Timing: Newborn photo sessions typically take place within the first two weeks after your baby is born when they are still very sleepy and easily poseable. During this time, they tend to retain the curled-up positions reminiscent of their time in the womb, making for beautiful and serene photos.

Setting: The photo shoot can occur either at a professional studio or in the comfort of the baby’s home. Both options have their advantages; a studio provides a controlled environment with professional lighting and equipment, while a home setting can incorporate meaningful elements and surroundings.

Safety: Safety is the utmost priority during a newborn shoot. I take extra care to ensure your baby is safe, secure, and comfortable at all times.

Posing: The photographer will work with the newborn to create a variety of adorable poses that highlight their tiny features, such as curled-up positions, sleeping poses, and angelic expressions. Babies often need assistance to maintain these poses, and a skilled photographer will know how to handle them gently and securely.

Outfits: Newborns are usually photographed in soft, delicate outfits, wraps and rompers.

Parents’ involvement: Parents and siblings are often encouraged to be a part of the photo shoot to capture heartwarming family moments. Parents may hold the baby, cradle them, or have their hands gently placed on the baby’s tiny body to show the contrast in size.

Patience: Newborn photo sessions require a lot of patience since babies have their own schedule and might need to be fed, changed, or soothed during the shoot. A good photographer will be understanding of these needs and allow ample time for breaks as required.

Post-processing: After the shoot, the photographer will carefully select the best images and perform post-processing to enhance the photos. This may involve adjusting colors, removing blemishes, and adding subtle filters to achieve a polished and dreamy look.

Overall, a newborn shoot is a beautiful and heartwarming experience that aims to capture the innocence and beauty of a newborn’s early days, creating lasting memories for the family to cherish.

Here are some factors that can influence the duration of a newborn photo shoot:

Baby’s age: Newborns are most cooperative and sleepy during the first two weeks of life. If the photo shoot takes place within this time frame, the baby is more likely to stay sleepy and relaxed, making it easier to capture those adorable poses.

Baby’s temperament: Every baby is unique, and some may be more fussy or awake during the session. A more relaxed and sleepy baby will typically result in a smoother and shorter photo shoot.

Set-ups and poses

Number of setups and poses: The number of different setups and poses planned for the shoot will impact the overall duration. More elaborate or creative setups may take longer to arrange and photograph.

Feeding and comforting breaks: Newborns often need feeding, changing, or comforting breaks during the photo shoot. These breaks are essential to ensure the baby’s well-being and comfort, but they can add to the total session time.

Parent and family involvement: If the parents and siblings are actively participating in the photo shoot, additional time may be needed to capture those family moments.

Photographer’s experience: An experienced newborn photographer will have efficient workflows and techniques to make the most of the session’s time.

Always baby-led.

It’s essential for both the photographer and the parents to remain flexible and patient during the shoot. Sometimes, the baby’s needs may require more time, and that’s perfectly normal. The priority is always the safety, comfort, and well-being of the baby, so breaks and adjustments to the schedule are expected and necessary.

Before the photo shoot, it’s a good idea for parents to communicate with the photographer about their expectations and any specific requirements they may have. This can help the photographer plan the session accordingly and provide a more accurate estimate of the total duration.

If the baby doesn’t sleep during the photo shoot, there are several things the photographer can do to work with the situation:

1. Awake shots: Embrace the awake moments and capture shots of the baby with their eyes open. These images can still be beautiful and showcase the baby’s personality and expressions.

2. Posing and safety: If the baby is awake, the photographer can opt for poses that suit an awake baby. Safety remains a top priority, and the photographer will ensure that any poses or setups are safe and comfortable for the baby.

3. Swaddling and soothing: Using gentle swaddling techniques and soothing techniques can help relax the baby and possibly encourage sleepiness. Soft music, white noise, or a familiar sound might also be used to help create a calm environment.

4. Feeding and breaks: If the baby is awake and seems unsettled, taking breaks for feeding or comforting can help. A well-fed and content baby is more likely to relax and may eventually fall asleep.

5. Patience and flexibility: Photographers experienced in newborn sessions understand that babies can be unpredictable. They will remain patient and flexible, allowing the baby to dictate the pace of the shoot.

6. Post-processing: Skilled photographers can use post-processing techniques to create the appearance of a sleeping baby in certain images if necessary. However, it’s important not to rely too heavily on editing to create unrealistic portrayals.

Ultimately, a successful newborn photo shoot doesn’t solely depend on the baby sleeping through the entire session. Awake shots can be just as beautiful and cherished by parents, as they capture the baby’s personality and alertness during those early days. A professional photographer will have the expertise to adapt to the situation and still create stunning images, whether the baby is asleep or awake.

Parents should communicate with the photographer beforehand about any concerns or preferences they have for the shoot. This way, the photographer can tailor the session accordingly and ensure the best possible outcome.