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5 Session Tips from a Hamilton Newborn Photographer 

I will preface this post by saying that I have Type A Personality. Type As are usually goal-oriented, ambitious, self driven, and can be controlling. I also want to add to that preface that another word for controlling is being in charge of something to get favourable results. I’d take that synonym any day. As part of the experience I offer when working with me for your photos, there are certain parts that ultimately I want to be in charge of. This is to lessen your stress. 

Aside from selecting the best location, providing wardrobe, and hair and make up for you for photo day, I will also send you a welcome guide that has some tips for our session to be enjoyable for everyone in the family. I find that when everyone is informed, and knows what to expect, not only do the photos turn out amazing but the experience more so. 

Here are some of the helpful tips I always share with my clients before a session :

Clothing Choices – Hamilton Newborn Photographer

If you have seen my portfolio, you will see that a lot of the family members wear (you guessed it) neutrals and whites. This is not because I want them to look like they are headed to heaven, but because whites and neutrals are timeless. They also photograph well AND they act as a good reflector so that the subjects’ faces are actually brightened. It literally helps you glow in the photos. Believe me, I’ve tested it out. This is also the reason (and you might have noticed) why I wear white when doing sessions. This is exactly because of this reflector explanation.

If we are doing newborn sessions in the studio, use snap up or zip clothing so it is easier to remove the baby’s clothes once we need to put the baby in a swaddle. If doing it at home, keep the baby in a diaper and loose swaddles. If they are asleep when you/I arrive, we do not disrupt them and we keep them that way. For full sessions with me, you do not have to worry about clothes, because I provide them for mamas and babies at no cost! Chat with me to learn more 🙂

Snacks! Snacks! Snacks! – Hamilton Newborn Photographer

My two year old daughter gets a tantrum because of two reasons : 1. She is tired ; 2. She is hungry. These are two things that I want you to keep in mind as well prior to our session. Make sure everyone is fed please. And yes that includes the dads and moms too! Imagine operating on an empty stomach. 

For newborn sessions, feed before arrival (either in home or in studio). But because babies have such small stomachs that are still developing, remember that we can always take a break and feed the baby. I also want to say that those make for some gorgeous and meaningful photos (breast or bottle). 

Get them ready and excited – Hamilton Newborn Photographer

For the getting ready and excited part, I’d recommend and actually suggest talking about the session even weeks before the actual date. This might work with husbands too (LOL they never check the family calendar!). Talking to the kids about the location, about the clothes you will wear, about things you can do together during the session, and about the stranger who will be taking photos of them (ME!) are good talking points. When someone knows what to expect, they participate better and sort of open up more. 

I will also say, and this works for us usually, is to keep the kids’ routine and sleep times (if existing) the same prior to our session. I work with you in scheduling and finding a time that works around kid’s nap times. I strongly believe that well rested kids make up for happy family photos.  

For newborn sessions, I suggest giving the baby a bath if possible in the morning of our session. I remember doing this to both my kids, and they usually have a good nap afterwards. Still true to this day. This will help us get those sleepy photos while they’re all swaddled up and content as they snooze in your arms. 

Love and play with your family – Hamilton Newborn Photographer

I am a simple person and I like simple things. This is also consistent with my work. The focus of the session is you and your family’s connections. I will guide you with prompts and gentle poses so you can feel more relaxed. My goal is for the session to have a natural flow with natural movements. I will rarely ask you to look at my camera. But we will also capture those in the beginning of the sessions to get that “everyone looking at the camera” shot. 

But try to keep in mind that when I give you a prompt like “walk together” you do not have to look at the camera unless I specifically ask you to. If you are unsure where to look, look into the eyes of your closest family member, and make sure to give them a smile, a hug, or a kiss 🙂

Dont stress! – Hamilton Newborn Photographer

All these tips are great but one thing that we can control (or manage and take charge of!) is the way we react to things. If these tips are hard to follow and you miss one, we can fix it. We can fix things. Things are still going to work out. But try to avoid stress. Kids feed off their parents’ energy. When you look back at the photos, what do you want to see and remember? Feed them that. Love and joy, I hope!

Bright and Airy – Hamilton Newborn Photographer

Hello there, Mama! I am so happy you reached this part of the post. I am Ericka Ana, the photographer behind Ericka Ana Photography. I am a full service motherhood photographer specializing in Newborn, Maternity and Family Photography. I service Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Ancaster, Oakville and surrounding areas. My aim is to capture your happy, sentimental and joyful memories and make sure they live in your homes through printed photographs and framed wall pieces. Let’s connect on Instagram!