Things You Need to Know About Newborn Photography
From Your Rockford, Illinois Newborn Photographer
Your photographer will spend more time posing than they will photographing
If you’ve been at your session for 30 minutes and your photographer hasn’t picked up their camera yet… don’t worry! Some babies take longer than others to settle and it takes time to perfect each pose. A majority of newborn sessions will consist of more time posing and soothing, and less time shooting. Newborn photography is an art, and your photographer will likely want to be sure everything is perfect before taking the photograph.
2. Your baby may or may not sleep
MOST babies will at least sleep for part of the session, but this isn’t always the case. Don’t worry either way! Your photographer will have a plan for what to do if your little one is wide awake! Sometimes this involves taking a break to feed, swaddling baby, or switching to a different pose.
3. Sessions should be scheduled as soon as possible
Don’t wait until baby has arrived to book a newborn photographer! Those first few days and weeks with a new baby are often a blur, and contacting a photographer is likely to slip your mind. Besides, many newborn photographers book out weeks or months in advance, so it’s very important to get your session scheduled ahead of time.
4. Its best done when baby is 1-3 weeks old
This varies by photographer, but I prefer to schedule my newborn sessions for when your baby is 1-3 weeks old. This gives you and your baby some time to adjust after delivery, but ensures that we are able to capture your baby while they have those sweet newborn features.
5. Babies love being swaddled.
Babies LOVE feeling safe, snug, and secure. If your little one is fussy and nothing else works, swaddling is sure to do the trick.
6. Your photographer will use a variety of soothing techniques
Swaddling isn’t the only trick your photographer has up their sleeve! Working with so many newborns really turns us into baby whisperers! Don’t be alarmed if your photographer has a unique way of soothing your baby… whatever it is, it just might work!
7. You should choose a photographer who prioritizes safety.
When deciding which photographer you’d like to hire, please take into safety into account. A reputable newborn photographer should be able to explain to a potential client exactly how they will ensure your baby’s safety throughout the session.
8. Don’t worry about baby acne.
Baby acne… it’s more common than you may think. However, it is usually very temporary. If your baby happens to develop a breakout right before your session, don’t worry! Newborn photographers are experts at editing, especially smoothing baby skin. In fact, by the time you receive your photos, your baby’s acne will have likely disappeared.
9. You should prepare accordingly
Your photographer will either give you a prep guide, or speak to you ahead of time about what to do and what not to do the morning leading up to your session. Trust them, and follow their advice as closely as you can!
10. It’s the perfect way to remember these moments that pass by too quickly
Unfortunately our babies grow out of the newborn stage SO FAST! This is the littlest they will ever be, and it is so important to document it. Weeks, months, and even years from now, you will be so glad you have these images to look back on.
