What is a Newborn Session Actually Like?
If you've never had newborn photos taken before, you might have no idea what to expect. How do you prepare? What does baby wear? What if they cry the entire time? What are mom and ad supposed to do for two or three house? The truth is, a newborn session is a lot more relaxed than you think. My goal is to take care of the details for you so that you can slow down, soak up your brand- new baby, and let me do the photographing. Here's what a typical newborn session with me looks like, from the booking to the very last photo.
Before your Baby Arrives
When you book your newborn session, I recommend choosing a date 7-10 days after your due date. Of course, babies have their own plans so this gives us a starting point rather than a date we have to stick to. Once your baby arrives, you'll let me know. Usually I get a sweet text or email from mom with the exciting news (and often an adorable photo too!). If baby arrives earlier or later than expected, we'll talk about how you're feeling and decide whether you'd like to keep your original session date or move it to a better day for your family. There is no need to stress about getting the date exactly right. We will figure out it together.
Why are Newborn Sessions at 9:30 am?
All of my newborn sessions begin at 9:30 in the morning, and that's very intentional. After years of photographing newborns, I've found that babies tend to do better in the morning. Mom and Dad usually have a little more energy too. If there is an older toddler or sibling, the timing tends to work perfectly as well. By the time we're wrapping up it is getting close to lunchtime and nap time, so everyone had head home and settle into the rest of their day.
When You Arrive at the Studio
When you arrive, I typically like Dad and the siblings to be dressed and ready to go. Mom can come dressed and ready, or if you'd like to choose something from the client closet, you're more than welcome to. I have pieces available for Mom, as well as clothing options for little girls up to about age 8.
For baby, we'll choose an outfit from my client closet before we begin. Baby will wear that outfit underneath their first swaddle, so we can keep things as simple as possible while moving through the session. Once everyone is ready we'll take a minute to see what baby needs. They might be fussy and need a feed before we get started. I always follow the baby's lead, there is no need to rush the session.
We begin with Family and Sibling Photos
Once baby is ready, we usually jump right into the family photos. I like to get these images done toward the beginning while everyone is fresh and ready to go. We'll take a handful of posed and candid images (with direction) with the whole family, followed by photos of Mom and baby, Dad and baby, and then the siblings with their new little brother or sister. These are some of my favorite images from a newborn session. I love capturing the little glances, family connection, and the raw emotion of your family becoming something completely new.
Time for Baby
After we've finished the family portion, the rest of the session is focused entirely on your new addition. This is where I work through three different posers (baskets, newborn bed, bowls, ect.) with three different swaddles for variety. At the very end I set up my white backdrop on my newborn poser and (carefully!) unwrap baby. I'm always hoping baby stays asleep during this, but that is not always the case. If baby does not stay asleep I usually try to soothe them back to sleep or hand over to mom for another feed. In some cases baby is awake and ready to party, so we roll with it! These are often some of my favorite images, as it shows their true personality.
I never want my clients to feel like their kids or newborns need to perform for a session, but rather I try to find ways to showcase their true authentic personalities. That is why these sessions often take 2-3 hours to complete. There will be feeding breaks. There will be soothing. If there is a toddler, there will most likely be meltdowns. There may be a baby (or toddler!) that decides they absolutely do not want to cooperate with our plans and that's okay! You never need to apoligize for your baby or child doing exactly what they are developmentally meant to do. We simply slow down, take time, maybe pivot our plans and make it happen.
What Do Mom and Dad Do for Two or Three Hours?
Honestly? Mostly relax! Once we've finished the family photos, you don't have to stand around wondering what you're supposed to be doing. I take over photographing baby while you sit back and enjoy a little bit of quite. I keep coffee, water, and snacks available in the studio and there are toys for siblings to play with. If you have an older toddler (or several older siblings) who you know won't want to hang around for the entire session, that's completely fine, too. Sometimes Dad will drive separately and take the sibling(s) home after their photos are finished. That way, Mom and baby can stay and finish the newborn portion without feeling rushed.
My Ultimate goal is to simply make the experience as easy and relaxed as possible for your family and capture this season, exactly as it is.
