What to expect during a Newborn Photo Session at home
If you are reading this page then congratulations may be in order! As an infant photographer with more than 15 years of newborn experience, I have answers to many of your questions about what to expect when you choose to take newborn photos at home. Here you will find answers about when to schedule your photos, what normal newborn behavior is, and how to best prepare yourselves and your home.
When is the best time to take newborn photos
The general consensus is to take photos within the first two weeks home from the hospital. There are a lot of reasons for this suggested time frame:
Babies change quickly and that “brand new” look won’t last
Baby acne often develops after the second week
The newborn’s bones begin to fuse and their in-utero flexibility/ability to be curled back into their womb poses is no longer safe outside of this timeframe.
Newborns become more alert and babies that are awake will not settle to be photographed as easily
Older babies can develop reflux/spit up
Toddlers who are being photographed with the new infant may be more inclined to participate in photos when the baby is fresh and still exciting
Your photographer can teach you some tips and tricks to help settle your baby that may be useful in the weeks ahead.
These things are mostly true and capturing those early days is absolutely special. However, photographing your baby beyond two weeks also has some advantages. In my experience, photo sessions with slightly older newborns (in the 2-4 week range) have:
A little more heft in their bodies. Working out feeding in those early days can be hard, but once you get it down your baby’s full cheeks are undeniably sweet.
More alert and curious babies - It’s a myth that alert babies won’t settle and it can be nice to capture a variety of photos including photos where they are awake
Parents aren’t necessarily more reseted, but they may be a little more relaxed as they settle into a routine.
Speaking of parents, as a new mom you may be more inclined to have your photo taken when you feel a little more in control.
Our hospital provided photography, why should we take more photos?
Fresh 48 photos - photos taken at the hospital within the first 48 hours, can certainly be sweet. If you have a straightforward delivery they may be all you need. However, hospital photography is often more expensive than private portraiture. Hormonal and tired, it’s hard not to buy those photos of your baby, even if you aren’t thrilled with how they turn out. If you’ve booked a private session ahead of your delivery you will feel more comfortable turning down the hospital portraiture. Having time to go home, shower and put on clothes that make you feel good will result in photos you love love to look back on, not just because of your prefect new human(s), but because you also feel like a human.
I didn’t book a newborn photographer in advance and now my baby is here, is it too late?
No! Not all photographers will book sessions after a baby arrives, but many will. I always try to make space in my calendar for last minute newborn bookings and, while I can’t accommodate everyone, I do my very best to fit your family on my schedule. I was a new mom once, and I know how pressing it can suddenly feel when you see them changing before your eyes.
Okay, you picked a photographer, what’s next?
Your photographer will put your due date on their calendar. Infants arrive on their own schedule 95% of the time but having your due date on your photographer’s calendar blocks off space for your family. Regardless of when your baby arrives, you are guaranteed options of dates to book your session. Simply email, call or text your photographer when you’re letting everyone else know your good news and they will give you options for dates to take your photos. Then, get home, get to know your little one, and know that your special memories will be captured forever.
It’s the day of your photoshoot, We barely slept, everything is chaos, what now?
I will arrive at your home at whatever time we agree upon, most often in the morning. I don’t expect to walk into a perfectly clean home with well-rested adults. Does it happen? Sometimes. More often than not there are boxes from Amazon orders or gifts piled up, breakfasts half eaten and two happy, tired adults. Newborns tend to be calmer in the morning and for parents, it can be nice to have an extra set of hands while you finish getting yourselves ready. But please don’t worry, I’ve seen it all and your photo shoot is going to be great.
When I arrive I will quickly assess your space to pick the best spots for photos. Your input is welcome but not required. I’m happy to collaborate but I’m ready to steer the ship.
Newborn photos are set up on a soft, safe surface. This is almost always a bed and I bring everything we need to quickly transform your bed/guest bed into a seamless photographic backdrop for your little one. From lighting to blankets and wraps and simple, tasteful accessories, I have everything we need for a successful session (aside from the beautiful family ;). It takes me less than 10 minutes to set up and while I’m setting up I will chat with you and get to know you. We’ll discuss colors you may want to include, special items you have (these can be blankets, toys, etc). If you have another child or children I will spend a few minutes getting on their level to get to know them and put them at ease. They often need to know that mommy and daddy aren’t leaving again, and they need to feel safe and secure. They are welcome to explore alongside me while I set up.
If we decide to take sibling or family photos on a bed we may quickly clear bedside tables to create a more neutral setting. If you choose, you can clear your bedside tables before I arrive in preparation of your session.
What if my baby cries during their photoshoot?
Babies cry out of need and some crying is expected. I have an abundance of experience with infants and while your baby is with me they will be safe, comforted, warm and loved. Ideally your baby has eaten just before or is eating as I arrive, but it isn’t always possible. We will take breaks to feed, soothe and change your little one as needed. At newborn sessions the baby is the boss and I follow their lead. I am well-versed in understanding their discomfort and in putting parents at ease. Your photo session should be a happy memory. I want you to feel calm and comfortable as you admire the little person you brought into the world.
Does my baby have to sleep in newborn photos?
Do they have to sleep? No. Will they most likely sleep? Yes. It can feel like your baby never sleeps in those early days with them. You are so tired - up all night feeding them, burping them, changing diapers. You feel like if you move you will startle them awake. Often as I photograph new babies parents will marvel at how I gently soothe them while I tuck their tiny hands beneath their cheeks. I hear things like “How are you doing that? Is this magic?” I assure you it’s not magic, just experience and patience. I have no expectations for how your baby will behave and what they will need. When I’m with your family I am completely focused on making sure everyone is comfortable and that often leads to a cozy baby who dozes peacefully to sleep.
Do you take family photos?
I welcome and encourage you, your partner and any other children or beloved pets to be in your photos. If there are other children I will include them at the start of your session to capture them while they are fresh and excited, and then I will let them play around me (or head off to the park with a nanny or parent) while I focus on the newborn. If your infant is your first baby then we will start with photos of your baby and end with family photos so that you have time to finish getting ready after I arrive.
What if my baby pees or spits up during photos?
These things are natural. I use special pads to protect your furniture and I am more than ready to swap around blankets as needed. However, I also try to time the photos to minimize the risk of these things happening based on when your baby has eaten, etc.
What if my toddler won’t behave during the photo shoot?
Worrying about your toddler’s behavior is normal but unnecessary. Just as I have no expectations for newborn behavior, your toddler may be feeling a multitude of feelings and that’s 100% okay. It may be your first rodeo but it’s not mine. I am patient and understanding and I know how to communicate with little people. Take a deep breath and know that my energy will help your toddler feel excited to be involved. Are some kids more challenging? Sure. Are we going to get great photos? We are. If your older child is nervous to be around your infant we will capture photos while they explore the baby in their way. It will be a true and authentic way to document this moment in your family’s history.
My infant has peeling skin or acne and doesn’t look like other babies on instagram
Most newborn photographers retouch peeling skin and acne in newborn photos. These are non-permanent features and will fade and change day by day. You should speak to your photographer about the retouching they do. I tell the families I work with that non-permeant features (ie not birthmarks) that appear on faces will be lightly retouched and the photos on my website are representative of what you should expect your photos to look like when I deliver them. Peeling skin on hands and feet is normal and natural and unless you ask me to remove it or unless it is very distracting I will leave it as it is a part of being new. Your photos will yield a variety of images, some of them where your baby is wrapped in a blanket with only their face visible, and some where much of their body is on display. If you greatly desire all of the flaking skin to be removed simply speak with me about it in advance.
What happens after our photo session?
After your session you can relax knowing this fleeting time in your newborn’s life has been documented. And I will go home and get to work on editing! I select the best photos from the session and I polish them. About a week after your photo shoot you’ll receive a link to a web gallery of your images. If you’ve chosen one of my digital packages you will immediately be able to download your photos in full-resolution. If you’ve waited to decide on your order you will now be able to order prints, framed photos and canvases, albums, etc. I have a wide variety of print options which I have sourced from the best printers to give you heirloom-quality memories and we can discuss your vision and where you hope to display your photos. I am always available to answer your questions.
when should we schedule our next photo session?
Milestone sessions are common during the first year when your baby is changing at lighting speed. These are often done in monthly intervals - newborn, 6 months, 1 year; or newborn, 4 months, 8 months, 1 year, etc. It often depends on your budget and your schedule and many photographers have packages that bundle these sessions for you. After the first year it’s common for families to update their photos once a year, most often in the spring or the fall.
I still have questions
I have answers! Reach out, I’m always happy to answer your questions! abby@cope.net or 917-697-7134