How to Prepare Your Newborn Photography Studio for Stunning (and Safe!) Results
Whether you’re an expecting parent in Phoenix or a professional (or aspiring) newborn photographer, this blog offers valuable insights into how I prepare my newborn studio for each session. Newborn photography is more than just taking pictures. Tt’s about providing the utmost care and attention to a delicate baby. Often, I’m the first professional outside of the family to meet the newborn. Because of that, I understand that parents—especially new ones—are trusting me with their child’s well-being. With fragile immune systems and the need for comfort, the newborn studio must be prepared to offer a safe, secure, and calm environment. Let’s explore how I ensure my newborn studio is ready to meet these important needs.
Creating a Safe Space: Essential Studio Setup Tips for Newborn Photography
Maintaining cleanliness in a newborn studio is a meticulous process. From washing countless props and blankets to sanitizing every surface, ensuring a germ-free environment is essential. At my newborn studio, we maintain a strict no-shoes policy past the entrance to keep outside contaminants out. If clients prefer to keep their shoes on, shoe coverings are available, but this policy is non-negotiable. After all, the newborn studio is where the baby will spend a significant amount of time, so cleanliness is critical.
Upon your arrival, we ask that all visitors sanitize their hands to maintain a sterile environment. We wash and sanitize our hands frequently throughout the session to ensure the safety of the newborn. Additionally, all props used in our newborn studio are specifically designed for babies. We invest in high-quality, hand-knit wraps, custom-made props, and comfortable posers that are safe for newborns. Though these items may be more expensive, the investment ensures that the newborn studio is equipped with the safest props. All designed specifically for the comfort and security of newborns. During the planning stage of your session, we’ll carefully review all the available props to ensure that your preferences align with the safety of your baby.
Handling Newborns with Care: Best Practices for Safe Photography Sessions
In any studio, handling babies with the utmost care is crucial. One of the most important skills in a newborn studio is learning how to wrap babies properly. This requires ensuring that wraps are snug but not restrictive. Newborns have developing circulatory systems, and it’s essential to avoid cutting off circulation or overheating them. A newborn’s circulatory system is still maturing, so regulating their body temperature becomes a priority.
Newborns can often feel colder than older children due to less efficient blood flow, so it’s critical that our newborn studio remains at the right temperature—typically around 78°F. If necessary, I ensure babies are kept warm with cozy wraps or outfits. Properly maintaining the right environment is key to the newborn’s comfort and well-being. Over my 14 years of experience in the newborn studio, I’ve learned the best techniques to ensure babies are comfortable, breathing well, and safe during their session. For example, when posing a newborn on their stomach, we ensure their angle doesn’t obstruct airflow to their nose or mouth.
Tips for Keeping Newborns Calm During a Photoshoot in the Studio
Even with all the preparation, sometimes babies may not settle into the poses we had planned. If the baby becomes uncomfortable or upset, we shift our approach. After attempting a pose 2-3 times, we respect the baby’s cues and adjust the session accordingly, either by doing an all-wrapped session or opting for a session where the baby remains awake. Often times I will cradle the baby, use our baby shusher, and our vibrating pad. While this may not always be what was planned, the priority in my newborn studio is always the baby’s safety and comfort.
By creating a welcoming and secure newborn studio environment, I ensure that the session goes as smoothly as possible, both for the parents and the baby. A newborn studio is more than just a space for photos—it’s a place for memories to be made, while keeping safety and comfort top of mind.
The Importance of Rescheduling: Why Coming to the Newborn Studio While Sick Can Impact Your Session (and other babies)
At our newborn studio, the health and safety of both babies and parents are our top priority. If you or anyone in your household is feeling unwell, we ask that you reschedule your session. Newborns have delicate immune systems, and even a mild illness can pose a risk to their health. We understand that life happens, and we are happy to work with you to find a more suitable time for your session when everyone is feeling better. However, if you arrive at the studio while sick, a $100 fee will be charged to cover the additional cleaning and rescheduling costs. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a cough, cold, fever, or any contagious illness, please stay home and prioritize your well-being. Additionally, neither myself or my team will shoot your session if we are sick or members of our home. This is something we encourage all newborn studios to adapt. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. This helps us maintain a safe and healthy environment for all our clients.
