What to Expect During Your Newborn Portrait Session with Kimberly Ogden Portraits - Kaufman Newborn Photographer

Congratulations! 🩷As you anticipate the arrival of your precious little one, it’s the perfect time to start planning your newborn portrait session. Just like you, I can’t wait to capture all those teeny, tiny details so you can preserve this joyful—yet fleeting—moment forever. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your studio visit:

Reserve your Newborn Session ASAP

It’s best to reserve your newborn portrait session during the second or third trimester to guarantee availability. To book your session, you will sign the Newborn Portrait Session Contract, pay the non-refundable Session Retainer Fee, and complete the Newborn Portrait Session Questionnaire. The session will be reserved based on your due date. Once your little one arrives, simply let me know in the first few days so we can schedule your session.

Note: If your baby has already arrived and you have not booked a newborn session in advance, please give me a call so we can try to get you on the schedule as soon as possible.

Best Age for Session

It’s best to photograph newborns between 7-21 days old for posed newborn sessions.  Babies at this age are sleepier and more flexible, allowing us to capture all the curled up newborn poses. For a more relaxed, lifestyle newborn session we love photographing babies anywhere from 7 days old to 10 weeks old! We can do lifestyle newborn sessions in our studio or in your home. Sessions typically start at 10 am Monday – Friday and last up to three hours.

What to Bring

Let’s keep it simple for what is likely your first trip out with baby. You only need to bring your little one, diapers, wipes, an “Avent Soother” pacifier (to help soothe baby during poses without leaving marks on the face), and breastmilk/ formula. I will provide all the outfits (specifically designed for newborn photography), headbands, wraps, blankets, and props. If you would like to include a sentimental item in a few photos, please bring it along.

Day of Session: Studio Tour

My studio is located at my home in Kaufman, TX. My dedicated studio space includes the photography studio where all the magic happens, a large client lounge with Wi-Fi, TV, streaming services and light refreshments, a full bathroom, and a spare bedroom for relaxation or private breastfeeding. When you arrive, I’ll give you a tour of the entire space and assist you with getting settled.

Family Portrait Time

Once you arrive and we complete the studio tour, we will get started with family portraits. I like to do these first so siblings are still excited and in awe about the whole experience. Typically, I will swaddle the baby to match the family’s outfits and take multiple photos of the whole family, each parent with the baby, and siblings with the baby. This part of the session can take up to an hour.

Once we are done with the family portraits, it is helpful for one parent or family member to leave with the siblings so they will not be bored during the remainder of the session. Please understand that siblings are not allowed in the photography studio when they are not being photographed due to safety concerns. They will need to remain in the client lounge under full supervision for the remainder of the session.