A couple tenderly holds their swaddled newborn baby, with the man kissing the woman's temple in a warm studio portrait.

 

When should I book for ?

 

 

The best time to book is during your second or third trimester.

Newborn sessions are reserved based on your due date, and once baby arrives, we'll choose an exact session date.

 

What Age Is Best for Newborn Photos?

For posed newborn photography, the ideal age is between 7 and 14 days old.

At this stage, babies tend to sleep more soundly and are often more comfortable being gently posed.

If your baby is older, don't worry. Beautiful newborn images can still be created after the two-week mark.

Peaceful newborn baby sleeping on a soft taupe blanket, wrapped in a cream swaddle during a professional newborn photo session.
Peaceful newborn baby sleeping in pink knit bonnet on soft pink blanket in professional newborn photography portrait.
Sleeping newborn baby swaddled in purple wrap with bow headband on tiny white bed with lavender pillow and fluffy rug.

Feeding before the session

Always bring more milk than you think

A full baby is usually a happier baby.

If possible, feed your baby right before leaving home or upon arrival at the studio.

Don't worry if baby needs additional feeds during the session. Feeding breaks are completely normal and are built into the session time.

What should I bring ?

Time to pack the diaper bag !
Sleeping newborn baby in a knit gray romper nestled in a woven basket on a rustic wood floor in Leduc.

Please bring:

  • Extra diapers
  • Wipes
  • Bottles if bottle feeding
  • Extra formula or pumped milk if needed
  • A pacifier, even if baby only occasionally uses one
  • Any sentimental items you would like photographed

What should siblings wear ?

NEUTRALS are your best friend
A toddler in a white sweater gently holds a sleeping newborn wrapped in a cream swaddle blanket.

Simple, neutral clothing works best.

Avoid bright graphics, character clothing, and neon colours whenever possible.

Comfort is important, especially for younger siblings.

Young couple smiling and gazing lovingly at their sleeping newborn baby wrapped in a white blanket.
A Beaumont Alberta couple tenderly kisses their sleeping newborn baby wrapped in a white blanket in a warm studio portrait.

What Should parents wear ?

Nuetrals help to focus on your family and match most decor in homes

Neutral colours photograph best and help keep the focus on your family.

Good options include:

  • White
  • Cream
  • Beige
  • Light grey
  • Soft earth tones

Try to avoid large logos, bright colours, and busy patterns.

You do not need to match exactly. Coordinating colours usually looks more natural than matching outfits.

What About Baby Acne, Dry Skin, or Scratches?

Newborn skin is crazy sensitive
Newborn baby girl wrapped in blue fabric with a floral headband, peacefully sleeping on a blue background.

These are all very common in newborns.

Temporary skin conditions such as:

  • Baby acne
  • Dry skin
  • Peeling skin
  • Redness
  • Small scratches

are all professionally retouched while still keeping your baby looking natural.

What if my baby won't sleep ?

Fomo babies are the cutest !
Newborn baby wrapped in soft pink fabric with floral headband, posed on mauve background in professional portrait.

Not every baby sleeps deeply for their entire session, and that's okay.

Over the years, I've photographed babies with all kinds of personalities and temperaments. We work around your baby's needs and create beautiful images whether they are sleepy, awake, or somewhere in between.

Sleeping newborn baby nestled in a rustic wooden bucket with soft white wrap, surrounded by greenery backdrop in cozy leduc portrait studio.

 

Final Tips

 

 

Before your session:

✓ Feed baby before leaving home

✓ Pack extra diapers and supplies

✓ Dress baby in a loose sleeper

✓ Choose simple, neutral clothing for family photos

✓ Allow extra travel time so you can arrive relaxed

Most importantly, don't stress. Newborn sessions are designed around your baby's needs, and flexibility is always part of the process.

 

Looking for a newborn photographer in Leduc, Alberta?

Stained With Joy Portraits specializes in newborn, maternity, milestone, and family photography, serving families in Leduc, Edmonton, Beaumont, Devon, Nisku, and surrounding areas. Book your due date early to ensure availability.