Newborn Session FAQ: Top 10 Questions

In a previous article I address one of the biggest questions I get from parents who are on the fence about scheduling newborn photos – Are newborn photos worth it? My answer is obviously a resounding yes, but if you’re looking to dive deeper into the worth of these sessions, that article is a great place for you to start on your journey toward booking a newborn session for your child.

Here I want to address the next phase of your decision making journey. You’ve decided to go for it (yay, great choice!) and are now bursting with inquiries around the specifics of the session. If you are shy about asking these questions, don’t be! I truly answer most all of these at each initial phone call with parents so you are certainly not alone. They are fabulous questions about the what, when, and how’s of newborn photography and I’d love to share a few of the most frequent questions I receive.

1. When should I book a newborn session?

It’s best to get on my calendar when you are entering your second trimester, but please don’t let that stop you from contacting me if you are past that time frame! Early is always ideal to ensure date availability, but I’m also very flexible on making time for clients who just didn’t get around to scheduling before baby arrived.

2. Why do you photograph babies between 5-14 days old?

This age window is best for capturing those curly, sleepy newborn photos you typically see on Pinterest and other places. That is because babies are still sleeping most of the day and aren’t as likely to be distracted by noises or outside stimuli.

They also are still curled like they were in the womb. Ask any experienced parent and after about 2 weeks old, their baby’s legs have started to straighten. They also get bigger bellies and chubbier legs which makes it harder to tuck into a tuchie up position or fit in a bucket.

All that being said, if you’ve missed that window don’t hesitate to contact me for photos! An older baby may need more wrapping and swaddling, but you can still get gorgeous images of your baby.

3. How do you plan a session date when due dates aren’t for certain?

Great question!

I pencil in due dates on my calendar and plan on a range of a week before and after that time.  That means that if your baby arrives a little early, I’m still available close to your due date. And if your baby arrives late (which I sure hope isn’t the case!) I can still adjust for that week or two after your due date.

Once baby arrives, I have parents contact me via phone, text, or email with the happy news. Then we set our official session date and time to fit within that optimal newborn window for the photographs.

4. Are siblings included?

Yes!

Take it from a mom of five, these are incredibly special pictures.

In addition to preserving memories of you and dad with baby, siblings are always welcome. We take care of these family portraits right at the beginning while everyone is in a good mood and still enthusiastic about my studio and big light.

So don’t worry about your 2 year old being too young or melting down. I have lots of experience with young kids and have different tricks up my sleeve to get a few gorgeous images of all your kids together. Plus remember I’m a mom of five myself!

After these family pictures, you are welcome to have dad take older kids out to do something fun while mom stays to relax. Feel free to get your thank you notes done or just sleep!

5. What about parent photos with the baby?

I highly encourage parents to get in the frame with their newest little one.

For dads, there is nothing quite like a tiny little baby in their big hands, or how they fit on their forearms.

Moms are sometimes more hesitant to get in the pictures. I completely understand as a new mom that you are personally going through a lot of changes, both physically and emotionally. Plus lack of sleep can make you feel like you are losing your mind!

But I assure you I only photograph moms from the waist up and truly focus on your face and emotional connection with your new baby. So don’t let those short-term things interfere with beautiful photos of you as a new mother or with your latest child. I promise you won’t regret it!

6. What do you capture with just baby?

The majority of your gallery images include photographs taken of just your newborn. For example, I like to get details of tiny little feet, lips, that button nose and tuft of fluffy hair. In addition to the details, I'll also photograph your newborn with a few larger props and then on my beanbag. My typically workflow is as follows:

• 1 large prop (moon, curved bench, twig bed)

• 1 bucket

• 1 on their backs (white or brown fur, in a bowl)

• 2 beanbag fabrics (which has a workflow all it’s own)

7. How long do newborn sessions take?

The short answer is 2-3 hours.

As long as baby is happy and sleeping, I’m able to finish almost all my sessions in about 2 hours. But baby runs the show and I always listen to their needs to keep them safe from overheating. That means I always stop if needed for nursing or feedings. Also, fair warning if baby gets those darn hiccups! Those can take a bit to resettle baby and get them asleep again.

8. What do I bring with me?

Just you and the baby!

I have all kinds of props, blankets, wraps, headbands and hats for both boys and girls in a range of colors and shades. You don’t have to bring anything unless you have a certain items you’d specifically like photographed. Some clients chose to bring handmade blankets or quilts or items embroidered with the baby’s name.

9. What about props for newborn sessions?

During our initial consultation, we can discuss the props and colors I have available and what you'd be interested in using during our time. I love to match nursery colors for displaying photos later on your walls, or even incorporate seasonal elements like fall leaves or snowflakes. Feel free to peruse my newborn portfolio for props that are available and let me know in advance if you’ve seen one you’d like me to use.

10.   Do you practice newborn safety?

Always!

I have taken numerous courses on the physiology of newborns, how to keep them from overheating, how to position their heads and arms to prevent asphyxiations, and keep them safe at all times. I have passed newborn safety certifications via the Association of Professional Newborn Photographers International, which rigorously examine a photographer’s portfolio and practices to ensure babies are safe at all times. Plus you must pass a written exam on newborn safety.

I sterilize all pacis, blankets, and surfaces in my studio before baby arrives, and wash all fabrics with Dreft for Newborns. I stay current on my vaccines per the recommended guidelines for grandparents and others who regularly work with newborns. The biggest ones being Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) booster and the annual flu shot.

I take my job very seriously, and that includes doing all I can to protect the littlest of my clients.

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I hope these initial answers are helpful as you think about and plan your child’s newborn session. In addition to resources like these, I send all my parents what I call my Parent Prep Sheet after they book. It has even more helpful tips that you can do at home before arriving at the studio so we have the best chances for a sleepy, happy baby.

I view my job as a “baby whisperer and preserver of memories” I aim to capture true emotions along with documenting the fleeting time of your curly, sleepy newborn. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, but I contend that a picture is worth far more. A picture captures priceless emotion and joy.

I hope you’ll consider me in preserving your own family memories. And as always, if you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact me!

Want more details on a newborn session? Feel free to contact me via the form below!