Metro Detroit Moms, How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot
By Kat Figlak – Kat Figlak Photography
Bringing your baby into the world is one of the most emotional, beautiful, and life-changing moments you will ever experience. Those first few days are filled with love, wonder, and yes… a little bit of exhaustion too. As a newborn photographer, I get to witness this incredible chapter over and over again, and it never stops feeling special.
If you’re a mama in Metro Detroit getting ready to welcome your little one, you may be wondering how to prepare for your newborn photoshoot. I promise you — it doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it should feel calm, easy, and even a little magical.
At Kat Figlak Photography, my goal is to take all the pressure off of you so you can simply enjoy this fleeting moment while I document it beautifully.
Let’s walk through exactly how to prepare so you feel confident, relaxed, and excited for your session.
Timing is Everything (But Don’t Stress)
The ideal time for newborn photos is within the first 7–14 days after your baby is born. During this stage, babies are still very sleepy, curly, and naturally snuggly — which allows for those dreamy, posed images you see in my portfolio.
But here’s the thing I always tell my moms: life happens.
Babies come early, late, or right on time (if we’re lucky!). That’s why I recommend booking your newborn session while you’re still pregnant — usually during your second or early third trimester. Once baby arrives, you simply reach out and I’ll adjust your session date based on their actual birth.
No pressure, no stress — I’ve got you.
What to Bring (Hint: Not Much!)
One of the biggest concerns I hear from moms is: “What do I need to bring?”
The answer is simple… almost nothing.
I’ve designed my newborn sessions to be as effortless as possible for you. My studio is fully stocked with everything we’ll need, including wraps, headbands, hats, blankets, and all the soft, neutral textures that create those timeless images.
All you really need to bring is:
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Your baby
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Extra diapers and wipes
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A bottle or pacifier (even if baby doesn’t usually take one — it can help soothe during posing)
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Anything sentimental you’d like included (a special blanket, heirloom, etc.)
That’s it.
I take care of the rest so you can walk in, sit down, and breathe.
Dress Comfortably (For You and Baby)
For your baby, I recommend bringing them dressed in something loose and easy to remove — like a zip-up sleeper. This helps avoid disturbing them when we begin the session.
For moms, comfort is key. Neutral tones, soft textures, and simple pieces photograph beautifully. If you’re planning to be in photos (which I highly encourage), think cozy and timeless rather than overly styled.
And please hear me when I say this — you just had a baby. You do not need to look “perfect.”
Your connection with your baby is what matters most, and I will guide you into the most flattering, natural poses so you feel beautiful.
Feeding Before Your Session
A full, happy baby is a sleepy baby — and sleepy babies make for the most peaceful sessions.
I recommend feeding your baby right before arriving at the studio or even once you get here. I always build extra time into sessions specifically for feeding and soothing, so there is absolutely no rush.
If baby needs to eat, we pause.
If baby needs to be held, we pause.
If baby needs a moment — we take it.
Your session is completely baby-led.
Relax — I’ve Got This
I know how overwhelming those first couple of weeks can feel. You’re recovering, adjusting, and learning your baby all at once.
That’s why one of the most important things you can do to prepare for your newborn session is simply… trust me.
I’ve worked with countless newborns and understand how to safely pose, soothe, and handle your baby with the utmost care.
You don’t need to worry about whether your baby will cooperate. You don’t need to stress about timing every nap perfectly.
All you need to do is show up — I will take it from there.
Many moms tell me that their newborn session ends up feeling like a peaceful break in the middle of those busy early days.
Siblings and Family Photos
If you have older children, including them in your newborn session can be incredibly meaningful.
I always recommend planning sibling and family photos at the beginning of the session. Young children tend to do best when they’re fresh and engaged, and then they can relax afterward while we focus on baby.
Don’t worry about getting your toddler to “behave perfectly.” I work with kids in a gentle, natural way that keeps things fun and low-pressure.
Some of the most beautiful images come from those real, unscripted moments.
Keep Expectations Simple
Your baby doesn’t need to be “perfect” for your photos to be perfect.
There may be moments where baby needs extra soothing, or where we take a little longer to get certain shots — and that’s completely okay.
Every baby is different, and every session unfolds in its own way.
My job is to create a calm, warm environment where we can capture your baby just as they are — tiny, new, and completely loved.
Why Newborn Photos Are So Important
Those early newborn days pass in the blink of an eye.
The tiny fingers, the soft little features, the way they curl up so perfectly — it all changes so quickly.
Newborn photography freezes those moments in time so you can hold onto them forever.
Years from now, these images will bring you right back to the beginning — to the feeling of holding your baby for the first time, to the quiet moments of awe and love.
It’s more than just photos.
It’s your story.
Let’s Capture This Chapter Together
Metro Detroit moms, if you’re expecting and dreaming about capturing those first precious days, I would truly love to be part of your journey.
At Kat Figlak Photography, every newborn session is designed to be a relaxed, meaningful experience — one where you feel cared for, supported, and excited every step of the way.
You deserve to remember this season.
You deserve beautiful images of your baby.
And you deserve a photographer who understands just how important these moments are.
If you’re ready to book your newborn session or have questions about preparing, I’m always here to help.
Let’s create something beautiful together.
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CONTACT ME to book your custom Maternity and Newborn Photography sessions.
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