As a mom and South Florida newborn photographer for 13 years, I know life with a newborn is beautiful, emotional, and often a little overwhelming. Adding in a newborn session can seem like a lot, but I got you.

Because those first weeks fly by so quickly, I make sure everything is prepared before you arrive. From planning and styling to creating a safe and cozy studio, here’s a look at how I prepare for your newborn session so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Prepping my Newborn Studio in South Florida

I have a list of things I need to get done before each and every client that arrives in the studio- this never changes. But what does change is me figuring out what music or playlist I want to listen to while doing it. I love music but my musical vibe changes a lot. I may want to chill and prep, dance and prep or rock out and prep!

To start, I make sure everything is back in its place. I use the Pax closet system from Ikea for my organization and storage. It works just perfectly for all my newborn knits, props, posing fabrics, etc.. It is so easy to stay organized when everything has a place.

From there I start dusting and vacuuming all surfaces followed by steam-mopping the floors. You can’t beat my trusty steam-mop.

For newborn session I always have 2 items for white noise. I have used them for every single session since I started years and years ago. I have my baby shusher (you are gonna want one!) and my bose speaker that plays white noise. Now I am ready to move on to the fun stuff!

Learning Your Style and Session Preferences

From the moment you first reach out, I’m already thinking about how to make your session extra special and actually enjoyable! As part of my booking process, I send every family a Client Questionnaire. This is where you can share your styling likes and even dislikes. so I can design a session that truly reflects you, your family, and your home. I want to know which colors you love, which ones you’d rather avoid, and even which images from my newborn portfolio inspire you most. A client favorite is always “baby in a bucket” (because really, what’s cuter than that?).

My questionnaire gives you plenty of space to share your vision. Would you like to include a maternity session, add-on outdoor newborn photos? How would you like to display your finished artwork? From wall portraits to albums, your answers help me plan every detail in advance. As a South Florida newborn photographer, I use this process to make sure your session and your pictures feels personal, meaningful, and completely yours.

Curating Wardrobe, Props and Setups for Your Newborn Photos

Choosing Colors and Textures

Soft handmade knits, cozy wraps, in beautiful natural colors & textures. These are what makes for the sweetest dreams for me. I have spent years curating all this delicious softness. I am lucky to have found an amazing group of artisans from all over the world to create handmade wraps, outfits, and props that bring a special touch to each session.

My style is always monochromatic layered with lots of different textures. It is what makes the images so rich and classic. I also love this approach because it allows your baby to remain the star of every photograph, exactly as it should be.

When I put together each setup, I focus on creating elegant, heirloom-quality portraits. I carefully select colors that not only photograph beautifully but also complement your preferences and your home’s aesthetic.

Preparing South Florida Newborn Photoshoot Props and Outfits

I have an ever-growing collection of handmade delicious knit wraps and outfits.

Newborn sized wood and bamboo props like my adorable heart bowl sourced from artisans worldwide. I have buckets by my side filled with mini pillows and stuffers to make sure baby is snug and secure in all of my props.

Client Favorites and Signature Newborn Photography Looks

Every family has their own style, but some setups are always client favorites. A favorite and a classic is the “baby in a bucket” pose. It is simple, sweet, and really shows how tiny a newborn is. My “pooh” bucket is solid and can be styled countless ways. It is my go to!

I also love creating cozy, swaddled looks with layers of textures or styling delicate headbands and bonnets for a soft, dreamy feel.

As your South Florida newborn photographer, I blend these popular setups with your personal preferences to create a gallery that feels uniquely yours. My goal is to give you images that not only look beautiful today but also remain meaningful heirlooms for years to come.

Before you arrive, I style each setup so we’re ready to flow through the session ready to change the plan as baby needs. Having multiple setups ready to shoot means we can adjust to your baby’s mood and have plenty of options.

What Parents Can Expect on Picture Day with a South Florida Newborn Photographer

Settling in at The Studio

The morning of your session, I’ll send you a text with my studio address so it’s handy when you head out the door. Since all newborn sessions take place Monday–Friday at 9:30 am, expect a quick text reminder around 8:30 am.

When you arrive, I’ll be waiting outside to greet you and offer an extra pair of hands. It’s amazing how much “stuff” one tiny human needs, and I’m happy to help you carry it in.

Inside, you’ll have a cozy space just for you. A couch, chair, and coffee table where you can settle in and relax. Many parents have even napped on my couch, so don’t be shy about getting comfortable.

Because we’ve already taken care of all the planning in advance, your work is done. Sip a coffee, watch me photograph your baby, and simply enjoy the moment. This is often one of your first trips out of the house with your newborn and a rare chance to be hands-free for a little while. Enjoy!

Baby-Led Posing and Comfort Breaks

Babies have their own schedules, and that’s exactly what I expect. Feeding, soothing, or changing your little one is all routine and I always build extra time into every session for these natural breaks. We simply go with the flow and let your baby set the pace.

And if your little one surprises us, even with a tiny accident on a prop, we’ll laugh about it together. In the years to come, every time you see that photo on your wall, you’ll remember not just the image but also the story behind it. I am certain those small, unscripted moments will be part of the memories we create during your newborn session.

Average Session Time

Most newborn sessions are completed in about 2.5 to 3 hours. I will never allow a session to go to 4 hours. If your baby is nice and sleepy and falls into a deep sleep, we’re often able to move smoothly through poses and transitions. More often though, we will need to pause for feeding, soothing, or simply giving your little one a bit more time to settle. This is part of the schedule.

Sibling portraits can also extend the session, especially when toddlers need a little extra coaxing to join in. This is all completely normal which is why I plan for flexibility. As your South Florida newborn photographer, I always let your baby and your family set the pace so the session feels calm, enjoyable, and stress-free.

Keeping Baby Safe and Comfortable

Safety is always my first priority. I am trained in newborn posing and even Infant CPR. I take great care to ensure your little one is supported, secure, and never placed in a position that feels unsafe. Every blanket, prop, and surface is prepared with your baby’s comfort in mind.

I work slowly, gently, and always follow your baby’s cues. If a pose doesn’t feel right for them, we simply adjust. As your South Florida newborn photographer, I want you to feel completely at ease knowing your baby is in experienced, caring hands throughout the session.

Relax While I Create Beautiful Portraits

In the years ahead, you’ll look back on these images and remember not only how your baby looked, but how you felt in those first weeks together, those first newborn moments of motherhood. For me, that is the joy of being a South Florida newborn photographer. It’s more than a picture; it’s a feeling. 

One of the best parts of a newborn session is that you get to take a break while I do all the work. Because I’ve planned the details in advance, your only job is to sit back and enjoy the experience. Many parents sip coffee, scroll on their phones, or even nap while I photograph their baby.

I want you to feel cared for and unhurried during your time in the studio. As your South Florida newborn photographer, my goal is to give you a stress-free experience and beautiful portraits you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Including Parents and Siblings in Your Newborn Portraits

While your newborn is the focus of the day, they’re also the newest member of your family whether it’s your first baby or your fourth. That’s why I love including family images if you’d like them. My moms love how they beautifully capture the emotion of their new family.

To keep things stress-free, I provide a simple styling guide for parents and even have wardrobe options available for siblings. For moms and dads, I recommend solid, neutral colors such as cream, black, denim blue, taupe, or caramel. And here’s a little secret, what you wear on the bottom doesn’t matter. Many parents stay in their most comfortable pants (even pajamas!) since I photograph nice and close, focusing on your baby’s face and the emotion of your connection. Happiness is easy to photograph so these images are always beautiful.

I keep the backdrop nice and simple, either a solid paper in one of my classic colors or a backlit image for a little drama.

For siblings, I often use my super-fluffy flokati rug and guide them to cuddle their new baby brother or sister. I know that the image of the new baby and their siblings is going to be one of mom’s favorite. I want to give her an amazing first portrait of her babies together. They are a gallery favorite for a reason.

Siblings at a Newborn Photography Photoshoot

A little footnote – I absolutely love capturing the first portraits of baby with their siblings, it’s often one of the most meaningful parts of the gallery. Because my studio is small and carefully set up for newborn lighting and posing, I’ve found it works best to keep sibling time in the studio short and sweet during newborn pictures.

Toddlers especially find it tough to be content in a warm, dark studio for several hours. To make things easier, I recommend families with siblings arrive in two cars if possible, so one parent can take the older children home after their portion of the session. Another option is for a parent to take siblings out for a snack, lunch, or some playtime at a nearby park while I finish the newborn’s solo portraits.

My top priority is always safety for your newborn and for siblings. While my studio doesn’t contain hazards, I do keep delicate props, fabrics, and lighting equipment in use for sessions. Keeping curious hands away ensures everything stays clean and ready for the many babies who come through my space. Most importantly, it keeps the session calm, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Enjoy your Newborn Photography Session

Every moment of picture day is designed to feel easy, relaxed, and meaningful. From the moment you walk through the door, to the quiet time you enjoy while I photograph your baby, to the joy of stepping in for family and sibling portraits, my goal is to make the entire experience stress-free. As your South Florida newborn photographer, I want you to leave my studio not only with beautiful portraits but also with memories of a day you truly enjoyed.

Once your session wraps, the experience continues—because what comes after your time in the studio is just as exciting.

After Your Session With a South Florida Newborn Photographer

The Viewing and Ordering Appointment

The session is over, you’re heading home, and you’re probably soooo excited to see your images. Your session was fun, wasn’t it? Now it’s time for everyone to go home, relax, and maybe even take a well-deserved nap.

In about three weeks, you’ll receive an email to schedule your in-person viewing and ordering appointment. You’re welcome to bring along any family members you’d like. Sometimes both sets of grandparents join, and it feels almost like a party!

By the time we sit down together, I’ve already gone through your images and selected the very best ones to share in your gallery. I’ll do some light editing, such as cropping and exposure adjustments, to prepare them for viewing. Then, you’ll get to enjoy a slideshow for your first look, followed by a chance to see each image individually and choose your favorites.

At this appointment, you’ll see your full gallery, make your selections, and place your order. Payment for your chosen artwork and images will be due at this time so we can begin the process of creating your heirloom pieces right away. Final finish editing will take place once you have confirmed your choices.

During your appointment, I’ll also share my curated artwork options for your home, custom albums, heirloom-quality framed prints, and specialty wall art sourced from around the world. You’ll be able to touch and feel samples so you can see the quality firsthand. Together, we’ll design what works best for your family and your home.

Choosing Your Heirloom Artwork from Your South Florida Newborn Photography Session

This is the part of the process I love most. Helping you turn your favorite images into something tangible you can see and feel. Trust me, it is so much better than photos on your phone. Digital files are wonderful for sharing, the true magic happens when your portraits are transformed into artwork you can see and enjoy every day. Plus, when you purchase albums and/or wall art, you get the corresponding digital with them so it is a win/win!

We’ll plan everything together so your artwork feels perfectly suited to your family. Have the ideal wall in your living room for a gallery display? I’ll help you take measurements and design something with just the right touch. Thinking about a framed portrait above the crib in the nursery? Or maybe an album your baby can look back on as they grow from child to adult?

I offer endless options to match your family’s style.

Digital Images and Collections

I know how important it is to have digital images you can share with family and friends or post online. That’s why every piece of artwork you order I include the matching digital file so you never have to choose between having something beautiful for your home and something convenient for sharing.

For families who prefer a simple digital collection, I also offer packages that allow you to select a set of your favorite images. Whether you choose just a few or your entire gallery, you’ll receive high-resolution files that are fully edited and ready to print or share.

My goal is to give you the best of both worlds: a hybrid. The ease of digital images combined with lasting heirloom artwork. This way, your memories live both on your walls and in your hands and can be enjoyed.

Delivery and Installation Made Easy

Once your order is placed, I take care of all the details so you don’t have to worry about a thing. I handle the professional printing, framing, and finishing of your artwork to ensure everything arrives in perfect condition.

When your pieces are ready, I’ll deliver them to you. For larger wall art or gallery displays, I’m happy to guide you on placement or refer help with installation so your portraits look their very best in your home.

As your South Florida newborn photographer, my goal is to give you a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish. I want to make sure you are able to enjoy the moment it arrives.

Book Your South Florida Newborn Photography Session

South Florida families across Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Pembroke Pines to name just a few, I’d love to meet you and capture your newborn’s first few weeks! I would be honored to capture those first portraits for your family and give you the best portrait experience! From planning and preparation to picture day and heirloom artwork, I’ve designed every step of the process to be stress-free and filled with care.

Interested in newborn studio pricing or how the booking process work?

Let’s start planning your photos—get in touch today!

More posts I think you’ll like:

• Newborn Photography page- all the details on my sessions
• My Newborn Photography Portfolio