home setting or my downtown Richmond studio with a bed and couch.

Newborn Photography Prep List Timing

First and foremost, timing is crucial. The ideal window for newborn photography is within the first two weeks after birth, when babies are sleepiest and perfect for natural shots—though my lifestyle approach allows flexibility up to 4 weeks. Contact me during your pregnancy to get on my calendar, then text once baby arrives to confirm.

Newborn Photography Prep List Items

Packing the right items makes a huge difference in how your session flows. Here’s your newborn photography prep list:

• Extra diapers and wipes (more than you think you’ll need!)
• Pacifier (even if you don’t typically use one)
• Extra formula or expressed milk if bottle feeding
• Burp cloths for inevitable little messes
• Comfort items that help soothe your baby
• Change of clothes for parents (spit-up happens!)

If there are special items you’d like incorporated—perhaps a family heirloom blanket or a meaningful stuffed animal—bring those along too. These personal touches make your images even more special.

Preparing Your Baby

On the day of your session, try to keep baby awake for 1-2 hours beforehand if possible. This might sound counterintuitive, but a tired baby will sleep more deeply during the session, easing our capture of solo shots, family together, or siblings if desired.

Dress your little one in loose-fitting, front-buttoning clothes to avoid disturbing them too much when changing—perfect for my cozy bed or couch setups. Skip tight elastic bands that might leave marks on their delicate skin.

What to Expect During Your Session

Your newborn photography prep list should include understanding the session flow. Newborn sessions typically last 1 hour since my lifestyle focus doesn’t need heavy posing. This is just enough time for feeding, changing, and soothing baby naturally.

My studio—or your in-home space—will be kept very warm (around 80 degrees) to keep your newborn comfortable during photography. Dress in layers you can remove if you get too warm.

Remember that crying is totally normal and expected! I build in time for feeding and comforting breaks—those moments often lead to beautiful candid images of you nurturing your little one.

After Your Session

About two weeks after your session, you’ll receive your online gallery of 30-40 beautifully edited images. Full of solo baby shots, and family shots if desired. Take your time selecting your favorites for prints, albums, or digital files.

Many families choose to display their newborn images in the nursery or family living areas. Consider a wall gallery or heirloom album to showcase these precious first portraits.

Following this newborn photography prep list will help ensure your session goes smoothly, resulting in beautiful images that capture this fleeting time in your baby’s life.

Find inspiration with our maternity photo outfit ideas in this post!
If you’re looking for a studio in the Richmond area for your newborn, family, maternity or other type of session, check out The Studio on Broad!