What to Expect During Your Newborn Session
Pregnancy is such an exciting time as you anticipate the arrival of the newest addition to your growing family. As you begin your journey into parenthood, you will likely decorate your baby’s nursery, purchase tiny outfits, and even schedule a maternity session to document this sweet time in your life. Another type of photography session you may be considering is Newborn Photography.
What is Newborn Photography?
Newborn photography is the art of capturing the precious details of your baby in the first few weeks of his or her life. Your baby’s tiny features, sweet expressions, and squishy rolls will change so quickly as he or she grows. Your photographer will document the newness of your little one for your family to cherish for years to come.
How to Prepare for your Baby’s Photo Session
Plan Ahead.
When possible, schedule your Newborn Session ahead of time. It’s easy for time to get away from us, especially when it comes to adjusting to life with a brand new baby! Most Photographers recommend reaching out once you reach your 3rd trimester, but why wait? The earlier the better to ensure your dream photographer has availability for your due date. Your session will likely take place within the first 3 weeks of your baby’s life. In fact, some photographers will not take babies who are over a month old. At Cally Jo Photography, we accept babies of all ages, however it’s important to keep in mind that the older the baby is, the less likely it is that he or she will be willing to do certain poses.
Prepare the morning of your session
Your photographer will likely discuss with you ways to prepare your baby prior to your session, or will send you a prep guide. Each photographer is unique, but some common guidelines are to keep baby awake, active, and fed in the hour or 2 leading up to your session. This helps ensure baby will be sleepy, full, and comfortable while your photographer is posing him or her.
Oftentimes photographers offer sessions which include parents and siblings as well. If this is the case for you, be sure to coordinate outfits ahead of time- your photographer can even help you with this!
Be Flexible
The most important thing to remember during your Newborn Session is to stay flexible! It’s not uncommon for babies to need to feed more often than usual during their session, or to seek comfort from a pacifier during posing (even if they don’t normally take one.) While it’s crucial to communicate specific requests to your photographer ahead of time, it’s also important to know that some babies aren’t comfortable in every pose. A good Newborn Photographer will never force a baby into a pose, or sacrifice your baby’s safety for the sake of a photo. Remember that each baby is different, and your child’s session will be unique to him or her.
Relax
When it’s time for parent poses, your photographer will let you know. Your photographer will likely dress, wrap, and do the posing of baby during your session, but will pass your baby back to you if he or she is very unsettled or needs to feed. Other than that, feel free to sit down and relax with a book or a podcast while your photographer works!