Your Newborn Photography Session: A Guide for New Parents
A new baby is a completely euphoric and emotional time, and we're here to help you capture every precious detail. This guide answers our most-asked questions, ensuring your baby's first photoshoot is a relaxed and delightful experience.
What’s the first step to plan a newborn session?
It's best to book your session while you're still pregnant. This allows us to pencil in your due date on our calendar. Since we know babies rarely arrive on their exact due date, we monitor our availability two weeks before and two weeks after your due date.
Once your baby is born, simply call, text, or email us as soon as you can, and we'll finalize a date. If your baby has already arrived, it's not too late! Just reach out and we'll do our best to get you on the schedule.
What is the best age to photograph a newborn?
We strongly recommend scheduling your newborn session when your baby is fewer than two weeks old. At this age, babies are more flexible and sleep more soundly, allowing us to capture those beautiful, sleepy, and curled-up portraits. After two weeks, most babies tend to be more alert and restless, making it a bit more challenging to get those classic newborn poses.
Session Details
What should I expect from a lifestyle newborn session
A newborn session is focused on what matters most: you and your baby. We'll capture the simple, beautiful moments of new parenthood—from diaper changes and feedings to the quiet hours you spend admiring your little one. On average, a session lasts 2-3 hours, with plenty of time for you and your baby to rest and feed. This relaxed pace ensures everyone is comfortable and happy.
Where will my newborn session take place?
Your session will take place in the comfort of your own home. We believe babies are most relaxed when their parents are, and there's no better place for that than home. We'll use your furniture, natural light, and everyday environment to capture authentic and timeless images.
Do you photograph me and my family with the baby?
Yes, of course! We encourage parents and siblings to be a part of the session. The connection between a new baby and their family is unlike any other, and those are the moments you'll cherish forever. We are also happy to include grandparents, but we ask that you limit the number of other relatives and friends to keep the environment calm and relaxed.
Preparing for Your Session
What should we wear?
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For Parents and Siblings: Choose comfortable, neutral-colored clothing that is free of logos and bold patterns. Casual clothing is perfect, and bare feet look the most natural in a home setting.
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For Baby: A naked newborn is perfect! We often photograph babies with no clothing or swaddled in soft blankets. If you have a special swaddle or heirloom piece you'd like to include, please let us know.
What do we need to prepare our home?
Please don't worry about the state of your house! We don't care about a sink full of dishes or piles of laundry. The session is about the love in your home, not the housekeeping. We can move or arrange furniture as needed to get the perfect shot.
How do we prepare our baby?
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30 minutes before: Undress your baby and loosen their diaper completely to remove any imprint marks from their skin. Keep them swaddled in a warm blanket until we arrive.
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The day before: If your baby has dry or flaky skin, apply a small amount of baby lotion to help moisturize it.
What if my baby won't sleep or is fussy?
Be patient. We can always take a break for feeding or cuddling. A baby can sense your anxiety, so we want to keep the environment as mellow as possible. We'll follow your baby's lead, and if they're extra alert, we'll focus on capturing beautiful images of you caring for them—sometimes those are the best photos of all.
After Your Session
How soon will we be able to view our images?
Approximately two weeks after your session, we will invite you to a viewing and ordering appointment at our studio. We recommend that all decision-makers are present so we can help you select your favorite images and place your order.
How many images will I see?
We typically present you with the best 25-35 images from your session, providing a strong selection without overwhelming you.
Do you offer consultations?
Yes, we do! We encourage you to call our studio early in your pregnancy journey so we can get to know each other and discuss your wishes. This is a special time, and we look forward to meeting you and your baby!