You’re having a baby! Congratulations! You’ll definitely want to get photos of your squishy newborn to remember all those little details that change so fast. The first thing you’ll want to do is get your newborn session penciled in. I say penciled in because babies do not come on time so your session date might change. It’s important to schedule your newborn session before your give birth because you’ll want your newborn photos taken during the first 3-7 days of life. This is when your baby is the most sleepy and will be the easiest to post. We’ll pencil in your due date and make a tentative schedule for your newborn session.
Your baby is finally here! I’m so excited for your session! A few things you should remember, the sooner your session takes place the better. Remember when we tentatively set up a newborn session date? Yep, it’s time to get that locked in so we can get your little one photographed. After day 8, your baby will learn to stretch and it’s difficult to get them to relax into curled up poses. After day 14, it is nearly impossible to get babies into the deep sleep needed for posed photos. Baby acne can also kick in at this time.
So what exactly can you expect during your newborn session? Below you’ll find some tips and tricks and will learn how a typical newborn session takes place.
- First, we’ll schedule your session. When we do that we’ll have a discussion about what exactly you’re looking for and what products you’re looking to add to your home from your session. Do you only want photos of baby? Are you more interested in having them photographed with the family? Are there specific poses you are looking for? Are you bringing siblings or will dad be there? All of the questions I ask will help me to build a session perfect for you!
Where will your session take place?
Newborn sessions typically happen in home so that your baby is as comfortable as possible. Don’t stress out about the appearance of your home but be sure there is a clean room for me to use for your session. This is usually the smallest room with the biggest window. I will bring a portable heater to make sure the room is nice and toasty for your little one.
Do you know what the best part of your session will be? I bring an assistant! Which means you get to nap or relax while I take photos of baby. Parents love this! They aren’t sleeping much because of their newborn so having a few hours to relax really gives them some time to enjoy themselves again. We’ll do baby and parent or baby and sibling photos last so take some time for yourself! I will most likely move furniture around if I need to make room for everything, but don’t worry, everything will be returned to normal before I leave.
What is the best lighting?
I will ask to use the room with the largest window. This is the best source of natural light so we’ll choose the largest window and then open all the blinds and curtains to let in as much light as possible. Nothing is more gorgeous on your baby’s skin than natural light and I love to use it whenever possible. Your session will take place mid-morning to late-afternoon to take advantage of the best lighting.
Crank the Heat
Since babies can’t regulate their own temperature be sure to make the room unusually warm since your baby will be naked for the majority of your session. Make sure your heat is set to a toasty 80 degree and turn it on 30 minutes before your session is supposed to start. This will ensure that it’s nice and warm when I arrive. For this reason, you’ll want to dress appropriately for the heat. You can always change into the clothing you want to be photographed in right before your portion of the session. As stated above, I will also bring a portable heater to make sure your baby is nice and warm.
Let it all hang out
Take off your baby’s diaper and any tight clothing 30 minutes before your session. This insures that there are no marks on your baby’s soft smooth skin.
Make the bed
Make your bed! Your photos will be even more sentimental when you see your baby laying on your bed. We might also have you snuggle with your baby on your bed for a portion of your session.
Now that you know how to prepare for your session, let’s talk about the actual session. What can you expect to happen during this time?
The Session:
-
To get the best results, newborn sessions must take place within the first 3-7 days of life when the babies are sleepy and easy to pose.
-
Newborn sessions typically take 2 to 3 hours, but may take longer if baby is not cooperating.
-
I will start all sessions with a feed and we will allow time during the session for feeding if your baby desires.
-
Babies are photographed snuggled up in various poses and in various props and spend most of the session in their birthday suit.
-
Babies will also be posed with parents and/or siblings if you desire.
-
There will potentially be a mess. Because newborn sessions are done almost entirely nude, accidents will happen. There is no need to apologize or worry about. It’s natural and expected. I always bring bed pads to put under the blankets and wash all blankets and props after each and every session.
-
I start all sessions by taking photos of the baby on a beanbag. These are the typical squishy poses you see all over the internet and include squishy body photos and baby’s hands and feet.
-
Next, I’ll photograph your newborn in any props that we’ve chosen. This will include buckets and other props that we’ve discussed before your session.
-
After I’ll love on to relationship poses. These always happen only if the parent wants to be involved and will take place at the end of the session. This is when when add mom, dad and siblings into the photo.
-
That’s pretty much it. Parents get to relax while I do all the work. Newborn photography can take a lot of time so prepare for me to be in your home for at 3 hours sometimes more depending on how well your newborn sleeps. If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. I love setting parents at ease when it comes to their baby and their session.
Are you pregnant or did you just give birth? Do you want squishy newborn photos of your little one? If so, reach out to me and let’s get started planning your session.
