Caroline's Newborn Announcement & Photoshoot

I'm a little late in getting this post together since Caroline is almost two months already, but better late than never! Here is a peek into our mini newborn photoshoot and our birth announcement!

We received several monogrammed diaper covers for Caroline before she was born and I knew they'd be perfect for her photo session. I wanted the shoot to be super simple -- bow and diaper cover and that's it! No crazy props or costumes, just a precious sleepy babe on a white blanket.

As for the photography, I looked into several local newborn photographers and was shocked at how crazy expensive a newborn shoot would cost. Not to mention, I couldn't find a photographer who didn't come with a boatload of animal wings, toys and fairy dust. So instead, I decided to break out my 50 mm lens and snap a few pictures using [this] tutorial and [this] tutorial. Before shooting, I picked out a few pictures on Pinterest to inspire my session. I really liked this shoot, this shoot and this shoot.

In short, here's 10 tips from my shoot:

1. Schedule the shoot within the first 10 days after birth and at the baby's sleepiest time of day.
2. Use an area of the house with the most natural light. For me, that was right under our biggest window in the kitchen.
3. Set up the shoot and have everything ready before grabbing the baby. I used the pouf ottoman out of Caroline's room, added a heating pad to it to warm it up for a few minutes and topped it with a big white duvet, clamping the top to my laundry drying rack.
4. Make sure the room is nice and toasty, especially if you're shooting an undressed baby. I cranked my space heater up on high and set it nearby (this is key to keeping the baby happy).
5. Make sure the baby is extra sleepy. I fed her right beforehand. You can also use white noise so the baby isn't disturbed by anything during the shoot. I swear by the Relax M. app on my iPhone and use a combination of slow waves and rain to keep Caroline dreaming.
6. Keep burp cloths and outfit changes nearby.
7. To pose the baby, hold the baby tightly in the position you want until he/she relaxes (a handful of seconds) and then gently let go. The baby will magically stay in position for a few minutes.
8. Use a camera lens you are comfortable with. I used my 50 mm lens and it did all the work for me.
9. Shoot several different times until you get the pictures you want. I snapped a few pictures in the morning while Caroline was happy and then again during her next nap time later that day.
10. Have a helper nearby. Thankfully my mom was here to help straighten the blanket and position Caroline's bow a million times while I stood back and snapped the pictures from lots of different angles.

After selecting which photo for the card, I sent it over to my girl Laura who designed the announcement for me. I absolutely love how it turned out (and so have our friends and family)!