How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session
Your beautiful baby is now earthside. Congratulations, Momma — you did great!
As a mom of two girls, I know that postpartum can be a challenging time. You might not feel like yourself, and you're definitely not functioning at optimal levels. But you have this beautiful new baby with all these tiny, precious details that you want to remember forever.
That’s where I come in. I believe this newborn phase is such a special and fleeting time for your family, and I’m here to document these memories in a way that’s relaxed and stress-free. Let’s start by getting ready for your session...
What to expect at your Newborn Session
In a newborn session with Jess Palmer Photography, I focus on capturing the natural essence of your baby and your family. I do not use costumes or props, and I do not pose your baby in unnatural ways. I believe your baby is perfect and beautiful just as they are.
Your little one will be photographed in natural, comforting poses that keep them safe and content. Sessions are baby-led, so if we need to take breaks for feeding or comforting, that’s completely okay.
Your newborn session may take place outdoors, in-home, or in a studio space. Sessions typically last 1–1.5 hours. The general workflow I follow is:
Baby alone
Baby with sibling(s)
Baby with Mom
Whole family
Baby with Dad
I’ll guide you every step of the way so you can relax and enjoy this time with your family.
What should we wear?
This is always a big question—and truthfully, outfits play a big role in the overall look and feel of your photos, so it’s worth spending some time on this.
Let's start with baby.
As I mentioned, I love capturing baby authentically and naturally. So I recommend skipping costumes or elaborate newborn outfits. A simple, well-fitting onesie or just a diaper is perfect. We definitely want to capture those tiny tootsies — so no socks, booties, or shoes needed.
A few more Mom tips:
Sizing: Even though neither of my girls were technically “preemies,” newborn and 0–3 month clothes were still big on them for the first couple of weeks. For my second, I bought a few “preemie” outfits before her arrival — and they fit perfectly. If you’re finding that clothes aren’t fitting quite right, consider picking up a couple of preemie-size options.
Backup outfit: If you have an outfit you love, baby should arrive in that one — but I recommend packing a backup outfit just in case there are any big accidents.
Now let’s talk about the rest of the family.
The most important thing is that outfits fit well and make everyone feel confident and comfortable — especially Mom. Postpartum is a tender time, and this may be your first time “dressing up” since giving birth. Give yourself grace and choose something that feels good on your body right now.
A few more tips:
Plan ahead: Start outfit planning a few weeks before your due date so that there is time to try things on or make changes.
Coordinate, don’t match: Start with one outfit you love (often Mom’s or one of the kids’) and build the rest around it using coordinating colors.
Mix patterns and solids: Pair florals or subtle prints with complementary solid tones.
Stick with soft, neutral colors: Creams, browns, beige, gray, pale pink, sage green, chambray, and light blue photograph beautifully. Avoid logos, neon colors, bright primaries, and excessive white or black.
Think about movement: Dresses and skirts can add lovely flow. Little girl tip—wear shorts, tights, or a diaper cover underneath.
Layers and accessories: These add texture and interest — plus they help with temperature comfort.
Don’t forget nails and feet! Clean nails and bare feet are often perfect, especially for in-home or studio sessions.
Need extra help?
When you book your session, you’ll receive access to an exclusive Family Styling Catalog and Maternity and Newborn Styling Catalog curated by Whitney Ford of Styled by W.I. It includes outfit suggestions for every family member, visual mood boards, and color palette inspiration. Trust me, this catalog is AWESOME!
And remember, I’m here to help you. Feel free to send me photos or questions while planning. Together we’ll make sure your family not only looks great but feels great too.
Prepare the Kids (...and the Partners)
If baby has a big brother or sister a little preparation can go a long way.
Tips for getting everyone excited:
Involve kids (and partners!) in picking outfits or choosing the session location.
Talk with younger children about what to expect. Show them family photos and explain that you’re creating new ones with their baby sibling. Let them know we will have fun, play, and laugh together at the session!
Tell them my name—Jess!—so they know who's taking their photos. You can even show them my picture!
Feed everyone before the session (yes, even the grown-ups!). Don't forget—if baby needs a feeding break during the session that is totally fine!
Most importantly, remind everyone that they don’t need to do anything special. Just be themselves because that’s who you want to remember from this moment.
Pack a "Session bag"
A day or two before your session, pack a bag with both essentials and “just in case” items.
Things you’ll likely need:
Diaper bag with...
Extra diapers and wipes
Burp cloths
Backup onesie/outfit
Feeding supplies (bottle, formula, feeding pillow, etc)
Outfits for older siblings. Pro tip for the toddler phase: change once you arrive
Water
Emergency snacks
Things you might need:
Pacifier
Comfort item/lovey/stuffy
Hairbrush, extra hair ties or bobby pins
Lip balm or makeup touch-up items
Tissues
You can leave this by the door or even throw it in the car the night before.
Let Go & Trust
You chose Jess Palmer Photography because you wanted your newborn and your family captured authentically. This session is not about perfection—it’s about connection.
Let go of expectations and lean into the moment. I’ll gently guide your family through the session. Embrace the chaos. Enjoy the joy. Trust that your memories will be captured beautifully.
This is a new chapter in your family’s story — and it’s going to be beautiful.
You’re ready for this — and I’ve got you. I can’t wait to see you.
Click here to head over to my booking calendar to reserve a date for your Newborn Session!