Those newborn days pass in the blink of an eye.
Sleepy little faces. Wonderfully soft skin. Curled fists you’ve never seen straightened. It all changes so fast…and then you only have memories to remind you those moments happened at all.
Newborn photography sessions exist to help preserve these fleeting moments forever.
…and here’s the thing.
Most parents just aren’t prepared for how fast it goes. Before you know it, the deep sleep phase is over and you’ve got a regular baby on your hands. And that’s precisely why newborn photographers do what they do — catch this short, precious time-frame before it’s gone forever.
What’s Inside:
- Why First Days Baby Photos Are So Important
- When is the Best Time For Newborn Photos
- What to Expect at a Professional Baby Photoshoot
- Pro Tips For Taking Awesome First Days Baby Photos
Why First Days Baby Photos Are So Important
You have exactly 28 days.
Technically, that’s how long the newborn phase lasts. After that babies outgrow the curled-up poses and fragile features that make newborn photos so special. And no matter how skilled your photographer is, they can’t replicate that newborn look several weeks down the line.
Studies show 82% of parents regret skipping professional newborn sessions. When you think about it, that really says it all. Those few short weeks with your tiny baby fly by in the blink of an eye, but your regrets will last forever.
Professional newborn photos give your family memories that phone pictures will never come close to matching:
- Accurate documentation of features that will change drastically over the coming months
- Sentimental treasures that gain value with each passing year
- Lifelong reminders of your entire family during those crazy, wonderful first weeks at home
Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
This is where Newborn session details make all the difference. Professionals spend years perfecting their craft and refining their skills. Everything from timing to props, lighting to posing. The littlest details create a finished set of photos that are works of art, not just snapshots your granny looked at 20 years ago.
When is the Best Time For Newborn Photos?
This is usually where people get stuck.
Ideally you want to book that session somewhere between 5 and 14 days after birth. Most babies will already be losing that totally-NEWBORN look by week 3. After about 3 weeks it becomes very difficult to recreate many of the poses your newborn photographers proudly display.
Why does timing play such a huge role in newborn photography?
- Newborns sleep HARD. Like, a lot. Enough that a professional photographer can position your baby without fear of waking them.
- Newborns’ features are your baby’s “base-line.” Documenting those allows you to see how much they change in just a few months.
- Properly prepped newborns can handle longer photo sessions without getting too fussy.
The earlier you can book the better. Life with a newborn is unpredictable at best. Aim to book your photographer late in your pregnancy. That way you’ve already secured your spot weeks before the baby arrives. Good photographers go months booking ahead of schedule — especially during high seasons.
Don’t panic if your baby is over a few weeks old. Photographers that specialize in newborn photography can almost always work with children up to 8 weeks+ old. Later is not necessarily lost…but booking early is almost always easier on you and your baby.
What to Expect at a Professional Baby Photoshoot
Most parents show up to their newborn session without a clue of what to expect.
It’s totally okay.
Here’s the deal:
Professional newborn studios keep the temperature a few degrees warmer than you’re used to. This helps ensure babies are comfortably sleepy throughout the entire shoot. And when it comes to newborn photography, sleepy is way better.
Expect your session to last anywhere from 2-4 hours.
There’s a method to every minute spent with your baby:
- Babies need to eat, burp, and chill. Expect breaks to be worked into your session.
- Bringing a baby from pose-to-pose is a careful process. Don’t forget about outfit changes and the meticulous details photographers spend hours perfecting.
- Photos of siblings and family members take time.
- Close-up detail shots take…well…a lot of patience.
As should already be clear, babies are the priority. Every pose is done with baby’s safety in mind. Your photographer has been professionally trained to handle babies in all sorts of positions. Prices for newborn photography sessions range from $320 all the way up to $650. You get what you pay for!
Newborn photography studios will typically provide:
- All props, wraps, hats, blankets, headbands you see in the photos.
- Lighting specially designed for babies skin tone.
- Hours of post-processing to ensure your photos look perfect.
Tips to Make the Most of Your First Days Baby Photos
Want photos that prove you hired a professional? Here’s what to know.
Feed baby before the session starts. Literally one of the best things you can do. A happy, full baby = a sleepy baby. And newborn photography is WAY easier when your baby is snoozing instead of wide-eyed.
Be patient.
Listen, babies call the shots. Some days they’ll sleep. Some days they’ll want to explore the world with their giant newborn eyes. If your child wants to be awake for their photos…go with it. You might be surprised at how precious those “they’re not sleepy anymore” photos become.
Anything else?
- Parent clothing should be neutral. That doesn’t mean boring, but do save the crazy funky shirt for another day.
- Avoid wearing strong colognes/perfumes on photo day. Baby can smell these and it might make them jittery or uncomfortable.
- If your baby is used to pacifiers, bring one with you.
- Don’t be afraid to let the photographer do their job.
Alright last tip…
Include siblings and parents. Seems obvious but you’d be surprised at how many people skip these photos. Newborn sessions that include the rest of the family are, by far, the most popular years down the road. Don’t miss out on photos that will likely become treasured heirlooms.
Order Prints, Even If You Don’t “Need” Them
In an ideal world, every newborn photo would be proudly displayed on the living room wall. That’s not always possible for everyone.
digital files are convenient, but prints last forever.
Digital pictures stored on your computer are forgotten about. Print photos hung on your wall are enjoyed every day. When you order photos from your photographer, be sure to get at least one print. Print photos your photographer provides are color calibrated to look their best both online and in person.
Final Thoughts
Newborn photography is worth more thought than most parents give it.
9 in 10 parents who invest in professional newborn photography say they’re grateful they did. Just like with those newborn days, the opportunity won’t last long.
Here’s your shortcut:
- Book photoshoot BEFORE the baby is born
- Schedule session 5-14 days after arrival for best results
- Sessions take a long time for a reason, don’t stress!
- Print your photos and DISPLAY them somewhere you’ll see every day
Newborn photographs are the gift that keeps on giving. Once that baby grows up you’ll wish you had more photos, not wish you had fewer. Better to have those prints and not need them than need them and not have them.