Newborn Portrait {Planning a Great Session}
I love newborn portraits. There isn't much better in all the world than a teeny-tiny little one; so small and squishy and perfect. Melts my heart!
I know once baby is born, you will be in a haze of joy, sleep deprivation, and adjusting to life with your sweet new baby. I've been there a few times myself and remember it well. While it is a wonderful time, adding planning for newborn portraits to the mix and it may seem a bit overwhelming. I want to share with you some tips to help you better prepare and enjoy your newborn session.
First of all, make sure you schedule your session around the end of your second trimester. This ensures photographer availability and gives you peace of mind by checking that off the to-do list. Based on your due date, I'll pencil you in. As baby comes whenever he or she is ready, this is just a tentative date. Once baby arrives just give a call or quick email and we can work together to get a session date finalized. I highly recommend scheduling the session within the first seven days, when baby is sleepier and less active. Newborn sessions can be done with babies up to 14 days old, but as they get older they tend to be less sleepy, which can make it a little harder to pose them during the session.
In planning for your session, be sure to think about outfits, props, and anything else you'd like to include in portraits before baby makes his or her debut. Have these items gathered somewhere so you have less to do when preparing to have for your session. I love it when families bring in items that are special to them; a blanket grandma made, baby booties from when you were a newborn, a special stuffed animal, anything that is significant to you. If you don't have many props in mind, don't worry! I have a large stash of hand crocheted and knitted items, sweet little headbands, wraps, baskets, blankets, furs, and even a sweet little boat. I'm also fairly crafty and can generally create props based on a particular theme. I hand crocheted the Cat in the Hat hat and fisherman's cap below for these sweet little guys:
Once the props are determined, it's good to think about outfits. Often newborns are photographed naked or in fabric or knit wraps. So don't worry much about finding outfits for baby, often newborn sized outfits are very large on new babies. If you want to have baby in an outfit, I recommend having a couple preemie sizes on hand. My oldest was 7 lb 7 oz and wore preemie sizes for at least the first week, she was swimming in everything else.
In addition to baby's outfits, give some thought to what you'll wear. I know many parents aren't interested in getting in the portraits, but I think it's so special to have those moments interacting with your new addition to family. To see just how tiny they are in your arms and how they relax and cuddle right into you. I recommend going simple and neutral with your outfits. This keeps the focus on your faces and your interactions. The best thing about outfits for a newborn session? You can get away with just a nice shirt. My focus is on your face and your little one, so portraits are from the waist up. Want to wear some comfy sweats? Go for it!
During the session, most of the focus is on baby. So during those times, you will have time to relax. I've even had a few parents take naps in the studio during their newborn's session. I recommend bringing some snacks, a book, or game along with you. We'll take several breaks throughout the session, based on baby's needs. There will be many diaper changes, a few feedings, and some time to comfort and relax baby into new poses. Sessions take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on baby. I want to make sure we get the best shots possible, so I work with baby's needs to keep him or her very happy during the session.
