Getting Started
Photographing newborns and families combines creativity, technical skill, and a whole lot of preparation. Every image you see on a photographer’s website or social media feed is the result of hours of behind-the-scenes effort. Here’s how I start preparing for your newborn session, starting from the initial phone call to the final editing touches.
The Initial Phone Call: Building a Vision
The process begins with a phone call. When a family reaches out to schedule a newborn or family photo session, we will schedule a time to prepare for your newborn session. This includes choosing color preferences, style, and any themes you like. You may love soft pastels, or prefer earthy, neutral tones; This initial discussion sets the stage for the entire session.
Styling the Session: The Details
After the phone call, I start styling your session. For newborns, this often involves selecting wraps, bonnets, and headbands in the colors you choose. If I don’t already have the perfect piece for your collection, I often head to the fabric store or browse online at places like Amazon or Etsy to find it. That “just right” shade of lavender or the perfect lace bonnet can make all the difference. I love seeing examples of images you like.
For family sessions, I send a prep guide that discusses many things, including clothing choices for the parents and siblings. I ensure that the outfits coordinate without being overly matchy-matchy.
Setting the Scene: Preparing the Studio
Preparation continues after choosing the props you love. I often spend hours setting up the studio to ensure the session runs smoothly. I create different sets or backgrounds in advance to create a beautiful image, featuring your baby.
This setup is designed to move as quickly as possible during the session. With newborns, efficiency is key. Because babies have their own schedules, we must work around feeding times, diaper changes, and those unpredictable moments when baby just wants to cuddle. By having everything ready to go, I can move quickly from one setup to the next. Most sessions take at least 2 hours, but sometimes (especially with young siblings) up to 4! To make sure the process will go smoothly I try to have everything ready.
The Session: Capturing Precious Moments
On the day of the shoot, I heat the studio so it is warm and inviting. Newborns are sensitive to temperature, so the space is often kept cozy to help them stay comfortable and sleepy. In fact, the studio sometimes feels like a hot yoga studio! But this keeps baby cozy, warm and asleep. I usually play of soft music or white noise in the background to create a soothing atmosphere.
During the session, safety and comfort are the priority. Posing a newborn requires gentle hands and understanding of infant anatomy to ensure no pose puts unnecessary stress on the baby’s body. My experience working with babies ensures your child will be posed safely. Newborns are incredibly flexible in the first weeks of life, allowing for the curly poses we love so much. For the family photos, I work to make everyone feel at ease, capturing genuine smiles and interactions.
Post-Session: Cleanup and Editing
After the session, I wash every fabric, wrap, and prop that touched the baby to ensure it’s safe for the next baby. This might mean piles of laundry and hours of cleaning, but I always make sure the studio is a clean and safe environment.
Once everything is cleaned up I begin the process of editing- this is where images are made! I sort through hundreds of images and select the ones that are sure to captivate you, and show the emotional bond between you and your baby. I gently edit each photo to enhance colors, smooth skin, and perfect the overall look. Somewhere I read for every hour spent in a photo session, the photographer puts in another nine hours behind the scenes, and I realize that is true for me too! But all of that time is worth it to create a timeless family heirloom you will enjoy for years.
The Heart Behind the Process
Preparing for a newborn session is my labor of love. It’s about more than just taking pictures; it’s about creating a comfortable, joyful experience for families and delivering images your family will treasure forever. Every detail, from the color of a wrap to the position of a tiny hand, is an important part in celebrating the beauty of these fleeting moments.
So, the next time you admire a dreamy newborn photo or a heartwarming family portrait, know that it represents hours of thoughtful preparation and the dedication of a photographer who loves what they do.
Contact me to schedule a newborn and family photography session!
