5 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Preparing for a Newborn Photoshoot (and How to Avoid Them!)
Newborn photography is one of the most precious investments you can make as a new parent. Capturing those first delicate days with your baby in stunning, professional photos is something you’ll cherish forever. But let’s be real—newborn photoshoots can feel a bit intimidating for first-time parents. From figuring out what to bring to calming those last-minute jitters, there’s a lot to think about.
Here are five common mistakes parents make when preparing for a newborn photoshoot (and what you can do to avoid them so your session is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable).
1. Waiting Too Long to Schedule the Shoot
The Mistake: Many parents wait until after the baby is born to book a session, but the truth is, the best time to photograph a newborn is within the first two weeks of life, when they’re still super sleepy and curly for those adorable poses.
How to Avoid It: Schedule your session early, ideally during your second or third trimester. At our studio in San Jose, we help you secure a date and ensure you’re well-prepared, whether you’re coming from Atherton, Palo Alto, or nearby Los Gatos. Planning ahead means you can relax and enjoy the experience without any last-minute rushing.
2. Overthinking the Wardrobe
The Mistake: Some parents stress over finding the “perfect” outfit, which can be especially hard when you're sleep-deprived and navigating life with a newborn. The result? You might end up with overly complicated outfits that feel forced or uncomfortable.
How to Avoid It: Our San Jose studio offers a client wardrobe with beautifully curated, soft, and timeless outfits for both babies and parents. This service lets you skip the stress and focus on enjoying the moment. Our team will help style you with options that look great on camera and feel comfortable, ensuring your focus stays on bonding with your little one.
3. Skipping Hair and Makeup for Mom
The Mistake: Many moms think they can skip hair and makeup, but it’s hard to feel camera-ready when you’re juggling a newborn. Those early photos become priceless family keepsakes, and you’ll want to feel beautiful and confident in front of the lens.
How to Avoid It: Our studio provides professional hair and makeup services to help you feel your best on the big day. Relax and let us pamper you before the session begins. After all, your baby isn’t the only star of these photos—this is a celebration of the whole family, especially you!
4. Forgetting Essentials for Baby’s Comfort
The Mistake: Bringing only the essentials may mean your baby doesn’t have everything they need to stay comfortable and relaxed. Little details, like a familiar blanket or pacifier, can make all the difference in keeping your newborn content.
How to Avoid It: We encourage parents to bring anything that comforts the baby, whether it’s a favorite blanket, pacifier, or even a soothing playlist. Our San Jose studio is fully stocked with baby essentials, but personal items can help keep the atmosphere cozy, familiar, and calm for your little one.
5. Getting Stressed About Perfection
The Mistake: Sometimes, parents put too much pressure on themselves for the session to go “perfectly.” Babies can be unpredictable, and they might get a bit fussy, need extra feedings, or take time to settle into poses.
How to Avoid It: Let go of perfection! Our photographers are experienced in working with newborns and know how to patiently capture those perfect moments, even if the session doesn’t go exactly as planned. We create a stress-free kids photography experience, so you can relax knowing we’ve got everything under control.
Make Your Newborn Photoshoot in San Jose a Beautiful Experience
Newborn photography is all about capturing real, meaningful moments. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth and memorable experience with your little one. Located in San Jose, our studio offers a luxurious, stress-free experience with a client wardrobe, hair and makeup services, and everything you need to feel at home. And if you’re coming from Hillsborough, Los Altos Hills, or Menlo Park, our convenient location makes it easy to reach us.
Let’s create beautiful memories together. Reach out to book your newborn photoshoot today!
