Welcoming a new baby into your family is a joyous occasion, and capturing those early days with professional photography ensures you’ll have memories to treasure forever. If you’re considering a newborn photography session but aren’t sure what to expect, this guide is here to walk you through exactly what to expect during your newborn photography session.
Tips on what to expect during your newborn photography session
When to Schedule Your Session:
The best time to photograph your newborn is within the first two weeks after birth, ideally between days 5 and 14. During this time, babies are typically sleepier and more easily posed as they are more curled up (just like in the womb), allowing for those heart-melting curled-up shots. If your baby is a bit older, don’t worry—we can still capture beautiful moments, but the session style may shift to include more awake and interactive photos and sometimes can be a bit more limited on what baby will do. We can always capture sweet photos though.
Session Length:
Newborn sessions are longer than typical photo shoots, lasting anywhere from 1.5-3 hours. This extra time allows for feeding, changing, and soothing breaks to ensure your baby stays comfortable and happy the entire session. We’ll move at your baby’s pace, so there’s no need to feel rushed! I like to invite relaxation for the parents as the first few weeks of a baby’s life can be overwhelming.
Preparing Your Baby:
Here are a few tips to help prepare your little one:
- Feed your baby right before the session: A well-fed baby is typically a sleepy and content baby, perfect for posing. We typically have you feed upon arrival. If necessary, please feel free to give your baby a SMALL snack while you keep them awake before the session, that’s fine…but try to wait for the big feeding for when you arrive so we can get baby extra milk drunk.
- Keep your baby awake beforehand: If possible, try to keep your baby awake for a little while before arriving to ensure they’re ready for a nap during the session. This can be difficult but even if it is for a small amount of time, it helps the baby feel more relaxed and comfortable.
- Dress your baby in loose clothing: Avoid outfits that require pulling over their head to minimize marks on their skin. We typically will put a new outfit on baby once you arrive, and then have you feed after that so that once you are done feeding, we can begin the session.
What to Bring:
- Diapers and wipes: Be ready for quick changes. Babies will go to the bathroom multiple times during the session. Don’t worry if they potty on the photographer. Parents are used to that. Haha.
- Pacifiers: Even if your baby doesn’t usually use one, it can be helpful for soothing during certain poses. Cluster feeding can be tough at times so this can help give baby something to soothe them.
- Extra milk or formula: If you’re bottle-feeding, bring extra just in case the session runs longer than expected. Babies tend do eat more in the studio than normal, so always bring extra!
- Special items: If you have sentimental props, such as a blanket from a grandparent or a favorite stuffed animal, feel free to bring them for the shoot and we will find a way to incorporate them.
Studio Environment:
Our studio is designed with newborns in mind, and we try to emulate what the baby felt in the belly during pregnancy. We keep the temperature pretty warm to ensure your baby is cozy, and we also use soft natural lighting to create a sleepy atmosphere. We typically have the studio around 85 degrees. Everything—from the blankets to the props—is cleaned before the session, and we do provide drinks and snacks for parents.
Posing and Safety:
Your baby’s safety is always our top priority. Many of the adorable poses you see in newborn photos are achieved with gentle techniques and, sometimes, composite editing to ensure safety. Your baby will never be left alone in any sort of bucket or prop. We do several wrapped shots as well to ensure your baby is as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
Parent and Sibling Involvement:
While the focus is on your newborn, we encourage parents and siblings to join in for a few shots. We typically try to do parent and sibling shots near the beginning. Siblings can get hot in the studio, so if you want to have someone take them home right after their pictures, sometimes that can be best.
After the Session:
Once your session is complete; we’ll begin the editing process to perfect your images and create beautiful pieces of art for you. You can expect to receive a gallery of proofs within a couple of days. From there, you’ll have the opportunity to select your favorite images from an unedited gallery. From there, we edit them and then send them back to you in about 3 weeks through an email with digital copies attached.
Final Thoughts:
A newborn photography session is about more than just photos. It’s about preserving the most precious moments of your baby’s earliest days. With a calm and patient approach, we’ll work together to create stunning images that you and your family will cherish for generations to come. You will never regret doing a newborn session as this is the time the baby grows the fastest and this gives you something to hold onto. We know you have tons of options, but we’d love to be your GO TO Denver newborn photographer. These pictures are priceless. Please reach out to us at www.handnphotodenver.com to schedule your Denver newborn shoot today. We’d love to have you!
Do you want to know what to expect during your newborn photography session?
- How to Choose the Best Newborn Photographer:
- What is the Best Age for Newborn Photos? Your Comprehensive Guide!
- How Old Should a Baby Be for Newborn Photos? A Guide to Newborn Photography
