There’s something magical about a newborn baby and about the first few weeks as a new family. It doesn’t matter if it’s baby number one or baby number five; the magic doesn’t fade. You want to remember those tiny fingers and toes, the little fat rolls and dimples, and the way they smell. But mixed in with the magic is a sprinkle of reality. The exhaustion, the endless feedings, and the diaper changes. It’s all part of having a newborn, and as a mom with now-grown children, I can assure you that you’re going to want to remember it all. The magic and the sleepless nights. A newborn will allow you to capture all of those newborn moments.
Here are a few things to consider when scheduling an in-home Lifestyle Newborn Session.
5 Things to Consider When Scheduling Your In-home Newborn Session:
- Choose a newborn photographer whose style matches what you’re looking for. Newborn sessions are typically either traditional posed studio sessions or lifestyle sessions. Lifestyle sessions are about capturing the beautiful, raw moments that come with having a newborn. My newborn sessions aren’t posed, and I don’t use props. I happen to think that the best place for a newborn is to be held in your arms. Sessions are designed to capture the moments that you’re going to want to remember. The way she grasps your finger while she nurses, how he cries every time his diaper is changed, how she fits so perfectly on your chest while you’re watching TV on the couch, or maybe even how much he loves bath time.
- There are some photographers that will tell you that it's best to have newborn photographs in the first ten days of life. I’m not one of them. Sure, if you are looking for posed studio newborn photography, it is best if done very early. But for lifestyle sessions, I think it is also important for mom to feel recovered and ready, so I offer newborn sessions up to three months of age.
- Don’t worry about fancy outfits for the little one. Let’s face it; newborn outfits don’t usually fit very well. The sleeve and legs are too long, or they ride up around the baby’s face. Sessions are about capturing all the little details, so don’t hide baby in an outfit that doesn’t fit. I prefer to have the newborn in a plain white onesie, so those tiny fingers and toes that you can’t stop kissing aren’t hidden.
- I like to say that newborn sessions are baby-led. What I mean by this is that we will follow the baby’s cues during the session. Sessions aren’t timed, so don’t feel stressed if your little one needs to be fed, changed, or just have a break. Some newborns are only happy being held, so I won’t push for photos of baby alone. Some newborns are wide awake during sessions, and some are content and sleeping soundly.
- It’s important to choose a photographer who is comfortable with newborns. As a former newborn nurse and pediatric nurse practitioner, I have years of experience with infants and their families.
If you have a new little one at home or if you’re expecting, I’m here to help you capture amazing memories of this magical time.
Leigh Ann - Your Walnut Creek, CA, Family and Newborn Photographer, serving perfectly imperfect families. And remember, I serve families throughout the Bay Area.
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