Involve The Parents In Newborn Photography
But whether it is a finger that keeps wanting to curl under or a foot that wants to pop out, holding the newborn in place will comfort them a great deal and bring the pose into perfection.
Swaddling during your newborn photography session will help the baby not only feel comfortable but helps to hold the pose as well.
Read more: How to use a newborn wrap to create amazing photos
How To Get Your Newborn To Sleep
Sometimes it’s hard to fall asleep in strange places especially when home was a warm, dark and very cozy spot inside Mommy’s belly. When it comes to adjusting to life on the outside, your infant might appreciate sleep-enhancers that remind him of home. Try any or all of these baby sleep strategies to make sending baby off to dreamland a little bit easier.
1. Follow safe sleep guidelines. How your baby lies down and gets to sleep is a matter of safety, not just comfort. Put your newborn flat on his back in his crib, bassinet or playard without any loose bedding, pillows, blankets, stuffed animals or crib bumpers. Experts also recommend room-sharing until baby is at least 6 months old. These safe sleep practices prevent overheating and suffocation, and reduce the risk of SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
2. Try putting him to bed drowsy but awake. Your baby isnt born knowing how to soothe himself to sleep, and if you let him fall asleep in your arms, youre doing his important work for him. A better idea is to rock, sway or pat him gently on the back until hes just nodding off, then put him down when he’s drowsy but still awake so he can learn to fall asleep on his own. Another idea: Try your hand at massaging your baby before he drifts off. Studies suggest that babies who are massaged before bed may produce more of the sleep-enhancing hormone melatonin. And its a nice way for you to bond with your little night owl.
Watch Newborn Photography Videos
I gained so much confidence before my very first session by watching a video of a well-known photographer working with a newborn. Just seeing how she handled the baby opened my eyes to what was possible. You will pick up a number of soothing techniques that will prove to be so helpful.
I hope that some of these tips will help you toward your goal of successful newborn photography sessions, as much as theyve helped me!
Dont forget there are so many different types of ways to photograph newborns. Another popular option is to create a lifestyle newborn photography session.
Read more: How to take creative lifestyle newborn photos
Over the past several years, photography has gone from taking pictures to a critical part of my life! I adore taking photos of newborns and pregnant mamas for my business, but my passion is definitely capturing my familys everyday life. Finding beautiful light in which to document the adventures of my three little boys truly fills my heart. I also love to help others learn about the amazing art of photography by serving as a Mentor on Clickin Moms.
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Alternative To Labor And Birth Photos
This is usually an alternative to having photographs taken of the labor and delivery experience but still be able to capture the brand new life.
Most of the time these will be in the hospital, dont forget to get all the little details from the signs to the gifts.
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Why Is The Two Week Window So Important In Newborn Photography
So why is this two-week window so important, and what changes on day fifteen that makes posed newborn photography so difficult?
This two-week window is really a guideline rather than a rule. Typically, when a new baby is aged two weeks or under, theyll spend long periods of time asleep, and will naturally enjoy spending time in the fetal position, which results in them also being comfortable in newborn photography poses.
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Doesnt The 10 Days Rule Matter
The short answer? No.
The longer answer? The 10 Days Rule says that all newborn sessions must be held within the first 10 days after birth. NOPE. I dont buy it. If youre looking for those perfectly posed newborn photographs, then this guideline may be more pertinent to you as the bones of most newborns begin to calcify after this ten-day mark. However, as a Documentary Newborn Photographer, I dont try to fold your newborn into positions he or she may or may not like, so this supposed rule is really arbitrary.
Why So Much Sleep In Your Newborn Routine
Well, first of all, why not so much sleep? All 5 of mine have taken a nap after every single feeding from newborns until they were over 1.
Of course the schedule changes, but they nap between feedings for the first few months without question unless theyre sick or were out.
Most sources will say its normal for a newborn to sleep 18+ hours during the first few months and Ive always found this to be the case.
If your baby fights sleep much Id say that its a case of you keeping them up. If you try feeding them, swaddling, then immediately putting them down to nap to sleep you may see a big change.
I think this pacifier is a lifesaver with this.
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What Are My Options If Ive Missed The Two
So, if some photographers will photograph babies over two weeks, what are your options if youve missed the window?
First of all, I recommend picking up the phone and calling the photographers youre interested in having a shoot with. Most likely, every website you read will talk about the two-week or ten-day window, as this is the preferred time for newborn photographs, and the best time to achieve the type of work you see on that website. But if you pick up the phone and speak directly to each photographer youll probably find that some will be happy to photograph slightly older babies.
Now you might be wondering, how old is too old? And this answer really depends on the individual photographer. For some it may be three weeks or four weeks. For others it could be slightly older. Thats why I recommend speaking to each photographer individually.
If you find that all of the photographers think your baby is too old for posed photographs, or dont have any availability to photograph them you have two other options:
A lifestyle newborn photography shoot: Lifestyle newborn photo shoots typically take place at your home, and tend to focus on your baby within their new environment and their connections with their family. Because there isnt as much posing involved many photographers will offer lifestyle newborn photography sessions up to six or even eight weeks after your baby has been born.
I Love The Props You Have In The Studio But Theres A Special Heirloom Or Prop I Want To Use As Part Of My Newborns Session Can You Include It
In most cases, we can absolutely include and incorporate special props and items as part of your newborns session. While our newborn prop collection includes a wide range of items, including hats, headbands, furs, blankets, wraps, baskets, displays, and more, if you have a personal touch you want to add to your newborns photo session, we want to include it!
However, you must let us know about that item ahead of time. Some items may require extra steps, including the creation of a new composite design, to keep your newborn safe while incorporating that item.
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Know Your Clients Expectations
Time is of the essence when youâre doing newborn baby photography, so itâs crucial that you establish the goals for the shoot before the tiny one arrives on set.
Take some time to work out which kind of newborn photoshoot your client is after. You have two different types of newborn photos: posed and lifestyle.
So, whatâs the difference between these newborn baby photoshoot types?
Where Should You Do A Newborn Photography Shoot
Some photographers have a studio while others prefer to take newborn photos in your home. It might also be possible to rent studio space from a third-party, an option thats become a little more popular in recent years.
Again, its important to speak to your photographer about the arrangements. Know what to expect if youre holding the shoot in your home and dont stress out too much about how organized or clean your home is. Newborn photographers know they are working with brand new parents and there isnt always time for a top to bottom house cleaning around feedings, changings, and the usual activities that accompany taking care of a new baby.
There are several things to consider when it comes to the location of a newborn photoshoot. It should be comfortable, warm, and welcoming. There should be places to sit, to change your baby, and to watch the photoshoot unfold.
Also, think about the logistics of the location. For instance, how far is it from your home? Make sure you leave plenty of time to reach the destination and to account for last-minute hold-ups since you are traveling with a baby. Ask if there is parking on-site. You should be as close as possible to the entrance since youll be carrying a baby, clothing, and possibly photo props.
The more comfortable everyone is and the easier it is to stay in an upbeat mood, the better the session will be.
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A Newborn Routine That Works Every Time
Want stress free daily routines for your family? Get our daily routine cards for littles here!
If youve been going around a tired mom like a chicken with your head cut off, heres a good sample newborn routine for you. I think itll go a long way in helping you survive the newborn phase.
Sample Routines:
Id like to start off by saying that I feed my baby when he is hungry. I love routine and think theyre great, and we work towards a routine each day.
But even if its off schedule, I feed my babies when they are hungry. In case you are a troll. Or a routine hater. Or about to send me hate mail.
I just wanted to tell you.
Baby Can Rest As Needed
Throughout the session, the baby can come back to Mom and Dad for breaks as needed: a break for feeding, a few snuggles, or a chance to fall back asleep. We take our time with every newborn session and we never pressure you to complete the session quickly, so sit back, relax, and incorporate as many breaks as needed.
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How Do I Find A Photographer That I Love And Trust
The most important thing about your newborn photographer isnt how pretty their photos are .
Your biggest concern is to ensure your photographer puts safety as her top priority. While all of us want to deliver images that you adore, nothing is worth jeopardizing babys wellbeing or safety.
Whether you select a photographer who specializes in working with newborns or not, dont be afraid to ask questions. Whats their maternal and infant health policy? Are they up-to-date with applicable vaccines like the flu shot or the Tdap shot?
Youll also want to ensure their photography and editing style matches your idea of the perfect newborn session: posed or lifestyle, focused on mostly baby or the whole family, lots of bright colors or neutral tones.
If you can find a photographer you love for both maternity and newborn sessions, this makes for a better experience for everyone. Its nice to have someone you know working with your newborn, and youll already be familiar with her shooting and editing style.
Make sure scheduling a newborn photography session is at the top of your motherhood to-do list! Youll be so thankful to have these moments frozen in time as your little one grows up! After all, theyre only this little once.
Meet our Guest Blogger
Kristal Bean specializes in luxury maternity, newborn and motherhood photography. She is based in The Woodlands, Texas. Kristal and her husband have three little girls.
At What Age Should Newborn Photos Be Taken
You should schedule newborn photos between 4 and 14 days after the baby is born to get the best photos. At that age, baby still has those adorable, wrinkled hands and feet, the tiniest fingers and toes they will ever have, and, equally importantly, they are at their most malleable. Babies less than two weeks old also sleep more and tend to be quieter in general, making this the ideal time for those great sessions. As babies get older, theyre more likely to be awake and alert during the session, which can make it more difficult to get the specific poses you want most.
You should reserve an appointment for your newborn photo session during your second or third trimester of pregnancy. We will estimate a time for your session based on your anticipated due date. Then, when the baby arrives, we will nail down the date for your session.
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Tips And Things To Note:
- At night feed swaddled to communicate they should stay asleep and during the day unswaddle to feed which helps wake them up. This swaddle is breathable and you can change them at night without taking their arms out. Here are my best swaddling tips.
- Yawning, tugging ears, staring off into space, and eye rubbing are signs of tiredness, crying is usually a sign of overtiredness. Waiting until they cry to put them to sleep will likely result in a baby who cant get to sleep on their own
- Its okay to wake a sleeping baby during the day to feed them, really it is. Letting babies sleep long stretches during the day will not help in the day/night confusion issue.
Read: Want an Easy Baby? Then Use A Foolproof Baby Schedule
Newborn Photography: A Beginners Guide
Newborn photography is a booming business these daysâand we want to help you make it big! Our handy guide will show you how to become a newborn photography whiz.
When it comes to newborn photography, youâll never run out of clients! The newborn photoshoot market is exploding because everyone is having babiesâand everyone wants cute photos of their babies.
This is great news for you photographers who want to try out different types of photography, or make a little money from your photography. Newborn baby pics are also an amazing addition to your online photography portfolio a great newborn photoshoot can really show off your skill and range as a shooter .
Want to learn how to take amazing newborn photos so you can get a piece of this lucrative business? Our newborn photography guide will show you how to produce newborn pictures like a pro in no time. Ready? Letâs go!
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