NEWBORN SESSION ADVICE
Natural Newborn Photography & Baby Led Posing
As a new mom to our son, William, I’ve come to really appreciate just how special the early days are. Newborns grow so quickly and it’s so important to capture these adorable moments. I find that natural newborn photos are the most sentimental because they capture your little one in the comfort of your home—where you feel most at ease and the moments are truly authentic.
I specialize in natural newborn photography and baby-led posing. Natural newborn photography allows me to create beautiful images by keeping backgrounds clean and the focus on your sweet babe. Below are tips on how to achieve a timeless look, ensuring you receive natural, heartfelt images of your sweet newborn.
How to Prep
Prepare your props and outfits
Prepare your baby’s outfits and props in advance. Lay them out in the location where you'll be taking photos so that they're easy to access. Have a backup outfit ready. Choose props and outfits that are simple and not too busy, so that your baby remains the focus of the photos.
Include your pets
I love it when pups come along! When dogs are at a photo session, I highly recommend that you ask a family member or friend to come along. We'll capture photos without your dog too so you'll want someone to tend to your dog while we shoot.
Be ready for breaks
Newborn babies have their own schedules and needs, so be prepared for breaks during the shoot. Don't worry if the shoot takes longer than expected or if you need to take breaks. If your baby is crying or fussy, we’ll pause–it's important to prioritize your baby's comfort.
Get Dressed Up
Your maternity shoot is a perfect excuse to have fun and get dressed up! There is no such thing as being “too dressy” for your photos! Here’s some outfit inspiration.
Wear Neutral Colors
The goal is for your outfits to coordinate, not match. A good idea is to have only one person wear a pattern (if that’s your thing) or wear white, not both.
Special Mementos
I love to document all the adorable elements of a nursery.
The mobile that was picked out after hours of Etsy searches, the blanket that was handmade by an excited Grandparent, the rocking chair that has been passed down for generations. If you have a personalized onesie, swaddle, or blanket, I’d love to capture those too!
Prepare Your Home For Newborn Photos
Bringing a newborn baby into your home is a special and exciting time. To ensure that your photos turn out beautifully, it's important to prepare your home properly beforehand. Preparing your home for newborn photos is all about creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that will make your baby feel comfortable and calm. With a little preparation and planning, you can ensure that your photos turn out beautifully and capture those precious early moments with your adorable newborn!
Choose a location with plenty of natural light
Newborn babies are used to being in warm environments, so it's important to keep the room where you'll be taking photos nice and warm. You can turn up the thermostat or use a space heater to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. This will also help keep your baby calm and comfortable during the photoshoot.
Typically, we can start your shoot in the nursery. I love to document all the adorable mementos of a nursery. When taking photos of your newborn, natural light is your best friend. Choose a location in your home that has plenty of natural light. This could be a room with large windows (ideally the nursery or your room) or a spot in your living room where the sun shines in during the day. I will turn off the overhead lights and lamps to remove any potential color cast. Make sure to clear any furniture or clutter away from the area so that the light can flow freely.
Clean and tidy up
It's important to make sure that the area where you'll be taking photos is clean and tidy. This will ensure that the focus of the photos is on your baby and not on any clutter or mess in the background. You don't need to deep clean your entire home, but make sure that the area where you'll be taking photos is tidy and presentable.