How to prepare for your studio newborn photography session in Winnipeg.

There is no doubt that being a new parent can feel overwhelming — especially in those first few weeks. I completely understand. I’m a parent too, and I promise you: it will all be worth it.

There is no other time that your precious baby will look quite like they do right now. Those peaceful, curled-up newborns you see throughout my work all have one thing in common — their parents all prepared in the same simple way before their studio newborn photography session.

A calm, sleepy baby is the ultimate goal of your newborn session. To help make that happen, I ask for just a little bit of prep from you. I’ve photographed many babies over the years and have truly perfected the newborn sleep equation.

Bath + Full Feeding + Car Ride to the Studio = Sleepy Baby & a Beautiful Newborn Session

A quick note to first-time parents: please don’t stress if you miss a step. Ultimately, all I need is you, your baby, and food to make it to the studio. These are simply helpful tips to give us the best possible outcome — not rules you need to stress over.

1. Packing & Preparing for Your Newborn Session

If you’re breastfeeding, try to stay well hydrated and eat hearty meals leading up to your session.If you’re bottle feeding, please bring 2–3 extra feedings more than you think you’ll need.

Please pack the following:

• An outfit for baby to wear home (sleepers work best)
• Dress casually and cool for the studio — it will be warm
• Bring your parent outfit with you if you’re doing family portraits

Siblings 

My Winnipeg newborn photography studio will be full of props, heaters and distractions, so an additional adult must be present to keep siblings safe and occupied. Ideally, sibling photos are done first and siblings can leave afterward.

For sisters:

• A well-fitting neutral top (tank tops photograph beautifully)
• Hair worn naturally or in simple braids
• No bows, ties, or accessories
• Clean nails

For brothers:

• Well-fitting jeans
• Shirtless or a well-fitting neutral t-shirt

Pets:

Please have a leash, treats and anything your dog may need to remain calm and happy.

Parent & Baby Portraits

If you’ve chosen to include parent or sibling images, they will take place at the beginning of the session. Baby will remain swaddled for the duration of family portraits.

Please wear:

• Comfortable, neutral-coloured clothing

• No patterns or lettering

• Avoid bold nail polish — your hands will be visible in images

All parent portraits are close, intimate, and thoughtfully posed. I use flattering angles that feel comfortable for all post-baby body types. A washroom and change area are available at the studio.

Please note: Baby will either be swaddled or photographed naturally, so there is no need to bring outfits for your newborn.

Pacifier

While not required, a pacifier can be extremely helpful — even if you don’t normally use one. Having it available during the two-hour session can help everything run more smoothly.

2. Bathing Your Baby Before the Session

The bath serves a few purposes. Yes — it helps create soft, fuzzy newborn hair and that irresistible baby smell. But most importantly, it helps keep baby awake and gently tires them out.

If your baby’s umbilical cord has fallen off, please give a full bath. If not, a sponge bath works perfectly. Take your time. Linger. Dilly-dally. The goal is simply to keep baby awake longer than usual.

3. A Full Feeding Right Before You Leave

Please give your baby a full feeding immediately before getting into the car. This is not a snack feeding.

To help ensure a full tummy:

• Tickle their feet

• Change their diaper mid-feed

• Do anything you can to keep them awake

A full tummy = a sleepy baby.

Tip: Get yourself fully dressed and packed before feeding baby so feeding is the very last thing you do before leaving for the studio.

4. Getting Baby Dressed

I always begin newborn sessions with baby swaddled, so please dress your baby in something easy to remove (no over-the-head outfits if possible).

Winnipeg weather can be unpredictable — do whatever you normally do to keep baby safe, warm, and comfortable.

5. Loading Up & Heading to the Studio

Once you’re all set, hop in the car and head to the studio. The car ride usually puts baby into a deep, peaceful sleep.

When you arrive:

• Cover baby when exiting the car so sunlight doesn’t startle them awake
• I’ll carefully remove your sleeping baby from the car seat and we’ll begin the session

What to Bring to Your Studio Newborn Photography Session

• Diapers & wipes

• Milk

• Parent and sibling outfits (if applicable)

• Pacifier (optional but helpful)

• Baby’s go-home outfit

• Anything to make you comfortable (nursing pillow, water, snacks, reading material)

Studio Safety Procedures

Only those essential to the session are permitted in the studio.

• For newborn-only sessions, only parents may attend
• No extended family or extra visitors
• For sessions including siblings, family images are completed first and siblings are asked to leave afterward

If you require extra assistance for your session and plan to bring help, just let me know.

We can judge timing together and arrange pickup if needed once the session is nearing completion.

Studio Directions:

690 St Joseph Street  3rd floor
Free street parking

TEXT me when you arrive if you need assistance. 204-979-4532

NO ELEVATOR - please take your time on the stairs.