What To Expect ~ Newborn Session

I'm starting a mini-series on what to expect at each of my sessions! If you've never worked with a professional photographer before, knowing what to expect can help make the experience more enjoyable. Even if you have worked with one before, maybe my way of doing things is different! Whatever your experience level, I hope this series gives some helpful insights into what you can expect when working with me! We are starting off with precious newborns, since I just did a session recently and they are on the brain :)

I love all the different kinds of sessions I shoot (that's why I offer all of them :) but each kind has something special that I really love about them. With newborn shoots, I love capturing a brand new family, even if the baby is number five, they are a new family because there is a new member. Newborn sessions are such a celebration of life!

Most of my newborn sessions are done in your home and I take a lifestyle approach to them. While I definitely get posed photos, I also take photos of you just interacting with your new baby. If you have older children, I like to let them just be with their new sibling and capture that interaction.

Due to the needs of infants, newborn sessions have a slower pace to them. Babies need to eat and have their diaper changed, even if you fed and changed them before the session began! Sometimes they spit up and need an outfit change. Or maybe they just need some comfort. More so than any other session, we work around your baby's needs. They run the shoot! Typically, I can get all the photos we need in 60-90 minutes but if it takes longer, it takes longer. I do not recommend scheduling your newborn session on a day when you have other commitments :)

With all of my sessions, I do a lot of communication and education with you upfront so that you feel equipped and prepared for your session. I bring a few props with me, depending on what you've expressed as your vision for your baby's photos, but I'll always have my big newborn posing pillow. While I don't do the very posed, wrapped photos you might see, the pillow is a safe, yet elevated place for your baby.

I don't bring a ton of props because I encourage the use of family heirlooms in newborn sessions! Clothes, blankets, cradles, toys, anything that has meaning and sentimental value to you is fair game!

Most families like to do in-home sessions because it is comfortable and convenient but if you don't want to have to worry about the condition of your home, you can also do a studio session. I rent studio space for studio sessions, so there is an additional fee on top of the regular newborn session price, but it gives you the freedom to not have to make sure your house is clean! Both options are available and you do whatever works best for you and your family.


That's the gist of it! Really, newborn sessions are very relaxed and chill. We take our time and roll with whatever Baby is giving us. I had a recent session where the baby girl sucked on her pacifier most of the time because that's what she needed. (We got a few without :) At the end of the day, your session is a reflection of your family at this special, fleeting moment in time and that's what I'm here to capture.

Do you have any questions that I did not answer? Leave them in the comments and I'll be happy to address them!



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