🤍 Newborn Photography: What to Expect

Your Baby’s First Photo Session

Newborn sessions are unlike any other type of photo session. They are slower, more detailed, and completely centered around your baby’s comfort and safety.

Many new parents aren’t sure what to expect — and that’s completely normal.

While every newborn photographer has their own workflow, we all share the same goal:

To create beautiful images of your baby while ensuring their safety at all times.

Newborn photographers spend countless hours learning proper posing techniques, studying safety practices, and practicing with real babies before ever perfecting those sweet, curled-up poses you see in galleries.

There is a lot that goes into newborn photography — and I truly love every minute of it.

Before You Arrive

Before your session, you’ll complete a short questionnaire where you can select your preferred colors and overall style.

Based on your answers, I design several custom mini-sets just for your baby. I prepare coordinating props, wraps, textures, and accessories to create a cohesive look.

Every baby is different. Some love certain poses; others do not. I never force a pose on an unhappy baby. If something isn’t comfortable, we simply move on. Your baby leads the session.

When You Arrive at the Studio

Traditional newborn sessions are held in-studio due to the extensive setup and prop options.

When you arrive:

You’ll undress baby and feed them to encourage sleep.
The studio will be warm (this helps baby stay sleepy).
Dress in layers so you’re comfortable.
Water will be available for you and your guest.

Then we begin — slowly and gently.

Family Portraits (If Desired)

If you’d like family or sibling portraits, we’ll do those first.

Afterward, I recommend younger siblings head home or to daycare. Newborn sessions are calm and slow-paced, and it can become boring for little ones.

If you prefer baby-only images, that’s perfectly fine too.

Posing on the Newborn Table

Once baby is fed and sleepy, I gently rock them into a deeper sleep if needed (this can take 5–45 minutes — every baby is different).

Your baby will be placed on a specially designed newborn posing table layered with soft blankets for comfort and support.

During this portion:

Baby may be photographed nude or in a covered diaper.
Hats, wraps, florals, and small props are added for variety.
I create multiple looks without moving baby much.

Patience is key here — we move at baby’s pace.

Swaddled & Larger Props

Next, baby is swaddled — and babies LOVE to be swaddled. This often helps them sleep deeply.

We’ll move to larger props such as:

Baskets
Beds
Bowls

Your safety role is important here.

You will stay very close and keep a steady hand on baby while I position them. I will ask you to gently remove your hand briefly while I capture the image, then immediately place it back.

Safety is always more important than getting the shot.

This is also the perfect time to incorporate heirloom items or sentimental pieces you’ve brought along.

Final Images & Awake Shots

Toward the end of the session, baby may begin waking up — and that’s perfectly okay.

This is when I capture:

Bright open eyes
Tiny toes and fingers
Little lashes
Button nose details

These images do not require baby to be asleep. Gentle movement is completely fine.

If baby becomes fussy, we pause for another feeding. It’s completely normal for babies to eat more during sessions.

A Few Important Notes

Not all babies sleep deeply — we adjust as needed.
Sessions typically can last up to 3–4 hours.
If formula feeding, bring extra bottles.
Yes… accidents happen! 😊
Everything that touches baby is washed between sessions. It’s completely normal and never a problem.

You are welcome to:

Relax
Nap
Have coffee
Chat with me

This is a calm, unhurried experience.

My Promise to You

Your baby’s comfort and safety come first — always.

Beautiful images happen when babies feel secure, warm, and supported.

I look forward to welcoming you and your little one into the studio soon 🤍