Have you seen our recent post about how outdoor newborn sessions totally shocked us in the way they leveled up our business (and how they can for you too!)? It’s here if you missed it!

SPOILER ALERT: we are HOOKED! If you’re thinking about taking your newborn sessions outdoors too, you’re in for a treat. The natural light, beautiful backdrops, and fresh air can make your photos extra magical, but, as with any on-location shoot, being prepared is key. Here are our top 3 must-have’s that will keep you organized and ready for anything. Let’s dive in!

1. Packing Cubes: Your New Best Friend

First up, let’s talk about packing cubes. These little wonders are absolute lifesavers. Use them to keep like items together and super organized. Have one for your wraps, another for burp cloths, and a separate one for all those cute headbands and bows. When you need something, you’ll know exactly where to find it. Plus, they make packing for a session a breeze. No more digging through a messy bag wondering if you’ve forgotten something—everything has its place!

2. Large Tote: The Ultimate Carry-All

Next, you’ll need a large tote to haul all the important stuff! Think of it as your mobile studio. Choose one that’s sturdy, cleans up nicely, and is easy to carry. This is where your packing cubes will live, along with any extra equipment, snacks, and personal items (think dad’s cell phone and keys too — no more editing our weird objects in pockets! Whew!). A good tote keeps everything together and makes transporting your gear to those perfect outdoor locations a whole lot easier. 

3. Ground Mat: A Must for Wrapping Baby

Last but definitely not least - don’t forget a ground mat. This is essential for you when you’re wrapping the baby, rather than sitting in grass covered in dew.It’ll keep you clean and give you a safe, low spot to work with baby as needed. Look for one that’s soft, durable, and easy to clean.

We also use this to place under our blanket (if you’re a course member, remember that CRAZY foggy, drizzly session we showed you?! - yep, this was a life saver to not allow the wetness of the ground to soak through the blanket on to mom and dad!). So, in addition to using it ourselves to sit on to wrap baby, we always have this in the back of our car for wet days or dewy mornings to keep everyone clean and dry when sitting on the blanket. The one we linked is big enough to actually work but also light as a feather, so it's easy to carry around.

Outdoor newborn sessions are a fantastic way to add variety to your portfolio and give your clients stunning, unique photos. With packing cubes to keep everything organized, a large tote to carry it all, and a ground mat for wrapping, you’ll be totally prepared! 

Still not sure how to pull off a newborn session outdoors, in about an hour?! Check out the Master the Art of Newborn Sessions course!