What should I bring to my San Diego Newborn Photography Session
“What should we bring with us to our San Diego newborn photography session?” is one of the most common questions I get asked by parents who are preparing for their newborn pictures with me. Although I have everything we need for the actual photo section of your newborn session at my San Diego Studio, there are a few things that you’ll need to bring with you for your own comfort and that of your child to ensure for successful newborn photos. As a Newborn Photographer in San Diego I’ve complied a list of some of the most important items to bring with you to your San Diego Newborn Photography Session. Of course there could be additional items, and when you book me I’ll give you a full list of things to consider, so that all you have to worry about it sitting back, relaxing and enjoying yourself as I take care of your little babe.
Always bring these to your San Diego Newborn Photography Session
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Your Baby
Yea I see you laughing, but I did read a story about this poor, sleep deprived mama, who showed up to her session, sans baby! Don’t worry, she didn’t leave the baby alone, it was still at home with grandma. But mom completely forgot to bring baby with as she left for the photographer’s studio. I haven’t had this happen to me yet, but you never know. In order for a successful newborn photography session, the baby is definitely the number one thing you do not want to forget!
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Diapers in excess
Diapers, Diapers, Diapers! You cannot bring too many diapers. Let me repeat that – YOU CAN NOT BRING TOO MANY DIAPERS!! If you think 5 diapers will be enough, double it! Trust me. Your baby may have a blow out in the car ride over to the studio. That’s one diaper. Baby may pee as you’re feeding at the studio before your session. That’s 2 diapers. Certain poses help alleviate gas pressure which can lead to another blow out – that’s three diapers. I had one newborn session where mom and dad literally ran through 3 diapers AS THEY WERE CHANGING THE BABY! So definitely bring more diapers than you’d ever think you’d need.
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Outfit Changes for mom and dad
This is part of my newborn session prep guide that I send parents but it’s worth mentioning again. The studio can get really warm which means you may sweat before we do your parent poses. Baby may also spit up on you as you’re feeding, or he/she may pee on you (happened just the other day!), or most commonly, the session can lasts for several hours so bring something that’s comfortable to sit in which might not be something you want to be photographed in. A lot of parents bring change of clothes for the baby, but the baby will be using the newborn outfits I have in my studio so that’s not a big deal. However, they often forget to bring a change of outfit for themselves.
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Pacifier
A pacifier can completely change the mood of a session. Even if your baby isn’t hungry, he or she may find comfort in nursing themselves to sleep with a pacifier. I always recommend bringing a few different ones, and also prefer the green ones from the hospital as they don’t leave marks around baby’s mouth. I don’t recommend using parents fingers as the hands may get in the way of posing. A pacifier is small enough that I can complete the newborn poses while baby is soothing and then easily remove for the actual picture.
However, I do know some parents prefer not to use a pacifier, in which case I will do my best to sooth baby without.
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Extra milk
Some babies eat A LOT. And especially when we are doing their newborn pictures. Plus, we really want them to fall into a deep milk coma. Or like another photographer put it: we want them to be Thanksgiving Full where they just can’t keep their eyes open. Therefore, brining extra milk to the session can be really good to ensure they fill up their little bellies. If you don’t want to bottle feed at all, prepare to spend some extra time breastfeeding at the beginning to really satisfy baby.
Tips for the perfect newborn session
And there you have it. These are my Top 5 Items to bring your the studio for your San Diego newborn session to ensure a successful, peaceful and beautiful newborn album. Let me know if you have any questions at all or send me a message to inquire about your own newborn pictures at our La Mesa Photography Studio.