What to expect with a Newborn Photo Session

Photography is a very personal subject so choosing the photographer who is right for you is a big decision. This guide is meant to help you not only to prepare for your session but to also help answer any questions or concerns you may have about newborn photography and how I work.

Why choose a professional?

It’s a common thought that a ‘good camera’ is all that is needed to take professional quality photographs. While the camera is an important tool in the process, it is no replacement for the hundreds of hours professionals have spent learning and perfecting their craft. Your memories are worth the investment in a photographer who will capture your family as they deserve, in photos that will last a lifetime.

When to schedule a session

Newborn sessions are designed for babies 12 days and younger. The best time to photograph your little one is from day 5 to day 10. During this time newborns tend to be sleepier and retain that fresh newborn curl. After 12 days, they tend to develop things like colic and baby acne, they also tend to be more alert and stay awake longer. We will set your newborn session for a temporary date (taking into consideration when you are due). Once you have given birth, simply give me a call and we will aim to arrange your newborn session within the first 5-10 days.

Photo ideas to think about

When we schedule your session, I would love to set up a precession consultation either over the phone, email or at a nearby coffee shop to discuss plans for the shoot, answer any questions, etc. We will talk about colour schemes and any particular ‘look’ you would like to achieve. We will check about expectations for the session, including posed sibling and family shots. All of these questions will help me to build a session that is a perfect fit for you and your family.

Feeding the baby

This is one of the most important parts of your session. If at all possible, try to schedule your baby’s feeding time for when I arrive at your home. Feeding the baby after I arrive provides the most ‘sleepy’ time possible during the session. The reason this works best is that if you feed your baby before I come, they will start their sleep cycle a little too early. The room where we will work ideally needs to have lots of natural light and be kept warm (26C -/+) to ensure that your newborn is comfortable and super sleepy.

Props, outfits and other accessories

If you choose to use a pacifier, please have one to hand during the session as they help to get babies to sleep and soothe them when they are in poses.

I have a large collection of bowls, baskets, blankets, knitted hats, outfits and headbands from which a selection will be chosen specifically to suit your colour choices and style. If you have any family heirlooms, hats, etc that you would like me to use in your session please let me know ahead of time, as preparation is key to having a smooth session. We may not get the chance to use all of the items but I will look through them with you to determine what will work best. I also strongly recommend that you discuss any ideas, props or poses you have in mind at least a week prior to your session.

What to wear for parents

You have just had a baby and perhaps aren’t feeling your best, but your newborn is only this size for a very short time and I always like to encourage new parents to capture this special moment.

If you do decide to have photos taken with your little one, these are the photos you will treasure the most. Look upon it as the perfect time to pamper yourself. If possible, treat yourself to having your hair and make up done. This is an exciting, fleeting time in your life and I want to help capture those memories for you. As far as clothing is concerned it’s always best to opt for a timeless look so the photos transcend styles, fads and popular colours. I always suggest keeping things simple by choosing creams or whites. Mums can wear flowy skirts, a simple camisole or even a sweater if this is more comfortable. I’m also a big fan of skin on skin portraits with you holding your baby against you. These images are so simple and timeless; so if you would like some portraits like this with your newborn don’t hesitate to mention it.

Relax, be calm and enjoy the moment

Once I arrive there will be some time to feed and soothe your baby. As soon as baby is happy and sleepy we can get started.

During your session, I will pose and handle your baby with the utmost care. I prefer to have a parent in the room with me to ensure that an extra hand is close by to keep baby secure. There is no need to worry if you are not feeling 100% yet, I will soothe, swaddle and insure baby is kept happy. If the baby is really wide-awake and does not want to sleep, I will adjust the session accordingly to ensure that we get some great photos.

Your newborn session will last approximately 2-4 hours. This insures we have enough time to pose and take what ever breaks necessary for feedings etc.

(No outside cameras, videos or mobile phone cameras are allowed to be used during the session.)

After your session comes the best part

I am definitely not your typical shoot and burn photographer, (shoot the session, burn the CD and done). Yes, I still offer digitals but let’s be honest, most of the time those files end up forgotten on your computer hard drive. I have found that most new parents can’t find enough time to sleep, let alone designed an album or figure out just what sizes and what photos would look best on their walls. Just let me know what your initial idea is as I have a range of album and print options that can be easily added to your newborn session.

I will aim to have your images ready within two weeks but  it can occasionally be a little longer due to my workload at the time of your session.

If you would like to book a session, please don’t hesitate to get in touch :-)