Newborn Photography: What to Expect

Before The Newborn Photography Session

Having a new human in your home causes enormous changes.  One of the biggest changes is your schedule.  Your schedule is no longer completely controlled by you.  It is now controlled predominantly by your adorable new addition.   Those first few weeks of being a new parent are a blur for most people.  However, it is important for you to understand how much your baby changes in those first few weeks of life.  During that first week or two babies are still extremely sleepy and more cooperative for a photography session. They are more easily posed and less likely to stretch out once they are curled up. In the second week newborns start to wake up a little more and are often hungrier than they had been the week prior.  After 21 days, most babies are more alert and more resistant to posing which causes them to become a bit more challenging to photograph (though it certainly can still be done).  So, even though you are sleep deprived, sore and possibly even a bit overwhelmed it is very important to contact me as soon as possible post-delivery so we can schedule your session in those first two to three weeks.  I always encourage parents to add me to the hospital call/text list so that I am not forgotten and our session can be the most successful newborn photography session it can be.

What To Do: Show up.  Bring me a newborn.  And relax.  117 North 5th Street, Columbia, PA.  Please park on the street and not in the parking lot next to the building. Text me if you are running behind: 717.368.3733.

What To Bring:  Obviously, a baby.  Hopefully a sleepy, milk drunk baby who can be easily undressed, fed one more time and photographed peacefully.  If you baby is not sleepy or not milk drunk, this is NOT a problem.  Just bring me a baby.  Also, please bring a pacifier for your baby even if they have not used one.  I try not to use them often unless a parent has introduced the baby to one already, but they are a very useful tool in soothing a baby who is not feeling comfortable and cooperative.  A pacifier makes a difference.  When using a pacifier it generally takes me less than 2 hours to get through 5 set-ups and the result is a gallery full of peaceful, sleepy baby poses.  A session where a baby just wants to suck and is not permitted a pacifier often takes over 3 hours and I don’t usually get through all 5 set-ups because we spend so much time soothing and feeding an unsettled model.  I do have a fridge full of water in my studio, but feel free to bring yourself a snack.  Sessions can sometimes take up to 3 hours and as a new mom, especially a new nursing mom, you need to keep your energy up.  Take advantage of the time I am spending with your child to refuel.  Also, feel free to bring any special props that you’d like me to use.  I don’t promise that I can always use them, but I certainly do my best.

What To Wear: I prefer to photograph newborns naked, swaddled or wearing outfits I provide.  Clothing tends to distract from the baby and cover up all those adorable tiny new human features we want to capture before they grow bigger.  If mom or dad would like to be included in the session, I suggest wearing solid neutral colored shirts (beige, tan, gray).  Patterned shirts tend to take the focus away from the baby.  I encourage Dad to be shirtless if he is willing.  I also have a supply of gowns that are available for you to wear if you chose.  Please just bring/wear nude panties and bring a nude strapless bra if you own one.  Again, please dress siblings in solid colors (beige, tan, grey) for their part of the session.  Depending on the age of the sibling, removing their shirt can be an option as well.  If you have questions about outfits, PLEASE feel free to contact me prior to the shoot.  That is why I am here.

Siblings: If you have older children who will be part of this session I do have an area of small toys and books where they can entertain themselves, but I also do my best to incorporate them into the session at the beginning, just after I get your newborn settled, so that they can either leave with a friend or family member or relax and play without any further expectations.  My studio is not large, so if you are able, I do advise that you bring along another adult who can take the sibling(s) home or entertain them quietly while I work with your baby.