Newborn photography can be so stressful. With these tips, I can help make the experience a little easier for your baby, for your family, and especially for you. This post is in collaboration with April Shoulta Photography. Click here to visit her website

Hire a photographer that specializes newborn photography.

I loved working with April Shoulta Photography in Paducah, Kentucky. She specializes in newborn photos and she emailed me some tips the night before the session. She also had a ton of headbands to pick from and she provided Annslee Kate’s adorable outfit. I was like a kid in the candy store getting to pick out her head accessories. I just love her style and how she likes to be a “fly on the wall”. I felt so comfortable working with her and having her come into my home.

Click here to shop her floral deer crown by Mason and Harlow.

Take the photography session at your home.

It is so casual and it was so special for us. My apartment has a ton of natural light and everything in my apartment is white so that helped to set the scene for the shoot. I felt so comfortable having it at my home and I loved how I didn’t have to worry getting my baby out. Especially since it is winter and there is a lot of sickness going around.

If you plan on having your shoot at home and you want all white bedding like mine click here to shop.

Schedule that appointment during the day when you know your baby will be asleep.

I scheduled my appointment during her nap time. You want your baby to be asleep during the session so she will be cooperative. Sleepy babies are the key to a great session.

Feed your baby right before the shoot.

Even if it wasn’t time for her to eat, I would wake her up to feed. A full tummy helps her sleep through the whole session. That is the goal! Sleepy babies make it easy for posing.

Plan on bribing the sibling to get them to cooperate.

I told Grayson if he cooperated that he could get a juice. We cut juice out at the house so this was a big deal. He cooperated too. April Shoulta is a mom with 3 kids so she knows how to get them to cooperate as well.

Schedule the session 10 days after birth or sooner.

Newborns are super sleepy after birth so try to schedule the appointment as soon as you can. I would coordinate with your photographer while you are pregnant and let her know a round about date of coming over and shooting. Do your research too. Look through the photographers Instagram or website and let her know what you love or don’t love.

Keep it natural.

There was not a lot of posing here. We didn’t look up poses on Pinterest. She just captured our family and our normal routine. It was perfect. I didn’t know how the pictures would turn out but I loved it.

Wear Neutrals.

I remember wearing crazy prints and colors in one of my pregnancy photo shoots. I regretted wearing those terrible prints. With that being said.. just wear solid colors because it didn’t look too distracting or busy.

Photo sessions are supposed to be fun. Just relax and trust your photographer will capture those special moments for you. I hope you enjoy these pictures because I will cherish them forever.

Abraidedblonde