How to have a stress free newborn session

newborn

Jun 12

Capturing photos of your growing family to document the fleeting moments of the newborn period are often of high importance to expecting moms and families. And, there are so many things to prepare for before the baby comes…and I know…I’m a worrier.

But, I don’t want your impending newborn photography session to cause you any stress. I know that you have high expectations for these once in a lifetime images, and I have some recommendations of ways that you can decrease your worries, and have a relaxed and rewarding newborn photography session.

Monochrome Close Up Image Of A Newborn Baby's Legs And Toes In The Arms Of Mom

Monochrome Image Of A Swaddled Sleeping Newborn

Ways to decrease the stress of your newborn session

I come to you

I come to your home (for in-home lifestyle newborn sessions) or birth space (for fresh-48 sessions) so that you don’t need to worry about packing up the baby, your clothes, etc, and driving to a location. But, does this make you think that you need to clean your home before I come over? Well…this is not the case.

I would say to think about where we’ll take your photos, primarily the parents bedroom, living room, and nursery. But, the locations I chose are those with the best light. If there is something in a photo that would be distracting, I’ll usually move it during the session…but a spotless clean is not required.

A Newborn Baby Lays Asleep In A Rocker While Big Sister Strokes Their Nose

Mom And Dad Stand On The Side Of Baby's Crib While Newborn Baby Lays Swaddled In It

Pre-select your wardrobe

I’d suggest that you select your clothes prior to my arrival, and would encourage you to have everything prepared the day before. This way you aren’t spending time on the day of your session stressing about this decision. For at home newborn photo sessions, neutral colored shirts like white, cream, and grey are great options because they do not add any color casts to the baby who will be held close to the chest. A dress can be a comfortable choice for mom after delivery. Have an extra outfit for newborn baby, and siblings, just in case of spit up or diaper accidents. By choosing these all ahead of time, if an issue arises during the session you can stay calm knowing you have another outfit already ready.

Mom And Dad Hold Newborn Baby In Front Of Bright Window

Newborn Baby Lays Swaddled Asleep On The Bed

New Mom Holds Newborn Baby In Front Of Window

Monochrome Image Of New Parents Looking At Newborn Baby Asleep In Their Bassinet In Hospital Room

Roll with the flow

No matter what happens, remember that kids and newborns will do kid and newborn things! I expect toddlers and babies to cry, want their way, want to be held, etc… so when your child/baby do the age appropriate and expected things, don’t worry.

I know how to interact with children’s and babies of all ages, and love to photograph them as their true selves. I have lots of tricks up my sleeve to help older siblings to feel important and included during the photo session. We have no strict time line, and I expect someone to need a snack, feeding, cuddle, hug, and a break at various times during the session.

New Dad Sits In A Rocking Chair Cradling Newborn Baby Who Is Yawning

Know You Are All Just Right

I don’t want you to be so consumed with worry that the session is going along perfectly. To be honest, every family and photo session are unique, just like every newborn baby is unique. So…we will take our time, take cues from you and your new baby, and photograph these sweet moments together. I will ensure that we get all of the photos that you expect from your session, with everyone you love.

Everything you do is just right.

Don’t worry about where to stand, what to do, and how everyone is behaving/acting. I will guide you into the best light, make adjustments for flattering angles, and encourage kids to be kids. So, just rest assured and relax knowing that everyone is just right where they need to be.