What to Know About Your Newborn Experience
What to know before your baby arrives
Newborn sessions are designed to feel calm, personal, and completely centered around your baby. I have been photographing newborns since 2013 and am fully trained in newborn posing safety, so your baby’s comfort and safety are always my first priority.
These first few weeks are such a brief season, and my goal is to preserve all of the tiny details you never want to forget. Every session is thoughtfully planned around your family, while still allowing plenty of time for your baby to simply be a baby.
From the moment you arrive, I want you to feel comfortable and taken care of. I’ll guide you through the entire experience and handle the little details so you can relax, stay close to your baby, and enjoy watching their portraits come together. Then go straight into the Q&A.
Most Frequent Questions
How does the booking process work?
Once you reach out, I’ll send you a newborn questionnaire so I can learn more about your family, your style, and any special requests you may have. From there, we’ll begin planning the details of your session and reserve space around your due date.
A non-refundable creative fee is required to officially reserve your session. Once your baby arrives, you’ll contact me and we’ll finalize the actual session date.
When should I book my newborn session?
The best time to reach out is during your second trimester, around five months pregnant. That gives us plenty of time to plan your session and talk through any special requests before your baby arrives. If your baby is already here, don’t worry. I have plenty of families who reach out after delivery. I just may not be able to guarantee availability or very specific requests on short notice.
What is the best age for newborn photos?
I typically recommend photographing newborns between 7 and 21 days old. During this window, babies are often still very sleepy and naturally curl into those sweet newborn poses. Every baby is different though, so we always work around your little one.
What if my baby is older than two weeks?
That is completely okay. As babies get older, they tend to become more alert, which can sometimes limit certain sleepy poses. They may also outgrow some of the newborn outfits or props. That does not mean we can’t create a beautiful session. We simply adjust things based on your baby’s age and personality.
How long does a newborn session take?
For a baby-only newborn session, plan for approximately 2 to 3 hours. If you would like to include parents, siblings, or additional family members, the session can take closer to 4 to 5 hours so we have plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and family portraits without feeling rushed.
Why do newborn sessions take so long?
Newborn sessions are intentionally unhurried. Babies need time to be fed, soothed, settled, and safely positioned between setups. Some babies sleep through most of the session, while others need more breaks, and that is completely normal. The pace is always based on your baby.
I also want the session to feel as stress-free as possible for you. The studio has a comfortable couch, Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks, and even a pillow if you want to catch up on a little sleep while I work. The space is open, so you are able to stay close to your newborn and see what I’m doing throughout the entire session. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and never rushed while your baby gets all the time they need.
How can I best prepare for my session?
Once your session is booked, you will receive a detailed newborn preparation guide that walks you through everything you need to know before session day. My goal is for you to arrive feeling prepared, comfortable, and relaxed.
Do I need to bring outfits or props?
No. I have a full collection of newborn outfits, wraps, props, and accessories available in the studio. When you reach out, you will also receive a newborn questionnaire so I can get to know your style, preferences, and any special requests ahead of time. This is another reason I recommend reaching out during your second trimester whenever possible.
Can parents and siblings be included?
Absolutely. Parents and siblings are always welcome, and grandparents can join too. These are such special family moments, and I love creating a mix of newborn portraits and meaningful images with the people who love them most.
What if my baby won’t sleep?
That is completely normal. Some babies sleep through nearly the entire session, while others need more time to settle or simply want to be awake.
I never force a pose or rush your baby. We work with what your baby gives us that day and adjust the session accordingly.
What if my baby needs to eat during the session?
Feeding breaks are always welcome and expected. Newborn sessions are scheduled with plenty of time for feeding, burping, soothing, diaper changes, and cuddles whenever your baby needs them. There is never a reason to feel rushed.
Is newborn posing safe?
Your baby’s safety is always my first priority. I have been photographing newborns since 2013 and am trained in newborn posing safety.
Every pose is approached carefully, and I will never force your baby into a position that they are not comfortable with.
What if my baby has reflux, sensitive skin, or other special needs?
Please let me know before your session. The more I know ahead of time, the better I can plan around your baby and make the experience as comfortable as possible.
Every baby is different, and newborn sessions are never one-size-fits-all.
What if my baby has reflux, sensitive skin, or other special needs?
Please let me know ahead of time so I can plan around your baby and make the session as comfortable as possible.
If your baby develops baby acne, we can usually plan the session for about 1 to 2 weeks after it appears, since it often settles on its own. If it doesn’t, that is completely okay too. I can gently clean up temporary skin concerns during editing while still keeping your baby looking natural and like themselves.
If your baby has reflux or any other special needs, just let me know. Every baby is different, and I’m always happy to adjust the session around what they need.
