What To Expect From My Newborn Photo Sessions

A newborn photo shoot is a great way to celebrate the new addition to your family. My photo sessions are laid back and stress free…all I need is your baby, some window light, and you.

Yep, that’s it. No props, no lighting, no space heaters for your baby. So simple.

Your Baby

Hopefully you have a chance to feed your little one before our session. Babies that eat beforehand are usually calmer. But if it doesn’t happen, please don’t stress…I build extra time into my newborn sessions in case the baby needs to eat or is fussy.

All that is needed for your baby is a simple, plain onesie or gown. I like neutrals, earth tones, or subdued/pastel colors. And it’s always nice to grab some shots in a blanket, so have a swaddle or blanket (or both) handy. You can read more about what to wear HERE.

I don’t care whether your baby is asleep or awake…the portraits will be beautiful regardless…so no need to force them awake or stress out because they’re not sleeping.

It is likely your baby will cry, and that’s ok! I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to get them to calm down. And if all else fails, I’m happy to pause the session so you can nurse, give your baby a bottle, or cuddle them for a few minutes (I might keep shooting during the cuddles!).

My newborn photo sessions are baby led, meaning I do whatever the baby wants, and I take photos however they are most comfortable. Newborns have a biological need to be close to their parents so I want them to feel comfy…not stressed out.

If you want to read more about specifics of my posing for newborn photo sessions click the button below.

Your Newborn Session At Home

When I arrive I will check out your home to find the best window lit spots. I work with natural light, so I will need all artificial lights off. I tend to use the master bedroom and nursery the most, and sometimes the living room as well. I usually pick the best spots according to window light, and if there happens to be only one good window, we may do the entire session there…but don’t worry, I will get lots of variety by simply moving around.

Please don’t worry about making your home perfect before our session. I won’t use the whole house, and in the areas I do choose to use (usually master bedroom, nursery, and living room), we can clear away anything that won’t look good in the background. In the last couple of weeks I have had two sessions where the nursery was also an office…but in the photos you can’t even tell…it just looks like a nursery!

You

Yes, I need you, your partner, and any other children you have in the photos. When a newborn is fussy, sometimes they just want to be held…when that happens during my sessions, I go with it and just get shots in parents arms.

For the most part, siblings like being a part of the session…they get excited to hold the baby, and want to help out. And… photos of bigger kids with their new sibling are pretty adorable.

I take family shots and shots with each parent individually. Trust me, years from now you will be so happy to have these sweet memories. And when your child is older they will be happy to have them as well. No one ever regrets being in photos with their newborn, but people always regret not being in them…it only happens once, so don’t miss out on that opportunity.

Ready to book your newborn session? Click the button below!