What To Look For & Expect During Your Newborn Photography Session
Here are 7 essential things every parent should look for and expect during a newborn photography session—not just with me, but with any professional newborn photographer who is trained to work specifically with newborns.
Newborn photography is far from just snapping cute pictures; it’s an art that requires a highly specialized skill set. A professional newborn photographer must have the knowledge, patience, and expertise to create a safe, comfortable, and stress-free experience for both you and your brand-new baby. From posing your baby in a way that supports their delicate body to maintaining a calm and soothing environment, every detail matters.
If you notice that a photographer isn’t meeting these crucial standards—whether it’s a lack of safety precautions, proper training, or a professional approach—it’s absolutely worth reconsidering your choice. The safety and well-being of your little one should always come first, and your photos deserve to be captured with the care and expertise that this precious moment in your life demands.
My beautiful Newborn & Baby Studio located in Salem, Oregon.
A Warm and Comfortable Studio
Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes and are unable to regulate their own temperature, so the studio will likely be kept warm to ensure the baby stays cozy. Dressing in layers is a good idea for parents. I try to keep most of the warmth towards me and baby, but it will be cozy for parents too.Flexible Timing
Sessions can often last 2-3 hours to allow for feeding, soothing, and posing, especially if including parent and sibling images. This ensures the baby is calm and content for the photos. It’s important to know that posing in the darling poses you want can sometimes take 20 minutes for baby to settle! This is not realized sometimes when you look at a picture, as you only see the final product. It is important that you give your photographer the space and time needed to work their magic. Do not rush them and do not worry if you think your baby isn’t “cooperating” because we are a 100% used to it, and it does not phase us at all to sometimes need 15-20 minutes to get baby settled into a pose. Also, it is always worth the wait!
Keeping my hand on baby while he settles into a deep sleep.
3. Safety Comes First
Newborn safety is always the top priority when you hire a professional. If a newborn isn’t able to settle into a pose, I will move on. We get that there are certain poses you really want to get, (and I always ask on my Newborn Questionnaire) and we will do our best, but you will also need to trust us when we say it’s time to move on. Sometimes baby’s have gas, and don’t like laying on their tummy. Sometimes they have sore neck or shoulder muscles from delivery, and laying on their side just isn’t comfortable for them. We take all of these things into account, and utilize our skills and knowledge as professional Newborn Photographers to listen to your baby and their needs first and foremost.
4. Extra Feeding Breaks
Babies can get hungry more often during your session, so expect to take extra breaks for feeding. It's helpful to bring extra bottles or plan to breastfeed as needed. I also have outlets for pumping and welcome moms to do that as well as needed. I am skilled in knowing when baby is actually hungry, and can look for those hunger cues, vs just needing some comfort from a pacifier. Even if you are not planning to use one long term, it is super helpful to bring to your session. Sometimes baby just needs 5-10 seconds of comfort and they fall right back to sleep.
Tiebacks and headband’s clients of LiveJoy Photography may choose from for their Newborn or Baby Milestone Session.
Baby Girl in one of my favorite Baskets from Rozzi Rayne.
5. A Variety of Props and Backdrops
Expect to see a range of props like wraps, blankets, baskets, and headbands. Over the years, I've carefully selected and refined my prop inventory to offer only the best for your baby's portraits. Of course how baby looks in images is important, but to me, it’s more important their safety. And not every basket out there is meant for stability and safety of your newborn.
Rest assured, I purchase all my props, headbands, backdrops, and wraps from well known and respected Newborn Prop vendors. (Props from retail stores are not intended for Newborn Photography and should never be used)
Here Are A Few Of My Favorite Vendors
For Wraps & Backdrops - One Sheep Two Sheep
For Props - Rozzi Rayne (bonus I live just one state away and get things super fast! WIN!)
For Headbands - Created by Carli
For other props - Hello Little Props
Wraps and fabrics are used with your Newborn to create beautiful images.
6. Use of Swaddling & Wraps for Baby
Most newborn photos feature the baby swaddled, in a diaper, and without clothing, and a experience photographer will tell you why!
Wearing tight bulky outfits can overheat your newborn, and they do not photograph well. I have a few outfits available that are specifically for Newborn Photography and photograph well.
Note: Did you know that swaddling your newborn during their photoshoot is not just because it’s adorable, there are a lot of reasons why we do it!
Here Are 6 Reasons Why Newborn Photographers May Swaddle Your Newborn:
To keep them calm and help soothe, especially if they are unsettled or have gas.
To eliminate anxiety by imitating mama's touch, especially if they don't like to be put down.
To help keep baby sleeping and to help them sleep longer during the session which means more poses and more images for your gallery.
To minimize their startle reflex during posing so they don't wake themselves up or get upset. Newborns nails are typically long and sharp as well, and this keeps them safe from scratching themselves.
To keep baby safe during props posing and sibling shots especially if they are toddlers. We all know toddlers are unpredictable and having your newborn swaddled keep both your newborn safe, and your toddlers more comfortable with being around baby.
Baby girl at her Newborn Session using some beautiful fall colors.
7. Patience Is Key
Newborn sessions are relaxed, unhurried, have white noise, and warmth vibes, and photographers will take their time to ensure the baby is comfortable. Nothing is rushed, or forced, and parents should prepare for a slow-paced experience. You can bring cozy robes, or pjs, and just chill on my couches while you watch me work with your newborn. Maybe even a pillow so you can take a quick nap while you are here :)
I hope this list of 7 Things to Expect During Your Newborn Photography Session has sparked some ideas about what to prioritize when choosing the right photographer for your family. Preparing in advance and knowing what to expect can help you feel confident and excited about the process instead of maybe feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. From understanding the photographer's style and expertise to ensuring your baby is safe and comfortable throughout the session, these tips are designed to guide you toward making an informed decision.
Choosing the right photographer is more than just about capturing beautiful images—it's about finding someone who is experienced in working with Newborns, someone who values your family’s comfort, and can also create a stress-free experience for you, all while preserving these fleeting moments in a way that will feel so special for you for many years to come.
