Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s sweetest (and sleepiest) seasons, and I’m so honored to help families preserve those early days in timeless photographs. If you’re wondering what to expect during a newborn photo session, this post walks you through everything — from booking and preparing to what actually happens on session day and how your images are delivered.

Booking & Planning Made Easy

Once you officially book your session, you’ll receive access to your private online portal to view your invoice, sign your contract, make payments, and complete any necessary forms.  If you are currently a client, you can access your portal here:  jamieheyl.com/clients

You’ll also receive my comprehensive client guide, packed with helpful tips — from what to wear to how to prep baby before your session — so you feel confident and ready. This blog gives you an overview, but the full guide is available exclusively for booked clients.

You’ll have access to your session planner, where you can:

• Choose your favorite colors, props, or poses
• Be as specific or simple as you’d like — from inspiration photos to just “creams and neutrals”
• Let me know baby’s birth stats, who’s attending the session, and whether you’re bringing any sentimental items

If you’ve ever searched for what to expect during a newborn photo session, this is where your questions begin to get answered — from planning to posing, you’ll feel prepared.

Scheduling Your Session

If your baby has already arrived, we’ll get you scheduled as soon as possible — I typically photograph newborns between 7–10 days old, when they’re still sleepy and flexible. If you’re booking in advance, I put your due date on the calendar and you will reach out once baby is born to lock in your session date.

You’ll receive an email with the session time, date, location, and a prep guide summary so you feel completely ready.

What to Bring to Your Session

You don’t need to pack much — I’ve got everything covered when it comes to props, wraps, and styling. But here are a few small things to bring that help the session go smoothly:

• A pacifier, even if your baby doesn’t usually take one
  (I have unopened extras here just in case!)
• A bottle of pumped breastmilk or formula
  (Moms are more than welcome to nurse! But in my experience, babies often comfort nurse or have trouble settling once handed back to me. A bottle gives us more flexibility during posing.)
• A few diapers and wipes
• A light blanket to keep baby warm during breaks; this also makes handing baby back and forth easier because they won’t startle as much

Knowing what to expect during a newborn photo session includes knowing what to pack — and thankfully, the list is short and simple!

On Session Day

When you arrive (especially if you’re early), please text me and wait in your car until I let you know it’s time to come in. We have pets, and I’m usually giving the studio a final once-over!

We’ll begin with parent and/or sibling photos. It works best if someone can bring siblings home afterward so parents can relax and enjoy the rest of the session.

I typically start with wrapped poses — most babies sleep well through this part. Then we may break for a feeding before moving to table posing. Many babies have a little awake time after eating, which makes for some adorable alert shots. Once they settle again, we’ll finish up the posed photos.

Here’s what else to expect:

• Accidents happen — no big deal!
• I usually stick to partially covered setups for comfort and modesty
• I follow a baby-led approach — if a pose isn’t working, we move on

During the Session

• You’re welcome to eat, drink, and relax — I want this to feel like a break, not a task
• Behind-the-scenes photos and videos are absolutely welcome — and I’d love for you to share them with me!
• If at any point you don’t love a color, pose, or setup, please speak up! I want you to love your images

After the Session

Here’s what to expect after we wrap:

• A sneak peek will be posted on social media within 1–2 days
• Proof galleries are delivered within 1 week
• If your package includes the full gallery, you’ll receive your final edits within 2 weeks
• If you’re selecting your images, final edits are delivered about 2 weeks after selection

Your gallery will be stored online for at least 10 years. If it expires, just message me — I’m happy to reopen it. But I highly recommend downloading your files immediately to a safe location.

You can order prints straight from your gallery or use your own lab — but please avoid places like Walgreens. The colors won’t print true to your images. I recommend MPIX for affordable, high-quality prints.

Want to Add More Sessions?

After your newborn session, you’ll have the option to add on milestone sessions at special a la carte pricing — perfect for sitting up, first birthdays, and all the little stages in between.  I also offer mini sessions for these.

Ready to Book?

Whether you’re expecting your first or adding another little one to your family, it’s never too early to reserve your spot. I’m currently booking summer due dates, and I’d love to help you document this season with ease and care.

✨ Use code SUMMER50 when booking to receive $50 off your session! ✨
(Limited-time summer offer – quietly shared with my favorite readers 😉)

📅 Tap here to book your session or reach out with any questions — I’m always happy to help!