There’s hardly a type of family photography I don’t do. Weddings, pets, senior portraits, extended family, brand photos, headshots, and they have all felt completely natural to me. 

Newborn photography was a different story. I’m not a mom. So why would anyone trust me to photograph their newborns? The doubts and imposter syndrome got so loud my mind lost the battle and I decided to step away from newborn photography.

Then I became the cool Auntie to my niece, Stassi, and everything changed.

Being an auntie, I realized that I had a place in the lives of families with babies even though I wasn’t a mom. The experience of spending time with my newborn niece gave me so much confidence.

Then of course, as things tend to happen, I naturally started getting asked by my previous wedding clients, with whom I had an established connection and trust with, to photograph their newborns.

This felt like an entirely different experience. 

I wasn’t just an awkward outsider who wasn’t sure she had a place, but someone who knew what the heck she was doing because I now had a completely different view of parents. Becoming an aunt myself in my personal life helped me see parents from a whole different perspective. My natural auntie instincts kicked in.  I knew how to not overstep in this new era of life for moms and dads AND had the confidence to make newborns feel safe and relaxed during photos.

After 10 years of experience, this is what I’ve concluded makes a great newborn photography session:

The Experience

The newborn photoshoot is often the first outing since giving birth for parents and the first one ever for the baby. Creating a safe space and all the reassurance needed leading up to the session is my number one goal. 

The goal for the experience during the photoshoot is for the parents and the baby to be calm, content, and relaxed throughout the entire process. This means we bring in all the elements needed for everyone to feel this way! It is not a time for you or your baby to tough anything out, force smiles, or be deprived of anything. 

This is a time to embody the joy and comfort of holding your new baby. It’s a time for your baby to feel like he or she is practically back in the womb or in the most playful, joyful happy state.

Whatever is needed to get baby there, we’ll do it. There is time and that’s part of what is accounted for with the amount of time booked. So do not stress when normal baby needs come up!

Baby doesn’t need to be stressed. Mom doesn’t need to be stressed. Dad doesn’t need to stress. I’ll touch on more of this later in the blog, but siblings do not need to be stressed either.

How to Take Great Newborn Photography Photos

The goal for the final product of newborn photos is to have newborn solo portraits, whole family, each parent with baby, both parents with baby, and siblings with baby.

Newborn Photography Supplies

Bring all of your baby must haves! Whatever you need for feedings, diaper changes, back up outfits, anything. All of it can happen during the session and we’ll just roll with it! This is foundational for the setup of a great session.

What to bring from home

•A sound machine or something else used at home that helps your baby relax or sleep

•Extra outfits

•Diapers and anything needed for diaper changes

•Everything you need for feedings

•Toys that make baby happy 

•Passifire and binky to keep the newborn comfortable. We’ll take it out once the baby is settled and posed. 

Communication

•Tell me your suggestions and thoughts about the shoot. I want to know what your vision is! 

•Check-ins and open communication leading up to your birth to keep everyone on the same page.

•Sibling reactions can go either way. Plan for it to be amazing. Also plan a backup for a family member or friend to pick up siblings that are triggered by the focused attention on the newborn.  If you have a plan that would work better for your family in the event of a sibling melt down, have that arranged! Sibling solo time with the other parent may help.

Newborn Photography Outfit Ideas

The headbands with big bows are always a cute newborn photography look for girls. If you want the photos to give “it’s a boy” wrap him in a “boy themed” blanket.

I have a neutral base swaddle as well as wraps and blankets to wrap him or her in. You can also bring your own if you’d like!

What should parents wear to a newborn shoot?

I’ll send a style guide before the session so you can prepare. But the idea is to wear outfits that make you feel great, but relaxed. Soft neutrals and simple outfits are great.  Your favorite classic basics are perfect. The idea is to keep the focus on the baby and what they are wrapped in.

Keep the family’s outfits cohesive, but not identical. Avoiding loud patterns, logos, and bright colors. Everyone’s outfits to speak to each other without being “matchy matchy.”

How is the session date chosen?

I pencil you in based on your due date. We pick a date 5-12 days after the due date. Of course this can change. The date is not set in stone and the number one goal here is a healthy mama and baby! So we’ll stay in touch and adjust the date forward or backward as needed. 

During the Session

The first 30 minutes we may not even take photos! We’ll just be acclimating and making sure everyone is relaxed, comfy, and happy.  A diaper change may happen during this time too.

Lastly, we’ll wrap the baby in a swaddle. I always start with a base, nude swaddle that I provide. 

Then we’ll add whatever other wraps or blankets you want for the aesthetics of the photos. 

The full session is about two hours. We’ll flow with the needs of the family to get all the family member combinations needed. The mindset is “go with the flow.”

Where are the photos taken?

You have choices! You can come to my natural lit studio where I’ve photographed so many newborn sessions or I can come to your home. Either way, the comfort and care of you and your new baby is the top priority. If you aren’t sure about the lighting in your home, the studio might be a good option. If you are feeling anxious about leaving home so soon, I’m happy to come to you and make it work.

In studio newborn photography

Newborn Photography at home:

It’s crazy to me that I once doubted my ability to shoot newborn sessions. At this point I feel like I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share that is rooted in being able to provide an experience that considers the whole family holistically. It’s not about my art or my portfolio. It’s about this little crinkle in time when your baby is as tiny as he or she will ever be and I want to capture the coziest, most nurturing shades of this short and precious time!

Still have questions about booking a newborn photography session? Email me at BlueDorrPhotography@gmail.com! I also offer newborn/maternity packages. Ready to book? Fill out this form or email me!