What You Can Do to Help Ensure a Smooth Newborn Photography Session
By Elizabeth Lang Photography – Surrey, near Vancouver
Newborn photography is a wonderful way to capture the fleeting beauty of your baby’s early days. But as any parent knows, working with newborns can be unpredictable. Babies have their own schedules and moods, and sometimes things don’t go as planned. That being said, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your newborn session goes as smoothly as possible and that we get the best possible photos.
Here are some tips and tricks to help prepare you (and your little one) for a relaxed and successful session.

1. Keep Your Baby Awake Before the Session
One of the best ways to ensure your baby is ready to sleep during the session is to keep them awake for a period of time before we begin. This may seem counterintuitive, but a little bit of awake time will help your baby sleep more deeply when it’s time for the session.
- For a 2-week-old baby, try to keep them awake for about 1 hour before the session.
- For a 6-week-old baby, aim for 1.5 hours of wakeful play.
Of course, each baby is different, and not every baby will follow the same pattern. If your baby is fussy or has trouble staying awake, don’t stress too much. If your baby is very tired, feel free to let them sleep—they may still cooperate perfectly in their natural state.

2. Feed Your Baby Before You Leave the House
A well-fed baby is often a sleepy baby. To help ensure that your baby is content and relaxed during the session, I recommend feeding your baby a full feeding right before you leave the house. A full tummy will help your baby sleep more soundly through the session and stay calmer between setups.
It’s also important to feed your baby whenever they need it during the session. Newborns often require on-demand feeding, and I’m happy to accommodate breaks as needed to keep your baby comfortable and content.

3. Bring a Pacifier
If your baby takes a pacifier, be sure to bring one along. A pacifier can help soothe your baby and keep them asleep between poses. Sometimes, babies need a little help drifting off to sleep again after being moved for a new setup, and a pacifier is a great tool to help keep them calm. It’s also useful if we need to stop briefly between shots to soothe or settle your little one.

4. Let Me Know When Your Baby is Born
Once your baby is born, message me as soon as possible to schedule your newborn session. Ideally, we aim to photograph newborns when they are between 4-14 days old, as they sleep more deeply during this time and are still in that sweet, curl-up position.
That said, every baby is different, and some babies may sleep soundly even after this window, so if you miss the “ideal” age, don’t worry! I’m happy to work with you and your baby no matter when you book the session. The key is flexibility and patience, and I’ll guide you through the process to ensure we get beautiful results, no matter your baby’s age.

5. Have a Family Member Help with Older Siblings
If you have older children and are planning to include them in the photos, it’s a great idea to bring a family member or friend along to help. This person can take your older children out for breaks or entertain them when they aren’t needed for photos, which helps keep the session calm and focused.
When your older children are involved, we can make sure they are relaxed and engaged in the photos, and having a second adult around allows you to focus on your newborn while someone else cares for the rest of the family.

6. Don't Stress – I’m Here to Help!
Newborn sessions are always flexible. I know that babies don’t always follow a schedule, so it’s important to be patient and relaxed during the session. If your baby is fussy or won’t settle, don’t worry. I have years of experience working with babies, and I know how to soothe and comfort them during the shoot. If your baby is feeling a little extra fussy, we can take as many breaks as needed, and I’ll guide you through the entire process to ensure we get the perfect shots.

In Conclusion: A Relaxed Session for Timeless Memories
A smooth newborn photography session starts with preparation, but also with a relaxed and patient mindset. By keeping your baby awake before the session, feeding them beforehand, bringing a pacifier, and ensuring you’re ready to book once your baby is born, you’re helping set the stage for a successful photoshoot. And remember—don’t worry about perfection! I’ll work with your baby’s needs to make sure the session is as enjoyable as possible for you and your family.
At Elizabeth Lang Photography, I specialize in capturing your baby’s earliest moments with care and attention to detail. Whether it’s your first session or you’re a seasoned parent, I’m here to guide you through the process and help you create beautiful, timeless images that you’ll treasure forever.
Elizabeth Lang Photography
Serving Surrey and the Vancouver Area
YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY
