How to Prepare for a Newborn Photo Session in Guelph
- 5 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you’re wondering how to prepare for a newborn photo session in Guelph, you’re in the right place. Here's my complete prep guide to help you feel relaxed, confident, and fully ready for your session at Elle Chic Photography.
Booking your newborn session is such a special milestone. Truly.
First — thank you. And congratulations.
If we haven’t met yet, I’m Michelle — the photographer behind Elle Chic Photography here in Guelph. I am so passionate about capturing genuine, honest moments for families in this season of life. There’s a quote I’ve always loved:
“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” – Cesare Pavese
That’s why I do this.
This guide is designed to help you feel confident and prepared for your newborn photo session in Guelph — whether you're coming to my natural light studio or welcoming me into your home. The more relaxed you feel, the more beautiful and authentic your images will be.
If you have any questions after reading through this, please reach out anytime. I’m here for you.
What to Expect at Your Guelph Newborn Photography Session
When you arrive at the Elle Chic studio, you’ll walk into a bright, calm, natural light space designed entirely around your comfort.
The biggest requirement for the day?
Just be relaxed and be yourself.
My sessions are playful, baby-led, and stress-free. You don’t need to bring much — my Guelph studio includes:
• A curated client wardrobe for moms and babies • Organic cotton baby clothing (0–5 years) • Bathroom access
• Coffee, tea, and light snacks
• Baby-friendly snacks (mum-mums, squeeze packs, etc.)
If you or your little one have allergies or dietary restrictions, please let me know in advance.
This space was created to serve you.
Before Your Session: Important Prep Steps
To secure and prepare for your newborn session in Guelph, there are a few important items to complete:
• Signed session agreement
• Paid session fee
• Completed questionnaire
Your questionnaire matters more than you think. It gives me insight into your family dynamic, your style, and what feels meaningful to you. My goal is to tailor your session so your images reflect who you truly are — not just posed photos, but keepsakes.
What to Wear for a Newborn Photo Session in Guelph
When it comes to newborn photography wardrobe choices, simple always wins.
For moms, I recommend:
White, beige, blush, soft grey, tan, denim
Flowy dresses or light, airy fabrics
If dresses aren’t your thing, jeans paired with a neutral top work beautifully.
For dads:
Henley tees
Khakis
Grey trousers
Dark, clean jeans
Do:
Coordinate tones
Incorporate soft textures
Add subtle patterns
Avoid:
Neon colors
Large logos
Thin stripes
Tight plaid
Oversized clothing
Men’s shorts
Formal wear
Transitional lenses
You can preview available wardrobe pieces at: www.ellechicphotography.com/studio-wardrobe
Professional Hair & Makeup in Guelph
Elle Chic Photography partners with Autumn Artistry Makeup & Hair to provide a full-service experience.
Services can take place: • At the studio • In your home • Before in-home newborn sessions • Before golden hour summer sessions
Please allow 1.5 hours for services.
Hair & Makeup Together Studio: $200 + HST In-home: $230 + HST
Hair Only
Studio: $125 + HST
In-home: $155 + HST
Makeup Only
Studio: $125 + HST
In-home: $155 + HST
Payment is made directly to the artist on the day of your session.
If you’re interested, just let me know and I’ll coordinate everything.
How to Prepare for a Newborn Photo Session in Guelph
This is the part parents care about most — so here’s exactly what to do.
1. Feed Baby Well
A full baby is a happy baby.
Please feed your baby just before leaving for the studio. If you have a longer drive within Guelph or surrounding areas, you’re welcome to arrive a little early and feed comfortably in the studio.
If bottle feeding, bring extra milk. Babies burn more energy than you think during sessions.
2. Keep Baby Awake Before Arrival
Try to keep baby awake for 1–2 hours before your session. A bath or some “naked time” helps.
A sleepy baby = smoother posing + more peaceful images.
3. Avoid Spicy or Gassy Foods (If Nursing)
For 24 hours prior, avoid foods that may upset baby’s tummy. A gassy newborn is uncomfortable — and that shows in photos.
4. Schedule Vaccines Carefully
Try to schedule vaccines at least four days before your session to allow baby time to recover.
5. Teething
If baby is teething, please give pain relief beforehand. Comfort is everything.
When You Arrive at the Studio
As soon as baby arrives:
• Change diaper • Remove socks • Take care of any little clean-ups
Sock lines and redness can take 15–30 minutes to disappear. Let’s handle it right away.
And please — don’t worry about tiny things like a mid-session booger. I can edit that. What I can’t edit is a disrupted moment.
Including Siblings in Your Newborn Session
If siblings are joining your newborn photo session in Guelph, we will photograph them first.
Young children can feel shy or overwhelmed in a new environment. I always take a few minutes to interact with them before bringing out the camera.
For longer sessions, I recommend arranging for someone to take siblings home afterward. This keeps the environment quiet and relaxed for newborn images.
The best approach with toddlers is to let them explore rather than over-directing them. When they feel comfortable, the smiles come naturally.
After Your Newborn Photo Session
After your session, I carefully select and edit the strongest images — typically 40–60 photographs.
Within 2–3 weeks, you’ll receive a private slideshow gallery link with a 24-hour viewing window.
I encourage you to make it special. Watch it together. Turn up the volume. These first viewings are incredibly emotional.
Once your collection is selected and payment is complete, your gallery will remain open for 30 days for downloads.
Downloading and Printing Your Photos
Once you select your collection:
• Download immediately
• Save copies in two locations
• Store one on an external drive
• Store one in the cloud
You are free to print and share for personal use. Commercial use or resale requires additional permission.
Your images can print beautifully up to 20x30”.
If printing yourself, deselect auto color correction and upload original files only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many images do we receive?
40–60 images per session.
Turnaround time?
2–3 weeks.
Do you retouch?
Yes. Color correction, cropping, and light touchups are included.
Can we feed baby at the studio?
Absolutely. Please don’t feed in the car. The studio is warm, comfortable, and equipped for nursing or bottle feeding.
What if my child doesn’t cooperate?
That’s okay. My sessions are candid and baby-led. You will still receive beautiful images.
Your baby will never be this small again.
These early days in Guelph — the sleepy stretches, the tiny fingers, the quiet moments — they pass faster than anyone tells you.
This session isn’t about perfection.
It’s about memory.
If you have questions about your upcoming newborn photo session in Guelph, please reach out anytime:
ellechicphotography@gmail.com
647-992-8634
I can’t wait to capture these moments for you.
— Michelle
Elle Chic Photography, Guelph Ontario
