What to Expect During Your Newborn Photography Session: A Step-by-Step Guide
My Approach to Newborn Photography
When you book a newborn session with me, you’re not just getting beautiful photos—you’re getting an experience that’s tailored to both you and your baby. Whether you’re thinking about booking a newborn session or already have a date in the books, I’m sure you’re curious about what goes on during a newborn session. How do I capture those peaceful, adorable images? How involved are parents during the session? Can a baby really be "posed"?
The Session Is Centered Around Your Baby
Newborn sessions can last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. Why so long? Because the session revolves entirely around your baby’s needs and comfort. Newborn sessions are designed to be as relaxed and flexible as possible. Since every baby is different, I allow plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes, and comforting. If your baby needs a break, we take it. If they’re wide awake, we wait for them to drift back to sleep. There's no rush—my goal is to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
If your little one stays asleep, we might be done sooner. But generally, we go at your baby's pace to ensure we capture those beautiful, serene moments. I promise the images will be worth the wait!
Creating a Comfortable and Safe Space
My home studio is designed with your baby’s comfort and safety in mind. Here’s how I make sure both of you feel right at home.
Warmth and Comfort are Key
My newborn sessions take place in my cozy, dedicated home studio. I've designed the studio to be a serene and welcoming environment for you and your baby, complete with everything needed for the perfect shoot. I have all the props, wraps, blankets, and outfits you could imagine, so there's no need to bring anything but yourselves and your little one.
I also keep the studio comfortably warm—much warmer than you might be used to at home. Babies are unable to regulate their body temperature, so a warmer room helps keep them calm, relaxed, and sleepy. I use a white noise machine and have gentle background music playing to create a soothing atmosphere. Occasionally, I’ll diffuse safe, mild essential oils to further promote a calming environment.
Safety Is My Top Priority
Your baby’s safety is my highest priority. I’ve written an entire blog post on the safety measures I take, which you can find here. I work with a trained assistant who is always present to help with posing and positioning, so you can relax and enjoy the session. Rest assured, we only attempt poses that are safe and comfortable for your baby. If a pose doesn’t feel right or isn’t working, we move on to something else.
I also make sure all props, blankets, and outfits are clean, sanitized, and soft, so your baby stays comfortable throughout the session.
What Happens During the Session
From start to finish, I take care of everything needed to capture beautiful newborn images.
My Approach to Newborn Posing
You don’t have to worry about planning poses or bringing props. I've got it all covered! I have years of experience posing newborns in a way that looks natural and comfortable. Before the session, we’ll discuss your color preferences, any specific themes or props you'd like to include, and I’ll take care of the rest.
I start by wrapping your baby in a soft swaddle to make them feel secure and warm, helping them drift off into a deep sleep. From there, I will use a variety of props and poses on my beanbag or backdrop stands to capture those sweet moments.
Tips for a Fuss-Free Session
I’ve worked with countless newborns, and I’ve picked up many tips and tricks to help soothe even the fussiest of babies. If you’d like to know more, check out my blog post on Tips for Calming a Fussy Baby. But just know that if your baby needs extra time or is having a particularly tough day, we can take breaks and comfort. If your baby becomes inconsolable, we will discuss a possible reschedule of the session.
Parents Role in the Session?
You’re welcome to sit back, relax, and enjoy watching the magic happen! With my assistant handling most of the spotting and support, you won’t have to be directly involved unless you want to be. Bring yourself a coffee and be prepared to just be in the moment. Feel free to use this time to relax, read a book, or take some behind-the-scenes photos!
Including Family in Your Newborn Photos
I love capturing the special bond between newborns and their families. Here’s how we can include parents and siblings in the session.
Family and Sibling Photos
While my studio space is cozy and perfect for newborn sessions, it's not ideal for large family photos. I do photograph parents with their baby during the session, so feel free to come camera-ready if you'd like some images with your newborn. However, due to space limitations, I can only accommodate siblings if we've planned for it in advance.
For sibling photos, I recommend bringing the siblings at the end of the session. A grandparent or other caregiver can bring them in later, allowing them to avoid a long wait. If that isn’t an option, please bring along some quiet activities or snacks to keep them entertained.
Interested in Booking a Newborn Session? Let’s Connect!
I hope this helps answer some of your questions and gives you a clearer picture of what happens during a newborn session. If you’d like more details or are thinking of booking, please reach out! I’d love to send you my Newborn Portrait Guide, which includes everything you need to know about the process, including pricing and what to expect.
I look forward to capturing those precious first moments of your baby's life!
To see other newborn session tips and articles see below:
