Your Pre-Shoot Guide

For Relaxed, Real, & Beautiful Newborn Photos

Hey there, I’m so excited to be capturing your little one! This guide is all about helping you feel at ease and prepared for your session. My approach is all about keeping things natural, relaxed, and true to you, so there’s no need for stiff poses or forced smiles—we’re here to capture the real, beautiful moments of this precious time.

Much love,

Tracey

What to Wear (And What Not To)


The key here is comfort. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, it’ll show in the photos. Your session is all about capturing those genuine, natural moments with your newborn, so skip anything that feels too formal or uncomfortable.

Some easy style tips:

  • No matching outfits: Coordinated is great, but leave the matching white shirts at home. We want to keep things casual and real.

  • Earthy, neutral tones are perfect. Think soft beiges, creams, and pastels—these colors look beautiful with your baby and in natural light.

  • Avoid bold patterns, logos, and neons—they can distract from the true magic of your family.

  • Black isn’t always the best choice—it can lose detail in softer lighting, so opt for lighter colours if possible.

  • Accessorising by adding blankets with soft textures can add warmth and depth.

  • For baby, dress them in something soft and snug, like a onesie. Earthy wraps are always a winner, too.

  • If your little one has a special toy or blanket, bring it along! These little details make the photos even more special.

  • And, if we’re indoors, don’t worry if things aren’t perfectly tidy. Real life is messy, and I’m here to capture all of it!

What to Expect at Your Shoot


This session is all about capturing the real moments between you, your little one, and your family. That means:

  • No forced smiles or cheesy poses—I want to see real love, soft moments, and the natural beauty of this stage.

  • Your baby calls the shots—if they’re awake and alert, we’ll capture their curious eyes. If they’re fast asleep, I’ll document their peaceful little face.

  • Zero expectations—if your baby doesn’t sleep, doesn’t cooperate, or needs a feed in the middle of the session, that’s perfectly okay. I’m here for it all.

  • Capturing real life—this session isn’t about creating something perfect; it’s about capturing the beauty in the mess. Trust me, the magic is in these little moments.

Getting the Most Out of Your Session
Here’s how to get the best photos, no stress:

  • Feeding Baby: Absolutely, feed your baby as needed! If you can, try feeding right before I arrive so we can make the most of our time. But don’t stress if things don’t go according to plan—I'm a mum too!

  • Your House: It doesn’t need to be spotless—just tidy-ish. Newborn sessions are lifestyle-focused, so I want to capture your family as you are. We’ll often take shots in the bedroom, so having a quilt cover you like will help, but I can always assist with tidying on the day if needed.

  • What I’m Looking For: I want to capture your family’s connection. My sessions are about moments, not posing. I’ll guide you to a spot with good lighting, then I’ll ask you to look at the baby or each other—lots of hugs and kisses, and real love! Don’t worry, you’ll warm up quickly, and your gallery will reflect the true connection you have as a family.

  • Let your baby lead—if they’re sleepy, great! If they’re awake and looking around, that’s just as wonderful. I’ll capture it all.

  • Take it easy with older siblings—if they want to be involved, awesome! But don’t stress if they need a break or aren’t into it. I promise we’ll get those sweet sibling moments when the time is right.

  • Bring their favourite things—comfort toys, blankets, pacifiers—these little items help tell the story of your newborn’s first days and make the session even more meaningful.

  • No pressure to pose—the more natural, the better! Just cuddle, love, and interact like you would if I weren’t there, and I’ll capture it all.

A note for parents: Please make sure you and your partner are on the same page about my approach to capturing the session. This is your time to relax and let things unfold naturally. Let the moments happen as they will. It’s all part of the beauty of family life.I want you to feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the shoot.

What Happens After the Shoot?

Once your session is done, I’ll go through all your images, selecting and editing the very best ones.

  • You’ll receive your online gallery within three weeks of your shoot.

  • From there, you can select your favourites or upgrade your package if you want more.

  • Your photos are yours to download, print, share, and cherish forever.

  • Pro Tip: Order Prints from Your Online Gallery

    I highly encourage you to take advantage of your online gallery’s print store for the best quality prints. It’s an easy way to ensure your photos are printed to the highest standards, capturing every detail and making them last for years to come.

Final Thoughts


I hope this guide has helped you feel prepared and excited for your session! My goal is to make it a fun, relaxed experience that gives you beautiful photos of this special, fleeting time in your life.

If you have any questions, I’m always here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, I can’t wait to meet you, your baby, and your family soon!

See you at your session!

Tracey
Golden Sundays Photography