How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot

Tips from a Long Island Newborn Photographer

Welcoming your baby into the world is one of life’s most precious milestones. The newborn stage is incredibly fleeting. Those tiny fingers, squishy cheeks, and sleepy snuggles pass by in what feels like the blink of an eye. That’s why booking a newborn photography session is so important: it freezes this once in a lifetime moment in beautifully crafted images you’ll treasure forever.

As a Long Island newborn photographer, I’m here to help you prepare and feel confident going into your session—whether it's a cozy in home lifestyle shoot, a posed studio session, or an intimate Fresh 48 session at the hospital.

Why Book a Newborn Photoshoot?

Your baby will only be this tiny once.

Newborn photography captures the magic of these first few days, before the sleepy stretches fade, before the little wrinkles fill out, and before you even realize how much they’ve already grown.

Professional photos allow you to:

Document your baby’s earliest days with intention and artistry
Include siblings and family in timeless portraits
Preserve the emotions, details, and connections that may otherwise blur with time

As one of the best newborn photographers on Long Island, I’ve seen how meaningful these photos become for families—not just now, but for years to come.

Black and white close up photo showing adult hands gently cradling tiny baby feet.

When to Book Your Newborn Photographer

The best time to book your newborn photographer is during your second or early third trimester. This ensures availability around your due date and allows us to plan the style of session you’d love most.

I preschedule these sessions based on your expected due date for when your baby is between 5–14 days old for those sleepy, snuggly poses in studio newborn photography. Your session can be rescheduled if necessary. For in-home lifestyle sessions, we have a bit more flexibility and can photograph your baby up to around 6 weeks old.

Peaceful sleeping newborn baby wearing delicate white headband resting on soft pink textured blanket.

Choosing the Right Type of Newborn Session

Studio Newborn Photographer Long Island

These sessions focus on soft, posed images using wraps, props, and backdrops. I provide everything needed, including a warm, calm environment designed to keep your baby comfortable and safe. You don’t need to bring anything except the baby and a diaper bag! Upon booking, you will receive a comprehensive preparation guide that will go over what to expect, and how to prepare.

A family of five wearing white outfits poses together for a formal studio portrait against a neutral backdrop.

In-Home Newborn Photography Long Island

Lifestyle newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your home and focus on connection—snuggles on the couch, rocking in the nursery, and quiet moments between family members. These are perfect for capturing the real beauty of life at home with a new baby. These sessions don't include posed or styled images like studio newborn sessions.

A couple sits together in a bright, modern living room with French doors and plush gray furniture.

Fresh 48 Photography Long Island

Taken at the hospital within the first 48 hours of your baby’s arrival, these sessions are raw, real, and emotionally powerful. No props or posing, just you and your baby soaking in those very first moments. It can be the perfect time for siblings or Grandparents to meet their new baby for the first time. These sessions should be cleared with your hospital in advance.