Precious Delany: Preparing for Your Hampton Roads Newborn Session
“Justine was amazing with our newborn little girl and amazing to coordinate with! We were obsessed with the moments that she captured.” - Kayla Post
Featured Newborn Session: Sweet Delaney
There’s nothing quite like the early days of newborn life—tiny fingers, sleepy snuggles, and that new baby smell that makes time feel like it’s standing still. I recently had the joy of photographing baby Delaney, and let me tell you, she was an absolute dream! Her session was filled with timeless whites, delicate textures, and the most adorable sleepy smiles.
If you’re expecting and wondering how to make the most of your newborn session, here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure everything goes smoothly!
Ready to book your Hampton Roads newborn session? - Justine can help!
1. Book Early
Newborn sessions are best scheduled in advance, ideally while you’re still pregnant. The best time to capture those curled-up, sleepy newborn poses is within the first two weeks of life. For Delaney’s session, her parents reached out before she was born, which allowed us to plan all the details ahead of time.
2. Keep Baby Comfortable & Cozy
Newborns love warmth, so I keep my studio (or your home) at a toasty temperature to help them stay sleepy and content. If you’re coming to the studio, dress in layers so you can stay comfortable! Bringing a pacifier—even if baby doesn’t usually take one—can also help soothe between poses.
3. Plan Simple, Neutral Outfits
For parents and siblings, I recommend soft, neutral tones that complement baby’s delicate features without distraction. Delaney’s family opted out of family photos, but my families who want them usually choose beautiful ivory, beige, or white tones, which keep the focus on baby's tiny details. Avoid busy patterns or logos, and opt for timeless pieces that will look beautiful in your home for years to come.
Want a timeless white newborn session? Reach out to Justine today!
4. Keep Baby Awake Before the Session
A sleepy baby makes for a smooth session! Try to keep baby awake for 30–60 minutes before your session (a little bath time works wonders). Feeding baby right before we start also helps them drift off into that deep, snuggly sleep we’re looking for.
5. Don't Stress About Perfection
Babies have their own schedules, and that’s okay! If baby needs extra time for feeding or soothing, we take it. Delaney had a little moment where she needed to be held and rocked before settling into a deep sleep, and mom was a rock star at patting her little bottom while I positioned her into some sweet table poses. Mom loved being hands-on and part of her first little girl's newborn session, but sometimes these moments are perfect for dad to show off his new skills!
6. Include Special Touches
Have a sentimental blanket, a stuffed animal from a grandparent, or a family heirloom you’d like included? Bring it along! Delaney’s daddy is a firefighter. So they brought his (new and clean) gear for one set up, making her session even more meaningful.
7. Consider Where Your Photos Will Be Displayed
Thinking about how you’ll use your photos can help guide your choices for colors and styles. Many of my clients love to display their newborn portraits in a nursery or family room, so we keep tones soft and timeless. If you need help deciding how to showcase your images, I’m happy to create mockups for your space!
Prepare For Your Hampton Roads Newborn Session
Welcoming a new baby is such a special season, and capturing those first moments is something you’ll cherish forever. If you’re expecting and want to plan your own newborn session, let’s chat—I’d love to help you create something beautiful!
As a Hampton Roads newborn photographer, I am here to help you hold onto these precious first days. My cozy home studio, complete with props, wraps, and outfits is the perfect setting to create timeless images that you will cherish for years to come. Reach out today and let's start planning your session!
Check out more of Delaney's beautiful session:
Reach out to Justine Renee Photography to book your session!
