10 Tips For a Great Newborn Session | Minnesota Newborn Photographer

Congratulations! If you’re here, it means you’ve recently welcomed, or are about to welcome a tiny new human into your life. Those first days are a whirlwind of cuddles, tiny yawns, and endless diaper changes, and scheduling a newborn photography session in Stillwater, MN can feel a little overwhelming on top of everything else. That’s exactly why I put together this list of 10 tips. To help make your newborn photo session as smooth, relaxed, and stress-free as possible. Whether we’re capturing your baby’s first days in my cozy Stillwater studio or creating a lifestyle session in the comfort of your own home, these steps are designed to help you feel prepared, calm, and ready to enjoy every precious moment - coffee in hand (optional, but highly recommended).

As a mom of two little ones under three, I know firsthand how chaotic mornings can be. Running on little sleep, juggling a newborn, and dealing with surprise blowouts or spit-ups like a pro. It’s a lot, mama! My goal is always to make life easier for families during this special (and sometimes messy) season. And let’s be honest: sh*t happens. Babies cry, plans change, diapers leak…and that’s totally okay! A newborn session doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. These tips are here to help you relax, go with the flow, and embrace the perfectly imperfect moments that make this time so special.

10 Tips for a Great Newborn Photo Session

1. Pack Bags and Clothes the Night Before

Prepare extra outfits for everyone… yes I mean everyone - parents, siblings, and baby. I provide outfits for baby, but bring a few outfits just incase. Be prepared for any surprise spills or spit-ups. Having everything packed and ready the night before will help your morning feel less hectic.

2. Bring Water and Snacks

Sessions can take some time, and a hangry parent or toddler isn’t fun for anyone. I know we all need those snacks! The space also gets pretty warm, so staying hydrated is key. Pack your favorite beverages and snacks so you stay energized and comfortable throughout the shoot. This is especially necessary for those nursing mamas.

3. Trust Your Photographer

You chose me as your newborn photographer for a reason - my style, experience, and ability to handle all the little surprises that come with photographing babies. :) When you trust me, you can truly relax and enjoy the session instead of worrying about every detail. In my Stillwater studio, I’ll guide you through every step, from posing and lighting to soothing your baby if they get fussy. The more comfortable you feel, the more natural and beautiful your images will be. You don’t need to stress about perfection. That’s my job, and I absolutely love it.

4. Feed Baby Right Before the Session

I ask all my mamas to do a full feed about 20 - 30 minutes before a session. A full tummy usually means a sleepy, content baby. There is always room to do another feed (or two or three) or “top off” during my sessions as well.

5. Keep the Room Warm (I know, sorry)

Pack your layers! A warm baby is [usually] a happy baby. If I am shooting at your home, set your thermostat to around 73–75°F (or turn off your AC in the summer time). A cozy environment helps baby stay comfortable and relaxed. If the environment runs cold, I will provide a space heater and a heater for the posing bag.

6. Don’t Stress About Baby’s Mood

It’s totally normal for babies to fuss, need diaper changes, or take breaks to feed - that’s just part of their little rhythm. We follow baby’s lead the entire time, so there’s no need to worry if things don’t go exactly as planned. I’ve photographed countless newborn sessions, each with its own surprises, and they always turn out beautifully. Some of my favorite images have happened in the “in-between” moments; a sleepy yawn, a tender cuddle, or a tiny hand grasping yours.

7. Tidy Up with Help

Ask your partner or a friend to help quickly declutter the main photo areas. Don’t worry about perfection, we’re not shooting for a spread in a home décor magazine. A simple, clean space lets your family and baby shine without distractions. If all else fails, grab a laundry basket, toss in anything that’s lying around, and hide it in a closet! Trust me, I’ve seen it all. From last-minute toy pile shuffles to “where did all the dishes go?” moments. Your home doesn’t need to be spotless; it just needs to feel like you, with the focus right where it belongs: on your new little love.

8. Plan to Arrive Early

If you’re coming to the studio, try to arrive a little early so you can settle in, give baby a very full feed, and take a few deep breaths before we start. Those extra minutes can make a world of difference. It’s like giving yourself a little buffer between “we survived the car ride” and “let’s make magic.” You can sip some water, adjust baby’s outfit, or just sit and watch them wiggle in their sleep. And if you’re anything like me, you might need a moment to locate your coffee (or sanity) after getting everyone out the door. We’ll start when you’re ready, so think of this time as a mini pause in the beautiful chaos.

9. Communicate Beforehand

If you have any questions, concerns, or are feeling stressed, please reach out ahead of time. I’m here to support you and want you to feel comfortable every step of the way. I have a guide to help you with outfits, location and all the details you could need.

10. Relax and Enjoy the Experience

These moments are fleeting and precious. Take a deep breath, soak it all in, and trust me to capture your baby’s unique story beautifully. You’ve done the hard part by bringing this little human into the world, so now it’s time to just be present. Let yourself smile at the tiny squeaks, the sleepy stretches, and even the occasional grumpy face (honestly, those are some of my favorite shots). This isn’t about perfection; it’s about remembering what life felt like in this exact season. So loosen your shoulders, hold your baby close, and let me handle the rest - yes, even the spit-up moments.

By the time your session rolls around, you might still be wondering if baby will cooperate or if you’ll actually get everyone out the door on time. Yes, that includes wrangling kiddos or finding your left shoe. Newborn sessions aren’t about perfection, they’re about capturing real life and tiny details you don’t want to forget. I’ll guide you every step of the way, but the most important thing you can do is take a deep breath, snuggle your baby, and enjoy this time together.

Ready to capture these precious moments with your newborn? I’d love to guide you through an easygoing and heartwarming session in my Stillwater, MN studio or in the comfort of your own home. I’ll make sure every detail of your baby’s first days are beautifully captured. Don’t wait — [book your newborn photography session today] and let’s create timeless images you’ll treasure forever, with zero stress, all the snuggles, and maybe even a few giggles along the way.