Babies! Babies Babies!

They are fantastic! They are new and sweet and squishy, everything that can make a picture absolutely perfect.

This last month has been baby intensive for me and I loved every minute of it. It has been too cold to be outside and cuddling inside with sweet babies has been fantastic!

Here are my top four tips for a great newborn shoot.

1. Act Fast!

• The best time to photograph a baby is in the first 10 days after being born. They are still pliable and not too awake. I have photographed babies ranging from 5-10 days old and it is amazing how much more awake the 10 day-olds are than the 5 day-olds. Bottom line, the sooner the better for those perfectly serene baby pictures! Most photographers I know (myself included) keep appointments open for babies. It's best to contact your photographer of choice a month or so before delivery and set up a tentative date, both parties understanding the date is flexible depending on delivery.

2. Feed that Baby!

• Don't fight the beast…feed it!! I suggest moms feed the baby about 30 minutes before I am schedule to arrive. With most babies that will give us an hour or two before they need to eat again. However, all of the jostling, poking and prodding often leads to the baby wanting to be fed sooner than normal. Moms, don't worry about the extra feedings during a shoot, it's totally normal and one of the best ways to keep our little subject happy. Photographers, be sure to schedule enough time to fit in feedings and diaper changes!

3. Accessorize!

• Take a little time to do a little shopping! I have had great success finding adorable, handmade baby hats on Etsy. They also have headbands and legwarmers that help give baby pictures a fun twist. I arrive at each shoot with a few hats and other props, but I always prefer incorporating more personal items. Other accessories to use…adult scarfs (to wrap the baby in), baskets, bowls, trays and fun baby blankets. During these cold winter months the babies often protest to being totally naked, so cute diaper covers are great as well!

4. Relax!

• Taking newborn pictures is an awesome process. It documents the first days of your life as a new or expanded family. Don't worry if the baby poops, cries, screams, spits up…us photographers have seen it before and it is not a big deal. I always have an extra shirt and baby wipes on hand in case I get hit (which I have…more than once). The backdrops are washable and Photoshop is amazing. There is nothing in a newborn shoot that should cause stress, it's a celebration of this new, perfect life!