Welcoming a newborn into your family is a magical experience, and capturing those fleeting moments through newborn photography is something families can cherish for years to come. Yet, it’s natural to have questions and concerns about the newborn photography process. In this post, we’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about newborn photography, bust common newborn photography myths, and hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your upcoming newborn photo session.
1. When is the Best Time to Schedule Newborn Photos?
Optimal Age for Newborn Photography:
The sweet spot to schedule a newborn photography session is within the first three weeks of after baby is born. During this time, newborns are generally more sleepy and more flexible, making it easier to capture those adorable, curled-up poses that everyone loves. You can still get amazing newborn photos after this time period. A professional newborn photographer will know exactly what to do and how to handle and pose an “older” newborn.
2. How Long Does a Newborn Photography Session Last?
Session Duration:
Depending on the type of packages a newborn photographer has newborn sessions typically last between 2 to 4 hours. This allows time for feeding, changing, and soothing your baby as needed. The goal is to keep the experience as relaxed and stress-free as possible. Patience is key, as your baby’s comfort and safety comes first above all.
3. How Should I Prepare for the Session?
Preparation Tips:
- Feeding: A well fed baby is a sleepy baby! Feeding and burping baby before coming to your newborn session is key!
- Try and give baby a bath or sponge bath prior to your session. This is a technique that helps baby to eventually relax and sleep more soundly during the session.
- If you are breast feeding watch what you eat and drink! Try and avoid caffeinated beverages and spicy/and or gassy foods as this passes into your milk and into baby.
- Dress baby in button or zip up pajamas. These are easier to remove and disturbs baby less.
4. Is Newborn Photography Safe?
Safety First:
When researching and booking your newborn photographer make sure they are truly experienced and professional. Newborn photographers should have thousands of hours of experience under their belts. Newborn safety is my top priority. I have over 11 years of experience with newborn photography and I also am a newborn photography educator as well. I use safe posing techniques and ensure the session is baby-led experience at all times. I also ensure a clean, comfortable environment by cleaning and sanitizing the studio before and after each newborn session.
5. What If My Baby Is Fussy or Uncooperative?
Handling Fussiness:
Newborn babies can be unpredictable and that’s ok! I allow plenty of time for soothing and feeding breaks when needed. As an experienced and professional newborn photographer, I have various techniques to calm babies, including white noise, swaddling, and much more to comfort and soothe.
6. Do I Need to Bring Props?
Props and Accessories:
You’re welcome to bring any sentimental items you’d like to include, but my studio has a variety of props and accessories that I choose specifically for each session. I send out a questionnaire that helps me prepare and setup for your newborn session. Each newborn session is unique to each client.
Myth-Busting Misconceptions
Myth 1: Newborn Photography is Too Expensive
Value of Professional Photography:
While professional newborn photography is an investment, it’s one that results in timeless memories that your family can look back on for years to come. Think of the quality, safety, and experience a professional newborn photographer brings to the table, ensuring these fleeting moments are captured and captured with safety as the number one priority. Newborn photography is an art but experience and professionalism is needed when handling precious little miracles.
Myth 2: Newborns Need to Be Asleep for Good Photos
Awake Newborn Photos:
Sure, many poses are easier with a sleeping baby, but awake newborn photos can be equally beautiful and enchanting. Capturing their wide eyed gazes and little expressions adds a unique touch to your gallery when it happens. Again, an experienced and professional newborn photographer will know how to handle an awake baby and how to incorporate that curveball into your newborn session to give you amazing images.
Myth 3: I Can Just Use My Smartphone
Professional Quality:
Smartphones are great for every day snapshots, but they can’t replace the quality, creativity, and expertise of a professional newborn photographer. I use high-quality photography equipment and have extensive knowledge of lighting, shooting angles and editing techniques to create stunning images that you will cherish forever.
Booking a newborn photography session is a great way to preserve the sweetest days of your newborn’s life. By addressing your questions and concerns and busting a few myths, I hope to make the experience enjoyable, relaxing and stress-free.
If you have any more questions or are ready to book your newborn session, don’t hesitate to contact me. Let’s create beautiful memories together!
Ready to capture your newborn’s first moments? Contact me today to book your newborn session or to learn more about my newborn photography services and packages.
