What to Bring to Your Newborn Photography Session | Livejoy Photography in Salem, Oregon

Having been a newborn photographer for almost 12 years, I know what a gift capturing those first precious days with a newborn is. And I ALSO know how sleep deprived everyone is, and how much you need to pack to get out the door. So to help you feel prepared for your upcoming session, and remind you of items you might want, I’ve put together a checklist of essentials to think about bringing with you.

Preparing ahead of time ensures a smooth, stress-free experience for everyone. While my Salem, Oregon studio is fully equipped with all the props, wraps, and backdrops you’ll need, there are a few personal items that can make your session even better.

• 1. Your Diaper Bag Essentials

  • Diapers (I also provide diapers/wipes in studio!)

  • Wipes

  • Extra pacifiers (even if your baby doesn’t typically use one, this is a great tool for me to use during your session. It enables me to have those extra 10 seconds to maintain a pose and get the shot. )

  • A burp cloth or two - Spit up is normal and I have some here in case you forget!

  • Baby hair brush, (if your newborn has hair!)

  • Lotion for flakey skin - Newborn’s typically have a lot of flakey skin and the better we can tackle that prior to editing the better.

  • Warm wash cloth for eye goop. Newborns can have some eye goop and a warm wash cloth is a great help prior to photos. Just be sure to be very gentle so as to not make their eye area more red/irritated.

The Changing Table area in my studio! There are supplies in the basket underneath for your convenience, along with a diaper genie. 

• 2. Baby’s Feeding Supplies

  • If you’re nursing, bring anything you might need, such as a nursing cover or pillow. I also have a couch pillow that works great. Please also know that I am completely comfortable with no-cover if you are! This is a safe place for you to care for your baby as you need.

  • If you’re bottle-feeding, pack extra bottles of pre-measured formula or breast milk if pumping. A well-fed baby is typically a sleepy, cooperative baby—ideal for those dreamy, posed shots. We may also feed baby a little extra while you are here, so plan for that! I also have an outlet close to my couches if you need to pump while you are here!

Pacifier used to get the images below! WORTH IT!! 

Baby Boy relaxed with his pacifier and we were able to get the image pictured! 

3. Special Keepsakes

• I love including small sentimental items into your session! Something small that would be easy for me to tuck in baby’s hands is perfect. Do you have a family heirloom, favorite blanket, or a small toy that holds sentimental value? Including these in your photos is a wonderful idea, just be sure to let me know on your questionnaire!

Baby girl wearing darling bracelets that her mom brought! Very easy to include, and just adds to the image! 

4. Comfort Items for Parents

• A light snack and water bottle (sessions can take 2–3 hours). I also provide snacks (nuts, fruit bars, granola bars etc) and water/coffee/decaf coffee/tea here with creamers/sugars etc.

• Comfortable clothes and PJ’s for after your pictures! We will do your photos with baby right in the beginning, and then you are more than welcome to get back into your pjs, or sweatpants or whatever you’d like. I’m a huge fan of cozy, and want you to feel cozy here!

• An extra shirt for parents in case of baby-related accidents is a great idea, but not usually necessary.

Mom and Dad with their brand new baby boy! 

• 5. Sibling Entertainment

  • If siblings are joining the session, bring quiet toys, books, or snacks to keep them entertained while we are doing images of your newborn with parents.

  • We will do sibling/family/parent images right in the beginning, then I have siblings take off with an adult (usually a parent) while we finish up the rest of the session with just baby and mom. I can let mom know when we are 20 minutes from being done, and they can swing on back by and grab her and baby.

Big brothers with their brand new baby brother! 

Bonus Tips for a Successful Newborn Photography Session

• Dress Baby in a Simple Outfit
  Bring your baby in a loose-fitting onesie or sleeper to avoid marks on their skin before the session, as well as make it easy to get out of and keep them sleepy. I will undress them when you arrive.

• Time Your Arrival
  Try to arrive at the studio with a well-fed and sleepy baby. Feeding them just before leaving home or upon arrival at our Salem studio can help them settle in quickly. If you have a longer drive, I may have you feed baby when you arrive, or top them off.

• Relax and Trust the Process
  As an experienced newborn photographer with over 11 years of experience in Salem, Oregon, I’ll guide you every step of the way. My priority is making the session calm and enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Why Choose Livejoy Photography in Salem, Oregon

As Salem’s most trusted newborn and maternity photographer, I specialize in creating timeless images of your little one. I love capturing every tiny detail, from their delicate eyelashes to their tiny toes. My studio is designed with your family’s comfort in mind, so all you need to do is bring your essentials and let me handle the rest.

If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed your baby, now is the perfect time to schedule your newborn photography session in Salem, Oregon. Availability is limited, so be sure to book early!

Contact Livejoy Photography Today

Ready to book or have questions about your session? I’m here to help! Contact me at via the button below to capture these fleeting moments in beautiful, professional photographs you’ll cherish for a lifetime.