Newborn Photography

Preparing for your Newborn Photography Session

I adore meeting with soon to be parents to plan their Newborn Photography Session. The excitement in Mom's eyes, the joy in her voice truly touches my heart. We talk about ideas for the session focusing both on the creative posed photographs and lifestyle photographs of the family. There is always much to talk about regarding the session. First, we determine if they would like the session to be in the hospital for the birth or hours after the birth or at home. Newborn photography involves hours of planning, preparation and strategy as a photographer. I predetermine various poses, adorable scenes with props and possible angles to photograph utilizing amazing light for the lifestyle images. Having talked with the parents, I have an idea of what they like artistically and how I can best stage the photographs. I might get crafty and make a headband or search Etsy for the perfect beanie. Since, I photograph in the families home as a comfort for the newborn and to ease the process for parents, often I will provide an on-site consultation looking for the best window light.

However, on the day of the session depending on the baby everything can change and it is important to be flexible. The babies comfort is the first priority and I will not do anything that could potentially do harm.  Some poses may be very cute on Pintrest but wouldn't be the best for your baby.  Every newborn session is different and every baby is different. Some babies love being placed in a blanket while others love laying on their back. Some babies love to be swaddled in mesh blankets while other want to be outside with a hat. Believe it or not babies will tell us exactly how they want to be posed. Sometimes it takes hours to calm the baby down to get the various shots, during that time I work with the parents providing comfort to the little bundle of cuteness.

More importantly, the first few weeks of life can be very different from baby to baby. I reassure parents that they will get amazing photographs but sometimes complications might arise where it is important to be flexible. I communicate with the parents to decide what is the best time to photograph, taking into consideration release date from the hospital, eating and sleeping schedules, and any other specific needs the baby might have in this early time of life. Not only am I creating beautiful, sweet newborn photographs but I am also documenting this amazing time in their lives. Authentic photographs portraying the bond between new parents and their baby are simply priceless and can be captured weeks after birth if it is necessary.

Below are some suggestions for expecting parents to help prepare for their Newborn Photography Session.

Sleepy, warm and fed baby equals happy baby

• Schedule your newborn photography session before 10 days of life, ultimately around day four is preferred. Sometimes due to complications this is not possible. Do not worry, we can be flexible and work together to accommodate your baby and their health.
• Turn thermostat up to 80 degrees one hour prior to scheduled session. Space heaters are amazing to help provide comfort.
• Feed your baby right before the session.
• Communicate with me your baby’s sleep and eating schedule so we can make the session comfortable for them.

Prepare: Calm parents calm baby

• Prepare ahead of time - set aside the baby's clothes, beanies, mementos, blankets and anything your want included in the session (family Heirlooms, special gifts and unique items).
• Newborn Photography can be messy, be prepared with plenty of towels and wipes.
• There is no rush. Every session is unique and special. Every baby is so precious, you will get pictures that are amazing and capture the essence of your baby. It might take a while for your baby to calm down, we have plenty of time.

Wear light or dark solids

• What you wear can highlight your beautiful bundle of joy. Parents dressed in white/light or black/dark clothing works the best. Avoid prints or patterns.

Here is a link to a downloadable version of the Newborn Photography: Preparing for your Session.