As a newborn photographer, I have the privilege of capturing some of life’s most precious moments, something I will be forever grateful for.
Newborn photography is a unique genre that requires a delicate touch, patience, and a touch of creativity. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing with you what happens during a typical newborn session at my studio in Great Leighs, Chelmsford, so you can get a better idea of what to expect.
Preparing for your newborn session
Before the session, there are a few things that can help ensure baby is comfortable and cooperative during the photoshoot. Firstly, I always advise parents to schedule their newborn session when the baby is around five to twenty-one days old. This is because newborns tend to sleep more soundly during this time, which makes it easier to pose them and create those adorable sleeping baby photos.
I also recommend that parents try to feed their baby about an hour before the session starts, so baby is well-fed and content by the time they arrive at the studio. A full baby is more likely to sleep peacefully, making it easier to capture those adorable sleeping poses. I also recommend using a dummy for the session, this can make a huge difference to the amount of images we can get during the session, even if you’re not planning in using one going forward – bringing one to the newborn session can really help settle baby between poses.
Lastly, I advise parents to bring any special outfits or props they would like to include in the photoshoot. This could be a favourite blanket, a toy, a family heirloom, or anything else that they would like to incorporate into their baby’s first photoshoot.
During your newborn session
A newborn session can last around 2 hours depending on how baby is on the day, breastfed babies tend to take a little longer as they usually require an extra feed during the session. When parents arrive, we start by discussing their preferences and any ideas they may have. This helps me understand what style of photos they are looking for, and what poses they would like their baby to be in. We can include hats and headbands or if parents prefer the more neutral images then we can keep it simple by focusing just on baby.
I always start with the simple shots first, gradually working up to more “posed” images. This allows the baby to get used to being posed and moved around, without getting too overwhelmed. I also keep the room temperature nice and warm, so the baby feels comfortable and cosy. I like to keep set ups nice and neutral, this means baby is the main focus of the images, I use mainly whites and creams. Baby will be wrapped in traditional style blankets, I also have some lovely outfits for you to pick from. I have some beautiful props and accessories to create a unique and personal session for each baby.
During the newborn photoshoot, I always prioritise the safety and comfort of baby. This means taking breaks to feed baby if necessary and lots of cuddles in between poses. Every session is completely baby led, meaning I never force baby into uncomfortable positions. This way, we can create beautiful, safe, and memorable photographs that parents will cherish forever.
There are many different poses and setups that we can do during a newborn photography session. I also love to capture candid moments, where the baby is looking up at their parents, yawning, or stretching.
After your newborn session
After the session, I carefully select the best images and hand edit them to perfection. This can take several hours, as I go through each photo one by one making them look their best. I also remove any blemishes or marks on the baby’s skin, so the final images are always flawless.
Parents can expect to come back to the studio in Chelmsford within 1-2 weeks after the newborn session to view the final images. This is when you decide which package you would like to purchase. We also go through the options of prints and wall art to display your beautiful images in your home.
Conclusion
A newborn photography session is a unique and special experience for both parents and the baby.
