For a 33 year old woman with no children, I know a lot about babies! How, you ask? Baby photography! I have been a baby photographer for over 13 years. They are my specialty, my joy and my life.
When I started newborn photography, I had to learn how to hold a baby, soothe him, stay calm, and get familiar with facial expressions. I would often look at them and think, “I wonder why they are smiling like that?” And then you hear a sound… from the diaper… a wet sound. I imagine parents, other photographers, and everyone who works with babies can relate to this.
After a few years of newborn photography, I decided to create a guide to help both new parents and photographers prepare for the photo shoot if the photo shoot is taking place at the client’s home. All of my newborn photo sessions are taken at my clients’ homes because it is the most comfortable place for a growing family.
Without further ado, here is the guide born from my frequently asked questions about a newborn photography session…
1. When should we schedule the newborn photo session? Schedule your newborn photography session within the first two weeks of the due date. This is only a tentative date and will probably change depending on the arrival of the baby. If you have a C-section, then the date is pretty much set unless the baby arrives early.
Babies are best captured at around 5-14 days while they are sleeping and looking like a newborn. Having said that, there are no guarantees with newborns. They do what they want. I have done photo sessions at 6 days. Some cooperate and some don’t. I have done photo sessions at 4 weeks. Some cooperate and some don’t. Either way, they are all wonderful!
2. What happens if my baby is late? Contact your photographer and play the date by ear. If the baby is premature, don’t worry about contacting your photographer right away. Enjoy the new member of your family! Please contact them within the next few days and let them know your baby is here.
3. At what temperature should the house be? On the day of the photo session I suggest having the house at a nice warm temperature. We will be sweating but the baby will be comfortable. However, you may not need the heat during the summer. Little ones do not like to be too hot or too cold.
Keep in mind that most of the poses will be of the baby in diapers, nude, or whatever you’ve discussed with your photographer. Walk around your house and think about the sets/backdrops that might work best in terms of lighting. Generally, photographers like to set up in the room with the most natural light. But also important rooms such as the children’s room, your bedroom, the living room and the patio if it’s a nice day.
4. When should I feed my baby? Test it out and time it so that you are almost done with the feeding or completely done by the time the photographer arrives. A happy baby is equal to a sleepy baby. Sleeping babies are great! Also, keep in mind that we can feed the baby a little after his schedule to keep him calm.
If you want your baby swaddled, swaddled, or possibly naked, I suggest removing his clothes (but keep him in his diaper!), wrap him in a blanket, and then start feeding him. The less we move them after their bellies are full, the better.
5. What do I do if my baby is sleepy right before the photo session? Sometimes your baby will be asleep before we arrive and before feeding. Try to keep them by changing them or perhaps a good bath. You want your baby to be tired during the photo session, not before
6. How long will the photo session last? The length of time would depend on the photographer and the baby. I have completed newborn photo sessions in one hour and over 4 hours. If the baby is awake during the photo shoot, that’s okay! Photos of your baby alert and awake are magical!
7. What accessories should I have ready? Does the photographer bring any? Most of the accessories and hats that I personally use in my photography sessions belong to the baby. The image will have a different meaning if you use your own hats, blankets, books and/or other accessories. Also, don’t forget all the gifts your baby will receive. Using gifts from friends and family makes these photos extra special.
I hope this overview has helped answer some of your questions. Good luck and have a great photo shoot!
