How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session | Charlotte Newborn Photography Studio

Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of life’s most extraordinary moments. As a Charlotte newborn photographer serving families in Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Huntersville, my goal is to preserve these first fleeting days with timeless, heirloom-quality imagery.

In today’s post, I’m sharing four unique newborn sessions from my luxury studio — along with everything you need to know about how to prepare for your newborn session so your experience feels effortless and beautiful from start to finish.

If you’re searching for a Charlotte newborn studio or a Lake Norman newborn photographer, this guide is for you.

When Should You Schedule Your Newborn Session?

The ideal time for newborn photography is between 7–18 days old. During this window:

Babies are still very sleepy
They curl naturally into womb-like poses
Skin tends to photograph beautifully
Sessions are calm and relaxed

Most of my Charlotte newborn clients book during their second trimester to secure space on my calendar. Because I serve a limited number of newborns each month, early booking ensures availability.

Baby Olivia | Organic Colors and Textures

For this Charlotte newborn studio session, the family wanted organic neutrals and soft tones with olive and muted pink accents.

We incorporated:

Warm organic neutral tones of ivory, taupe, olive and light mauve
Design elements were kept clean and not overdone making use of negative space
Minimalistic posing allowing Olivia's sweet chubby cheeks and smiley expressions shine
Stunning black and white photos of infant in Daddy's hands.

The final gallery felt natural and elevated — exactly what I design my newborn sessions to be.

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Charlotte Newborn Session Info

Baby Nassir | Blues and Greens

This Huntersville newborn session featured blue green tones along with crisp white for beautiful contrast with his beautiful mahogany skin. For this sweet boy's session:

We used rich blues and greens
Incorporated sweet little friends like sleepy sheep and bears
Blue toned natural elements and greenery that added subtle texture

My favorite images from this session were the ones with his dreamy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Keep Baby Awake Before Arriving

Try to keep baby awake for 60–90 minutes prior to your session. A bath or gentle playtime works beautifully.

A sleepy baby = smooth, peaceful posing.

2. Feed Baby Right Before the Session

A full baby is a happy baby.

Most parents feed upon arrival at my Charlotte newborn studio. I build extra time into every session for feeding and soothing — there is never any rushing.

3. Dress Baby in Something Easy to Remove

A simple zip-up sleeper is perfect. Avoid outfits that pull over baby’s head to keep them settled and sleepy.

4. What Should Parents Wear?

For a luxury newborn look, I recommend:

Soft neutrals (cream, beige, soft gray, muted blush)
Avoid busy patterns
Keep textures soft and elevated
Barefoot is always beautiful
With over 300 beautiful gowns to choose from, feel free to pick a gorgeous dress or two from my collection.

As a full-service Charlotte newborn photographer, I guide styling to ensure everything coordinates beautifully with your home décor and final artwork plans.

5. Relax — I Handle Everything

You do not need to bring props, wraps, or accessories. My studio is fully stocked with curated luxury newborn pieces selected specifically for a refined, timeless look.

The studio is:

Warm for baby’s comfort
Calm and quiet
Designed for new parents to sit back and breathe

Your only job is to show up and enjoy the experience.

Baby Theodore | Warm Copper Lake Norman Newborn Session

This Lake Norman newborn photography session leaned into rich warm tones like coppers and golds which complimented his beautiful red hair.

We focused on:

Deep, rich, warm tones with the addition of some blue
Soft texture layered elements
Whimsical props (moon and bears)

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Things to Consider When Hiring a Newborn Photographer

Baby Caroline| Classic Heirloom l Luxury

This Charlotte newborn session focused on creamy whites and soft neutral tones. Mom wanted timeless portraits that would complement their home and her wedding dresses turned these portraits into family heirlooms.

We incorporated:

Soft ivory and white wraps
Mom's wedding dress
Organic posing
Big Sister Emory (I had the joy of photographing Emory as a newborn too!)
High key, casually posed family portraits with a light, editorial feel

The result? Elegant artwork designed to live on their walls for decades.

Funny Newborn Bloopers

Why Families Choose My Charlotte Newborn Studio

Families across Charlotte, Lake Norman, and Huntersville choose my studio because:

Sessions are calm and fully guided
Every detail is styled with intention
Artwork is custom designed for your home
The experience is elevated from start to finish

Newborn photography isn’t just about capturing a baby — it’s about preserving the beginning of your family’s story in a way that feels sophisticated and lasting.

Ready to Book Your Charlotte Newborn Photography Session?

If you’re expecting and searching for a:

Charlotte newborn photographer
Charlotte newborn studio
Lake Norman newborn photographer
Huntersville newborn photographer

I would love to serve your family.

Newborn sessions are reserved months in advance to ensure each client receives a personalized, luxury experience.

Inquire today at:
👉 www.carriehowlandphotography.com

Let’s preserve these first days beautifully.

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Luxury Charlotte & Lake Norman Newborn Photographer