I’ve been photographing newborns for awhile now. In fact, the very first newborn I photographed is turning 12 this year. Yikes! Time has flown by so fast. I thought I would answer some of the most frequently asked questions I get about newborn sessions.

1. When should I schedule my newborn photo session?

   I love it when clients let me know their due date well in advance. It’s nearly impossible to schedule a date and time until the baby actually arrives. Booking with your photographer in advance allows you to find someone who will be available around your due date. It also allows her to leave openings around that time so you can schedule an exact date and time once the baby arrives.

2. How long after the baby is born do you photograph them?

   The ideal time for a newborn session is between days 5-10 after the baby is born. That is the IDEAL, but it’s not always possible. Some babies need time in the NICU, some moms need extra time to recover. I always tell parents that your baby will only get cuter so you’re never too late. The only difference in waiting is that the babies are more awake and alert, and it’s harder to pose them in the sleepy curled up poses.

3. What do you need for a newborn session?

   I tell my clients that I will provide everything but the baby. I bring my studio to you where you’re most comfortable. All you need to do is have the baby well fed with fresh diapers available. I have a very natural, minimalistic style, so I don’t have a lot of props or fancy set ups. I prefer to focus on the baby, and not trendy props that will look dated within a year or so. With that being said, I love it when clients have me use something that is very meaningful to them for the photo session. For example, a fireman’s hat, a police shirt, a saddle from their ranch, a suitcase their grandma used, or a blanket their favorite aunt crocheted for them. Sometimes people just have headbands or outfits they love. That’s good for me as well.

4. How long does a newborn session take?

   Newborns are unpredictable. You never know when they will get fussy, cranky, or not want to sleep. I’ve had newborn sessions take up to 3 hours, and a few take only 1 hour. I would say they average about 2 hours long. This is because we will need feeding and diaper breaks.

5. Can I include the family in the photos?

   Every photographer is different, but I say YES! I love to incorporate the family, even the dog if it’s safe in the photos with the baby. This time when you welcome home a new baby is so precious, and goes by in the blink of an eye. It’s wonderful to have photographs of all of you from those first days home with your baby. The hardest part of this will be if the older sibling is a toddler. You just never know if they will feel cooperative for the photo session. I will never force a toddler to be in a photo holding a newborn if it looks like it is an unsafe situation. It’s just not worth it to me. Safety is my top priority over photographs.

Let me know if you have any other questions about newborn sessions. I am happy to help.

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