How to Prepare for Your Studio Newborn Session
Congratulations on your new arrival! Your studio newborn session is an opportunity to capture those precious first days with your little one in a comfortable, controlled environment. As a Durango newborn photographer, I want to make sure you feel fully prepared and relaxed for your session.
Here's everything you need to know to help your newborn session go smoothly.
What to Bring for Baby
You Don't Need to Bring Outfits for Baby
I provide all the wraps, headbands, hats, and props for your baby's portraits. Store-bought newborn outfits typically don't photograph well—they're often too baggy and can overwhelm your baby's tiny features. The exception is if you have something special or meaningful you'd like to incorporate.
Essential Items to Pack
Pacifier - It is a personal decision for each family whether or not to offer a pacifier so do not feel obligated to do so. Sucking is a natural soothing mechanism for newborns, and it can be incredibly helpful for calming and settling your baby between poses. Many parents who don't normally use pacifiers provide them during the session, which helps us stretch time between feedings when handling baby during the session frequently but do what is right for your family.
Extra Diapers and Wipes - Bring more than you think you'll need! Babies tend to eat more frequently during photo sessions (all that work looking cute makes them hungry), which means more diaper changes.
Baby Lotion - Newborns often have flaky or dry skin, which is completely normal. Bring a mild, unscented baby lotion to help with any dry patches. Apply it at least an hour before the session so it has time to fully absorb.
Extra Burp Cloths or Spit-Up Cloths - Bring several! Babies often spit up during sessions, and having plenty of cloths on hand will keep everyone (and everything) clean and comfortable.
Bottles or Nursing Supplies - Most babies need to eat at least a few times during their session. Bring extra of everything you need for feeding, whether that's bottles, formula, a nursing pillow, or a breast pump. I can provide warm water if needed.
Button-Up or Zip-Up Sleeper - Dress your baby in a loose-fitting, button-up or zip-up sleeper for the drive to the studio. This allows me to undress them without pulling anything over their head, which helps keep them asleep when they arrive.
Special or Sentimental Items Optional
If you have any heirloom items you'd like included in your baby's photos, please bring them! This might include:
A handmade blanket from a grandparent
A special stuffed animal or gift
Family heirlooms like christening gowns or quilts
Your wedding rings for detail shots
Any meaningful items you'd like documented with your newborn
Just let me know in advance so I can plan the setup around these special pieces.
What to Bring for Parents
Outfits for Family Photos
If you'd like family portraits with your newborn, bring outfits for mom, dad, and any siblings. Here's what photographs best:
For Mom:
Choose something comfortable that fits loosely around your midsection—remember, you'll still have a postpartum belly, and that's completely normal. You are welcome to choose from one of my dresses here. These work very well for postpartum photos as many of these will fit loosely over your midsection after you have given birth. Just email me to let me know which dress you want and I’ll have it ready for you!
Solid colors photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your family connection
Avoid large, distracting patterns, busy prints, or logos
Neutral tones like cream, gray, soft blues, or earth tones work wonderfully
Consider a flowy dress, soft sweater, or comfortable button-up shirt
Barefoot is preferred but if you wear shoes make sure they are clean and free of any dirt or mud (no high heels as they will poke holes in the paper backdrops)
For Dad:
Solid colors that complement mom's outfit
Button-up shirts or simple sweaters
Neutral tones or colors that work with the overall palette
Barefoot is preferred but if you wear shoes make sure they are clean and free of any dirt or mud
For Siblings:
Comfortable, solid-colored clothing
Colors that coordinate with the family palette
Avoid characters, logos, or busy patterns
Plan Your Color Palette
Request my family style guide for more outfit inspiration and tips on creating a cohesive color palette. Choose a color palette that complements the studio backdrop you've selected. Soft, neutral tones create timeless images, while adding one coordinating color can give your portraits a cohesive, intentional look without being too matchy-matchy.
Practical Items for Parents
Extra Clothes for Parents - Bring a backup outfit for yourself in case baby spits up on you during the session. It happens more often than you'd think!
Layers - I keep the studio quite warm (around 78-82 degrees) for baby's comfort. Dress in layers so you can remove a sweater or cardigan as needed. You'll want to be comfortable since sessions can last 1.5 to 3 hours.
Snacks and Drinks will be provided for you but feel free to bring anything you like if you or your older child have dietary restrictions or preferences.
Preparing Baby Before Your Session
Give Baby a Bath
The day before your session is a perfect time to give your baby their first bath (if they haven't had one yet). Use a mild soap to avoid any skin irritation and apply a gentle baby lotion afterwards.
Clear Your Schedule
The day of your session is not the day to get any vaccinations or procedures. Plan for a calm, relaxed morning with no other appointments or errands before or after your session. Overstimulation from running around town can make it harder for your baby to settle during photos. Give yourself plenty of time to get ready without rushing.
What to Expect During Your Session
Session Length
Most newborn sessions last between 3-4 hours. This allows plenty of time for feeding breaks, diaper changes, soothing, and outfit changes for baby. There's no rush—we work at your baby's pace.
The Studio Will Be Warm
I keep the studio temperature between 78 and 82 degrees to ensure your baby is comfortable, especially since they'll be undressed for many of the portraits. Dress accordingly and remember to bring layers you can remove.
Feeding and Diaper Breaks
We'll take breaks whenever your baby needs to eat or have their diaper changed. This is completely normal and expected! Most babies need at least one feeding during the session. These breaks give everyone a chance to rest and reset.
Handling Fussy Moments
Don't stress if your baby gets fussy—it's completely normal. Babies cry, and I'm experienced at soothing them and working through these moments. We'll take all the time needed to help your baby feel comfortable and calm.
Older Siblings
If you're bringing older siblings, plan for their portion of the session to happen first. I recommend having dad take the older sibling(s) home, to the park, or to run errands after we finish with the sibling photos, as sessions can be long and boring for young children. This keeps everyone happy and gives us a nice quiet environment in which to photograph your newborn’s individual portraits.
Health and Safety
If anyone in your family is sick, please reschedule your session. Newborns have delicate immune systems, and I work closely with many babies each week. If you or a family member has been ill, please wait until you've been fever- and symptom-free for at least 24 hours before coming to the studio.
I sanitize and disinfect the studio thoroughly before each session, including all props, surfaces, door handles, and equipment. Your baby's health and safety are my top priority.
Final Thoughts
Studio newborn sessions are a beautiful, stress-free way to document your baby's earliest days. With a little preparation and the right mindset, your session will be a relaxed, enjoyable experience that results in timeless portraits you'll treasure forever.
Don't worry about being perfect—this is a special time, and my goal is to capture the love, beauty, and tiny details of your new family member. Come as you are, and let me handle the rest.
If you have any questions about preparing for your session, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help make this experience as smooth and memorable as possible.
Contact Kelly Miranda Photography to schedule your newborn session in Durango, Colorado!
Kelly Miranda Photography specializes in newborn, maternity, and family photography in Durango, Colorado. Each session is designed to be comfortable, personalized, and focused on capturing authentic moments with your growing family.
