If you have never had a newborn photography session before, it is completely normal to have no idea what you are supposed to prepare. There is already enough to think about when you have a new baby, so the last thing I want is for you to feel that you also need to somehow train your newborn for a photoshoot.

You don’t. The session is planned around your baby, not the other way around.

If possible, I usually recommend feeding your baby shortly before the session. A comfortable and well-fed baby will often settle more easily, but there is absolutely no need to worry if your baby becomes hungry again once we start. Feeding, changing, cuddling and taking little breaks are all part of a newborn photography session.

I also wouldn’t try to keep your baby awake before coming to the studio. This is advice parents hear quite often, but trying to keep a newborn awake for hours can simply make everyone exhausted and frustrated. Some babies arrive sleepy, some are wide awake and curious, and some seem to change their minds every few minutes. We work with whatever your baby gives us that day.

You also don’t need to bring a suitcase full of clothes and props. I provide the newborn wraps, fabrics, outfits and styling pieces needed for the session. You only need to bring the things you normally need for your baby, such as nappies, wipes and feeding supplies. If you have a favourite blanket, knitted outfit or another small personal item that you would like to include, you are very welcome to bring it.

What you wear is worth thinking about a little more, especially if you would like photographs with your baby. I usually recommend simple, comfortable clothing in neutral or muted colours. Cream, beige, warm white, soft grey and natural tones work beautifully with newborn photography and keep the attention on the people rather than on the clothes. You don’t need to dress everyone identically. In fact, I usually prefer when families coordinate their clothes rather than wear matching outfits.

The same applies to siblings. If you have an older child, they are very welcome to be part of your newborn photography session. We don’t expect a toddler to sit still and cooperate for an hour, because that would be an interesting experiment in human psychology. Instead, we photograph the family and sibling portraits when they are ready and then give them a break while we continue with the baby.

And then there is the question parents worry about most: what happens if the baby cries? We stop.

Your baby may be hungry, uncomfortable, tired or simply not interested in being photographed at that particular moment. That is completely fine. We take a break, work out what they need and continue when they are ready. The baby’s comfort always comes before getting a particular pose or photograph.

This is also why I don’t want parents to arrive at a newborn photoshoot feeling that their baby needs to behave perfectly. They don’t. A newborn session is not a performance, and your baby is not going to ruin the photographs by being a newborn.

Before the session, it can be helpful to think about the kind of photographs you are naturally drawn to. Some families love the classic newborn look with carefully posed baby portraits, beautiful props and different styled setups. Others prefer something much simpler, with soft backgrounds, tiny details and more photographs of the baby with their parents.

I offer both Classic Newborn and Natural Simple photography, so we can plan the session around the style that feels right for your family.

The most important preparation is actually quite simple. Bring your baby, the things you normally need, and a little patience. You don’t need to practise poses, buy a special wardrobe or make your baby sleep on command. I’ll take care of the rest.

If you are planning a newborn photoshoot in Skåne, Malmö, Lund or the surrounding area, you can explore the two newborn photography styles before deciding which one feels right for you.

Explore Newborn Photography →