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documentary style newborn photography

The biggest secret to a successful newborn photography session

children, families, newborn

the blog:
newborn photo shoot phoenix

You have booked your newborn photography session, now how to prepare.

This is an easy one.

Relax.

Newborn babies are on their own schedule and do things at their own pace.

And please don’t worry about us. We are used to the nuances of a sweet little baby.

In our experience, parents get a little anxious when baby isn’t really up for being the star of their own newborn photography session.

A little time and even the most fussy baby will eventually relax and fall back to sleep.

Prepare for your session by making sure baby has been fed right before we arrive. That usually leads to a sleepy baby.

There is a natural rhythm to this. Baby probably hasn’t had a photographer in the room with her taking photos. Heck she is only 4-14 days old at this point. She’s getting used to everything. Every sound. Every movement. Every person.

And we aren’t in any rush. So as the newborn shoot progresses and the baby wakes up or is a little less than happy, please take time to feed her and make her feel comfortable.

Oftentimes I think that parents are worried about us and think that we shouldn’t have to wait around. We are amazingly content waiting.

Assume she might have a slight aversion to this interruption in her (new) routine. So keeping warm and fed are two ways to help her soothe during the session.

Also, our laid back, natural style of photography lends itself really well to newborn photography.

documentary style newborn photography
documentary style newborn photography

A lifestyle / documentary approach to a newborn session helps baby and parents remain relaxed throughout.

As a mother, I am naturally drawn to this type of photography and how it preserves real memories to reflect back on.

I look at these moments happening in front of us. The parents are interacting with their sweet new baby, feeding, swaddling, singing a little lullaby. Intimate moments between parent and child. This is the gold.

These are the photos that will have so much meaning when you look back on them years down the road.

Don’t get me wrong, a little swaddled baby in a basket is adorable.

BUT will there be an emotional connection to that photo?

We approach a newborn session as a documentarian. We want to tell the story of your baby, her newness, your newness (if you are a new parent), her surroundings, your love for her.

Honest interactions between baby and parent.

The biggest secret to a newborn session: honesty.

And you will be rewarded now with gorgeous photos from your newborn photography session and later with incredible memories of those early days with baby. (especially when you are applying for colleges and can’t believe how fast 18 years went!)

Trust me.

documentary style newborn photography
documentary style newborn photography
documentary style newborn photography
documentary style newborn photography
documentary style newborn photography
documentary style newborn photography
documentary style newborn photography
documentary style newborn photography

Mom just had a gorgeous studio maternity session

and where did baby get that adorable swaddle and bow?