What to Expect for Your Newborn Photo Session

The early days with your newborn feel like one endless day filled with cuddles, feedings, and having your entire life shifted around this new little one. It’s a whirlwind filled with so much emotion and yet it slips by so quickly. This makes newborn portraits all the more special because those first fleeting weeks can be a lot, and having beautiful photos to look back on allows you to hold onto those special first moments. Here’s a look at what to expect for your newborn session:

Scheduling

Newborns are best photographed within the first 2 weeks of their birthdate. They are most sleepy and usually (though not always) haven’t had things like colic and baby acne set in yet. And no, you can’t predict what day your baby will arrive. So I always suggest to schedule your session before baby arrives, usually around the beginning of your 3rd trimester, with your due date as a placeholder. The final scheduled day will be determined once your baby makes his or her appearance. If your baby has already arrived and you “missed” the ideal window for your baby's age, please note that it is not a hard and fast rule. Babies can be photographed at any age. 

Preparing for Your Session

Whether your session is at my studio or in your home, I do not give you a long list of things to do to prepare for your session. I want you to feel as relaxed as you can without adding anything extra to your laundry list of stuff to do with a new baby. I will have everything needed for photos of your baby - freshly washed blankets and wraps, unprinted diapers, and a newborn photography beanbag in studio or I will use your bed at your home. Please don’t stress about feeding or keeping your baby awake prior to the session as this generally will upset babies more in my experience. I will work around your baby’s needs as they come up. My goal is to disrupt your newly forming schedule and bonding as little as possible. 

During Your Session

Plan for your session to take anywhere from 1-2 hours. All babies have different temperaments which means some sessions are longer than others. We might take lots of feeding breaks, or your baby might sleep the entire time without a fuss. While working with your baby, I will lay them in different positions, all of which are natural and simple as your baby’s safety and comfort are my utmost priority. I will have a space heater to keep the room nice and warm, white noise, and lots of patience as we create beautiful portraits of your new little baby. 

After Your Session

Within 2 weeks you will receive a link to an online private gallery to see your baby’s beautiful photos. From this gallery you’ll be able to choose the package that best fits your needs if you didn’t pre-purchase a package at booking. I offer albums, prints, and/or digital collections for you to hold onto these memories forever.

Investing in Your Newborn Memories

The first few weeks of newborn life are some of the most sleep-deprived but sentimental days you'll experience as a parent. Don't let those blurry, beloved moments slip by undocumented. Take the time now to research and hire an experienced, professional newborn photography specialist dedicated to capturing your baby's beginning in stunning, serene style.

It's an investment that is priceless and returns memories for a lifetime. And if you're in Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas, I'd be truly honored to be your newborn photographer! Reach out to me today to book your session.