Bringing your baby home is one of the most emotional and beautiful moments of your life—and those early days pass by so quickly. A newborn photography session is a way to preserve those tiny details you never want to forget.
As a newborn photographer based in Everett near Silver Lake, serving families across Seattle and surrounding areas, I guide parents through simple steps to make their session feel calm, comfortable, and stress-free.
If you haven’t already, you can also read my guide on when to schedule your newborn session to make sure you’re planning at the right time.
1. Choose the Right Time
Newborn photography sessions in Seattle and Everett are best scheduled within the first 5–14 days after birth.
During this time:
- Babies are naturally sleepier
- Easier to gently pose
- More comfortable in curled positions
This allows us to capture those peaceful, dreamy images that feel timeless.
Morning or early afternoon sessions usually work best, as babies tend to be calmer and more settled during these hours.
2. Bath Time to Help Calm
If your baby has started baths, a gentle warm bath before the session can help them relax.
This often helps babies:
- Feel calm
- Sleep more easily
- Settle into the session naturally
3. Feeding and Comfort
Feeding your baby before the session is one of the best ways to help them feel relaxed and sleepy, which makes posing and capturing those precious moments much easier. Try to feed your baby at least 10 minutes before we start, and be sure to burp them well to prevent any discomfort caused by gas. This small step can help keep your baby calm throughout the shoot.
It’s also helpful to bring extra formula or breast milk, as newborn sessions usually last several hours to allow for feeding, diaper changes, and plenty of soothing breaks. These pauses are essential to ensure your baby’s comfort and well-being during the session.
If your baby gets fussy or unsettled at any point, don’t worry! This is completely normal. I’m patient and flexible, and we’ll take all the time needed to soothe and comfort your little one. My goal is to create a calm and safe environment so we can capture beautiful, peaceful images you’ll treasure forever.
4. Clothing and Outfits
Choosing the right outfits can really elevate your photos and create that soft, timeless look that works beautifully in newborn photography. I always recommend keeping it simple, neutral, and comfortable.
For moms, flowy dresses or soft tops in neutral tones like ivory, beige, blush, or muted earth tones photograph beautifully. For dads, a plain shirt or a light knit in similar tones works well. Try to avoid busy patterns, logos, or neon colors — we want the focus to stay on your connection and your sweet baby.
For your newborn, I recommend front-open clothing — it’s easier to change without disturbing your baby, especially if they’re sleepy or fussy. No need to pull anything over their head during the session.
The best part? I provide a curated selection of beautiful, neutral-colored outfits for both newborns and mommies. You don’t have to worry about shopping or guessing what will look best — I’ve got you covered. I also offer styling advice for the entire family so everything feels cohesive and natural. Whether it's a studio or in-home session, I’ll help you look and feel your best so your only job is to be present and soak in the moment.
5. Prepare Your Home or Studio
If your session is happening at home:
- Keep the space warm
- Clear clutter
- Choose a calm, quiet room
If you’re coming to my studio in Everett:
- Plan your travel time
- Arrive relaxed and on time
A calm environment helps the session flow naturally and keeps your baby comfortable.
6. Expectations and Patience
Newborn sessions typically take between 2 to 3 hours. This might feel long, but it’s necessary to accommodate your baby’s needs—feeding, changing, and soothing breaks all take time, and rushing isn’t safe or comfortable for your little one.
Patience is key during these sessions. Each baby has their own rhythm, and we’ll move at a pace that suits your family. The extra time ensures we capture those perfect, calm moments that make newborn photography so magical.
7. What to Bring
To make the session as smooth as possible, bring a small bag with newborn essentials such as diapers, wipes, a pacifier, a burp cloth, and a muslin blanket. Having these on hand means you’ll be ready to quickly handle any needs that arise.
Also, bring 2-3 bottles of milk or formula—baby bottles and formula—so your baby stays well-fed and comfortable throughout the session.
Note: I am not affiliated with or advertising Target. I’ve simply linked these products because I personally used all of these from Target when my baby was born, and they worked great for us.
For parents, you don’t need to worry too much—I provide water and light snacks in the studio so you can stay comfortable and relaxed throughout the session.
These small things help keep the experience calm, enjoyable, and focused on your baby.
8. If You're Bringing a Toddler for Family Photos
Including your toddler in your newborn session brings so much joy and authenticity to your photos — but let’s be honest, it can also come with its own set of challenges. Toddlers are full of energy, unpredictable moods, and big emotions. That’s all part of who they are — and I welcome it with open arms.
If you’re planning a family session that includes both your newborn and toddler, I recommend checking in with your photographer (hi, that’s me!) to see if it’s possible to break the session into two parts. One parent can come in first with the newborn for individual photos, and the other can bring your toddler later for the family portion. This way, the baby gets a calm environment, and your toddler isn’t stuck waiting through the entire session.
If that’s not an option, no worries at all. Just come prepared with a few key things to help set your toddler up for success:
- Snacks (mess-free) your toddler loves (think mess-free and quick to eat)
- Their favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal
- A small book, quiet activity, or even a playlist of their favorite songs
- A backup outfit (just in case!)
- Lots of patience — and maybe even a little bribery 😉
Toddlers may not follow every direction, and that’s perfectly okay. We’ll go with the flow, keep things light and playful, and capture their natural personalities as they are — even if that includes a little silliness or chaos. Some of the best, most heartfelt images come from real-life moments like a sibling hug, an unexpected giggle, or even a pouty face.
And just so you know — I completely understand. I have a toddler too, so I truly feel you. You’re not alone in this, and you don’t have to apologize for anything. I’ve got patience, experience, and plenty of tricks to help guide the session in a way that keeps it calm and fun for everyone.
We’re in it together, and I promise — we’ll make something beautiful.
9. Final Tips
Above all, try to relax and enjoy the experience! These early days with your newborn can feel hectic, overwhelming, and even a little exhausting—there’s so much to adjust to and learn. But this is also a truly precious and fleeting time filled with tiny, beautiful moments that you’ll want to remember forever.
During the session, take a deep breath and savor the cuddles, the little yawns, and the soft stretches. These quiet moments of connection and love are what make newborn photography so special. It’s okay if things don’t go perfectly — the real magic is in capturing the genuine, tender emotions of this unique time in your family’s life.
Trust your photographer to guide you gently through the process so that you can focus on your baby and soak in the experience. Remember, these sessions are not just about taking pictures — they’re about celebrating your growing family and creating memories that will warm your heart for years to come.
So even if the days feel overwhelming now, know that you are doing an amazing job, and these moments will become treasured keepsakes that tell your family’s beautiful story.
Studio vs In-Home Sessions
If you’re wondering whether to choose a studio or in-home session:
My Everett studio offers:
- A calm, cozy space
- Consistent lighting
- Curated setups and props
In-home sessions offer:
- A more personal setting
- Lifestyle feel
- Comfort of your own space
Both are beautiful—it simply depends on what feels right for you.
Newborn photography is about more than just photos—it’s about preserving a chapter of your life that passes so quickly.
Whether you’re in Seattle, Everett, Bothell, or nearby areas, my goal is to create a relaxed, meaningful experience that results in images you’ll treasure forever.
Planning your newborn session in Seattle, Everett, or Bothell?
Explore my newborn photography pages to learn more.
