Newborn Session Information
Welcome to parenthood! Whether this is your first baby (or just your first experience with newborn photography), here is some general information about newborn photography and the sessions I offer.
When should I contact you for a newborn session?
Some people reach out in their first trimester, while others contact me during their second or third trimester. I even have clients contact me after baby has already arrived (mom brain is a real thing, I totally get it!). I love communicating with future clients, especially to make sure I'm the right photographer for their needs and expectations. If you've messaged me while pregnant, just reach out after baby has arrived and we have a better idea of how you're feeling and can select a date for the session based on how mom/baby are doing.
Oops, I have a 2 week old and forgot to book photos, now what?
Not everyone is a planner (trust me, life gets busy and I often forget simple things like putting on deodorant), so if your little one has already arrived and you are just now reaching out, no worries! I reserve weekdays at 3pm for newborns, so I typically can accommodate most last minute newborns. Weekend openings last minute are very rare, as I do most newborns weekdays at 3pm. But if a client absolutely needs a weekend spot, we can reserve one (during the third trimester) and hope that baby's arrival cooperates with the tentative date.
Do I need to bring anything to the session?
With the exception of baby and full diaper bag, I have everything you'll need. I keep the studio stocked full of wraps, swaddles, outfits, hats, headbands, props, baskets, buckets, stuffies, flowers, and just about anything you'd need for the session. If a client has a special request (occupation theme, sports theme, animal, etc), please reach out with details so I can let you know if it's something I have in studio or can do. If there's time, I can always order special request items, just keep in mind that most newborn items are handmade and can take 4-6 weeks to arrive.
Why does the session take 2-3 hours?
I know, I know, no one wants to spend hours getting photos done, and newborns do nothing but sleep all the time, so why do photos take so long? It's important to remember that all babies are different, and some babes sleep the entire 2 hours and finish early, while others do not sleep so peacefully and it takes some time to get them settled. While most parents are used to their newborn sleeping most of the day, babies get used to their home environment, and will often know when they are somewhere new (and will definitely know if mom/dad are feeling anxious at all). Newborns are also not used to being handled constantly (swaddling, posing, unswaddling, positioning, etc) and can get overstimulated easily. Then add things like cluster feeding, constipation, gas, and it gets especially hard to keep baby content during a session. Trust me, if I could make a newborn session last an hour I would, but baby's comfort AND safely are always top priority during any session, and I take the time to make sure baby is comfortable and calm. I cannot force a newborn to do anything, but I can be patient and compassionate and make sure baby is safe,warm, and calm before attempting any photos.
Is there a certain age that's best for photos?
I get asked this questions alot, as many photographers prefer to work with babies that are under 10/14 days old, but I have found there is not perfect age for newborn sessions. I've had 4 day old babies wide awake for 2 hours and 5 week old babies sleep for their entire session. There is no magic age, and if something has prevented you from booking a newborn session (complications, NICU stay, prolonged labor/delivery recovery, losing your mind while trying to adjust to caring for the tiniest of humans, etc) PLEASE don't think that all is lost. I photograph babies up to 5 weeks old, and if your baby was premature, their adjusted age also plays an important factor. There is no magic number, there is no perfect situation, and I gladly photography babies up to 5 weeks old (adjusted ages not included). You can get beautiful photos of your baby, even if they're not under 14 days old!
How do I know which newborn session to choose?
I offer four different newborn sessions, and let clients choose what's right for them based on their personal preferences. Here are the different sessions:
1)Newborn Swaddled Session(baby only): This session is just for photos of the baby, who will be primarily swaddled/wrapped for the entire session. Swaddled babies are typically calm babies, and can be transitioned into different colors/props relatively easily with little to no disruption to baby. This session includes 3-5 set-ups/wraps per session and includes full use of wraps, headbands, hats, and props. If baby allows it, I will get hands/feet/arms/legs out of the swaddle for some of the photos, but only if time/baby allows. This session does not include outfit/naked photos of baby and can last 2 hours, possibly longer if baby needs to feed during the session. 30 full resolution images delivered digitally are included with each session.
2)Newborn Full Session (baby only): This session is just for photos of the baby, but includes 2-3 swaddled/wrapped set-ups as well as 1-3 outfit/modest naked (if desired) set-ups. Depending on baby's cooperation, the session can last 2-4 hours, as it takes extra time to get an unswaddled baby calm and content in their pose. Baby will often need fed sometime during the session, and we always break to allow baby to feed if necessary. 40 full resolution images delivered digitally are included with each session.
3)Family/Sibling Wrapped Newborn Session: This session is for parents, siblings, and also individual photos of baby, who will be wrapped/swaddled for the entire session. This session can usually be finished in 2-3 hours (depending on baby/sibling cooperation), and is often a good choice for parents with other younger children that might not have the means to have their toddlers leave with a family member after the family/sibling portion of the photos are finished. Toddlers can quickly get bored in any situation, and their boredom can become stressful for parents. Keeping newborns swaddled can help finish the session in a more timely manner (NOT guaranteed, as toddlers can require just as much work as newborns at times), and help keep parents stress free. Most parents opt to have younger siblings picked up/taken with other parent or grandparent after their photos have finished, but this isn't always ideal for everyone, so the swaddled session helps to keep the time to a minimum. I don't mind toddlers/siblings staying in the studio for the individual portion of the newborn photos, but children need to be under parent supervision at all times and not permitted to run around the studio, especially since I'll be working with baby and cannot supervise young children around the studio equipment that is unfortunately not childproof. Session includes 30 edited full resolution images delivered digitally with each session.
4)Family/Sibling Full Newborn Session: This session is for parents, siblings, and also individual photos of baby swaddled as well as in outfits/naked (if desired). Because unswaddled babies take some time to settle into their poses, it takes extra time, and the session can last 2-4 hours. Parents with other children/toddlers should take into consideration how well their other kids will tolerate a few hours in the studio, and might opt to have other kids leave with parent/grandparent after their photos are finished. This is not always an option for families, and I don't mind toddlers/siblings staying in the studio for the individual portion of the newborn photos, but children need to be under parent supervision at all times and not permitted to run around the studio, especially since I'll be working with baby and cannot supervise young children around the studio equipment that is unfortunately not childproof. Family/sibling photos are always done at the beginning of the session (unless arrangements are made to do that portion of the photos at the end of the session), and then individual baby photo are done, including 2-3 wrapped set-ups and 1-2 naked/outfit set-ups. Session includes 40 edited full resolution images delivered digitally with each session.
Is there more?
Absolutely. This page only skims the surface of how a session goes, and if you are interested I can definitely email you the full newborn session information that should answer any question you might have!