Newborns: Best time to shoot and how to prepare

In the last couple of years newborn photography has become increasingly popular. It has become an art form capturing your babies first days of life and giving you breathtaking images to cherish forever. Just like anything else, newborn photography has it's own standards and rules that you should be aware of.

First off, I want to give you comfort in knowing that your baby's safety is our number one priority when capturing these images. I have received hands on training from advanced photographers to ensure proper safety methods are in place when posing your baby. I am also CPR certified for added comfort when handling your baby. If you are looking for a newborn photographer, please make sure they are trained and that safety is their concern too. No image is worth the life or safety of your precious child.

Secondly, there are a few things you as the parent will want to know when planning for your newborn shoot. I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any additional questions, please ask. We are always here to help.

• Babies are best photographed the first 14 days of life. This is because they are still very pliable and will conform to the poses easier. 
• Newborn sessions are usually 2-3 hours. This is to account for the newborn to be fed during the session, diaper changes and prop changes.
• Sleeping babies are happy babies. Newborns eyes are not fully developed so when taking photos of a newborn with eyes wide open makes it hard to see where they are focusing. This is why newborn images are almost always of the newborn sleeping.
• About a 1/2 hour before your planned shoot, feed newborn to ensure they are full. Full baby= sleepy baby. Have baby feed wearing only their diaper and wrapped in a blanket. This will make taking clothes off easier.
• Newborns just spent 9 months in your womb which maintains a temp of 98 degrees. Keeping your home warm during the shoot will help the baby transition to poses without clothes. We will also provide a space heater to help.
• If you are breastfeeding, avoid foods that will cause gas in your baby.
• There will be feedings during the shoot, please have any bottles ready or be ready to nurse. 
• If siblings are present, they will be shot at the end of the shoot.
• Parent shots will also take place. These are usually from the waist up. 

Our number one priority is that your baby is safe at all times. Our second priority is that we capture beautiful images of your baby for you to cherish forever. We look forward to working with you and your new bundle of joy!