Newborn Studio Prep Guide

Congratulations on your sweet new addition, and thank you for choosing me to capture these precious first days with your baby. It truly means so much to be a part of such a special season in your family’s life. Newborn photography holds such a special place in my heart, and I’m so excited to welcome you into the JTP family!

Studio Address: 140 W Borland Street, Suite 100, Pickerington. The studio is located at the far right door of the building.

what to expect

Keeping Baby Sleepy & Comfortable

  • Please try to keep the baby awake for 1–2 hours before your session. A warm bath, gentle playtime, tickling their feet, or even allowing a little fussiness can help tire them out so they arrive nice and sleepy for photos.

Feeding Before Your Session

  • A full belly makes for a cozy, sleepy baby! Right before leaving home, please feed the baby so they can relax and hopefully snooze during the car ride.

  • If your drive is less than 40 minutes, simply allow the baby to sleep on the way.

  • If your drive is longer than 40 minutes, try feeding the baby again about 20 minutes before arriving at the studio.

  • I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a full belly to start your session.

  • If the baby is formula-fed, please bring extra bottles and formula. If breastfeeding, bringing pumped milk is very helpful. Babies often feed more frequently during newborn sessions due to the warmth and soothing environment, so extra milk is always recommended.

What Baby Should Wear

  • Please dress the baby in a simple zip-up or snap sleeper. Avoid outfits that need to be pulled over the baby’s head whenever possible.

Pacifier Recommendation

  • Please bring a pacifier, even if the baby does not regularly use one. This is extremely helpful during posing and soothing. The green hospital-style Soothie pacifier works best since it’s soft and less likely to leave marks on the baby’s face. (Please avoid pacifiers with stuffed animals attached.) Most babies only need it briefly for comfort, and using it during the session will not create a lasting habit.

Upon Arrival

  • Once you arrive at the studio, please leave the baby in their car seat. I will gently transition them from the seat to my posing setup once we begin.

what to expect - for family

Studio Environment

  • The studio is kept warm, typically between 75–80 degrees, to ensure your little one stays cozy and comfortable throughout the session. I recommend dressing in layers so you can easily adjust if you become too warm.

Relax & Enjoy the Experience

  • Newborn sessions are designed to be calm and relaxed. Once you arrive, sit back, unwind, and enjoy a little break while I work with your baby. I typically need very little assistance, so feel free to bring a book, laptop, or iPad to help pass the time and enjoy a few quiet moments.

What to Wear

  • I recommend sticking with neutral, earthy tones and simple outfits for the entire family. Soft textures and minimal patterns photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby. Simple is best. I don’t recommend dark shades like black or navy. Coordinating outfits with complementary colors looks best.

  • Here are some of my favorite color combinations for newborn family photos. Think coordination, not matchy-matchy.

    • Neutrals: cream, ivory, oatmeal, tan, beige, light taupe

    • Warm earth tones: cream, camel, tan, brown

    • Muted blues and neutrals: ivory, oatmeal, dusty blue, light beige

    • Soft greens and neutrals: sage green, oatmeal, light brown, cream

    • Muted feminine tones: ivory, blush, dusty rose, pale pink, beige, taupe

For PARENTS

  • Mom - I love flowy maxi dresses, cozy sweaters, textured tops, or anything soft and comfortable that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Keep jewelry minimal.

  • Dad - A solid-colored button-down, henley, sweater, or simple neutral t-shirt works perfectly. Comfort is key, just please avoid graphic tees or bold logos. I also recommend bringing an extra shirt just in case of baby spit-up or accidents.

For Siblings

  • For sisters, simple neutral dresses photograph beautifully. For brothers, fitted jeans or neutral pants paired with a solid-colored shirt work wonderfully.

  • If older siblings will be participating, I encourage chatting with them beforehand so they know what to expect and feel excited about the experience.

  • You are also welcome to browse my client's closet for older sibling outfit options: www.justinetuhyphotography.com/childscloset

Sibling & Family Timing

  • If both parents and siblings are joining the session, I typically recommend having them participate at the beginning. Little ones often do best when they can take their photos first rather than waiting through the entire newborn portion of the session.

a few additional thoughts

  • Once we finish family photos, one parent is welcome to take older sibling(s) to grab lunch, visit a nearby park, or explore the library while I complete the individual newborn portion of the session. This is often helpful for little ones who may get restless during the remainder of the session. Of course, they are also more than welcome to stay at the studio! I do have a small selection of toys available to help keep children entertained.

  • It is my hope that you come to the studio feeling comfortable and at home. I am truly honored to be able to document this incredible time in your lives. I look forward to getting to know you and your sweet baby!

  • If you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to text me at 614.588.9700.