" How to prepare Series"

Posed Newborn

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Studio Session


                                                                                                                                                  


Hello! My name is Jayda, and I’m the photographer behind the lens at Jayda Wise Photography. I’ve created this “How to Prepare for Your Session” series to help you feel calm, confident, and completely prepared for your newborn’s studio session—because these first days are tender, fleeting, and so incredibly special. Posed newborn photography is an extensive process for both photograpgher and parents. You need to be prepared for the amount of patience and time these photos can take for some babies. I will always recommend buying a higher package to allow more time for the photos you want.  


Everything shared here is based on my professional experience and is meant to serve as guidance, not strict rules. Every baby is unique. Flexibility and patience are always part of the process. If you have questions, preferences, or special considerations, please reach out. I’m always happy to personalize your experience.


                                                                                                                                                  


1. Studio Newborn Sessions: Soft, Safe & Baby-Led 🤍


Posed newborn sessions are slow, gentle, and centered entirely around your baby’s comfort and safety. I follow baby’s lead at all times. If your little one needs to eat, be soothed, or simply be held, we pause. There is never any rush.


The ideal window for posed newborn photography is typically between 7–21 days old, when babies are naturally sleepier and curl easily into those classic newborn poses. However, beautiful images can absolutely be created outside of that timeframe as well.


Because newborns are unpredictable (and that’s perfectly normal!), session timing and flow can vary depending on baby’s temperament that day. More time simply allows for more flexibility, extra soothing breaks, and additional setup changes.


                                                                                                                                                  


2. What Your Session May Include ✨


Depending on your chosen session, we can incorporate:


• Baby-only posed portraits

• Multiple background setups for baby

• Several outfit or wrap changes

• Parent poses

• Sibling poses

• Natural white plaster/painted brick wall images

• Studio backdrop family portraits


Baby-only sessions are typically shorter and focus on wrapped and lightly styled setups.


Sessions that include family portraits require additional time to allow for pose transitions, outfit changes, and settling baby between combinations.


Longer sessions allow for (depending on package chosen):


• 2–4 baby outfit changes

• 2–5 family poses

• Multiple background variations

• Extra soothing time

• A larger final image selection


Every session is adjusted in real time based on how baby is feeling.


                                                                                                                                                  


3. Preparing Baby Before Arrival 💛


a. Try to keep baby awake

If possible, keep baby awake for 45 minutes to 1 hour before leaving home. A bath, gentle stimulation, or interacting with them can help. A sleepy baby upon arrival makes posing smoother—but please don’t stress if this doesn’t go perfectly.


b. Feed right before the session

A full baby is a sleepy baby. Plan to feed baby right before arriving or immediately once you get to the studio. Additional feeding breaks are completely normal and expected.


c. Dress baby simply

Loose zip-up or snap pajamas are perfect. Avoid tight socks or snug diapers that may leave marks on baby’s skin.


                                                                                                                                                  


4. What I Provide vs. What to Bring


I provide:


• Wraps and swaddles (limited)

• Boy and Girl newborn sized outfits (limited)

• Bed (baby sized) for posing with different fabrics

• Headbands and bonnets

• Minimal, timeless props

• Studio backdrops and natural wall setups


My style is clean, soft, and baby-focused. I intentionally keep setups timeless so your images never feel trendy or dated. I keep my collection intentionally low so I can keep my prices more budget friendly.


You should bring:


• Extra diapers and wipes

• A pacifier (even if baby doesn’t regularly use one — it can help briefly during posing)

• Extra milk or be prepared for additional feedings

• Any sentimental items you’d like incorporated


If siblings are participating, we’ll typically photograph them first so they can relax afterward. Bringing a quiet activity or small non-messy snack for them is always helpful.


For parents and siblings, I recommend neutral and soft tones — creams, beige, soft gray, muted pastels, or soft blacks /blues. Avoid bold patterns and logos so baby remains the focus. If you need help with color cordination or clothes, that is included in the package price so please feel free to reach out!


                                                                                                                                                  


5. The Studio Experience


The studio will be warm — warmer than usual — to keep baby comfortable and sleepy. Dress in light layers so you don’t overheat.


Newborn sessions typically last anywhere from 90 minutes to 3.5 hours, depending on how many setups and family combinations are included. This allows time for:


• Feeding breaks

• Diaper changes

• Gentle settling

• Safe pose transitions

• Background changes


Patience is built into every session. It is important to note that you are not guaranteed to get the exact outcome you may wish for.  Babies can be unpredictable and providing such a short session may end in less desirable outcomes. Regardless, I will always work to  give the absolute best outcome of each session because every baby is an honor to work with regardless of budget. I want to work with you.


                                                                                                                                                  


6. Safety First — Always 🤍


Your baby’s safety is never compromised for a pose.


Some advanced-looking images are created using composite editing, meaning baby is fully supported at all times. I closely monitor circulation, temperature, and comfort cues throughout the session.


If baby resists a pose, we simply move on. Simple and natural is always beautiful.


                                                                                                                                                  

7. A Few Gentle Reminders ✨


• Babies sense stress — try to relax and trust the process.

• Crying is normal. It simply means baby needs something.

• Flaky skin, baby acne, and tiny scratches are part of this stage. Light retouching is included while preserving authenticity.

• More time equals more flexibility — especially with brand new babies.


Most importantly, give yourself grace. You just had a baby. This season is beautiful, exhausting, emotional, and sacred all at once.


                                                                                                                                                  


I am truly honored to document this incredibly fleeting chapter for your family. One day, these images will remind you just how tiny they were in your arms.

If you have any questions or would like help planning styling or family coordination, I’m always here. I can’t wait to meet your sweet little one and create something timeless together. 🤍