How to Plan for a Newborn Photo Shoot
- Kerry Paradis
- Apr 7, 2017
- 5 min read
Expectations:
Photographing newborns can be incredibly challenging. It takes a lot of patience for not only the parents, but the photographer as well. To set the expectation, plan for an average of around 4 hours for the shoot. There are times when it takes less, but that is a rarity in this business. There is a reason why you want to deal with someone who specializes in newborns. I have several photographer friends who stick to weddings and families because they are not patient enough to handle the length and events of the session. The reason why I am setting the expectations is because I don’t want the parents getting frustrated if things aren’t going well initially. I have had shoots begin at 10 and we don’t even get to a single picture until noon. This is to be expected sometimes. That is all factored into why the session lasts 4 hours. Just remain calm because believe it or not, the baby can sense the frustration in the room.
Where:
I used to photograph newborns out of my home. I had a window on one side of the room. That worked great for natural light for certain times of the year, but as the sun moves throughout the day and the year, it can be different every day. The problem with this is the shadows it creates. The benefit of having a studio is you can control the light. People want me to come to their home and photograph the baby there, but if you want the best pictures possible, it needs to take place in my studio.
Creating a Comfortable Environment:
No matter what time of year your baby is born, they will always like it warm. This is okay in the winter when we all like it warm, but when it is 80 degrees outside, not so much. In addition to keeping it as warm as possible, I also put a heating pad under the baby. Even though we may be sweating, it is all about the baby. The more comfortable we can make the baby, the faster and smoother things will go. I also like to play some white noise. It may sound annoying to us, but the babies love it!
Baby Needs to Sleep:
Almost all of the images we will take involve the baby sleeping. There are parents that show up exhausted because there baby didn’t sleep at all that night and are worried how that will impact the shoot. This is always music to my ears! In most cases, when the baby is up all night, that makes for a great shoot for the baby, but not for the parents. I have had plenty of parents fall asleep on the couch while I take my pictures and this is perfectly fine. I also have snacks and coffee for everyone because I know how exhausting and hungry people can get.
Baby Needs to Eat:
A well fed baby is a happy baby! I always encourage parents to feed their babies whenever they feel it is necessary. I’ve had shoots where the baby had to eat several times of the course of the few hours just to keep the little one happy and sleepy. The last thing I want to do is stand in the way of a hungry baby!
Poop Happens:
I wouldn’t say every shoot, but almost every shoot the baby will have an accident. Don’t worry, this is a common occurrence. When there are pictures that involve the baby covered up, we put a diaper on, but some of the cuter pictures involve the baby nude. The most important thing is that I get the shot. Everything can be cleaned so don’t feel bad or get upset if this happens. On more than one occasion I have seen the baby poop all over the father while they are holding them for a picture. It is normally funny to everyone in the room except for the father. Years from now when you look back at that beautiful picture, you will be glad we got it and can laugh about it.
Speak Up:
No matter what, the safety of your baby comes first! If you ever feel uncomfortable with a pose or anything I am doing, please speak up. I can assure you, I would never put your baby in any danger. For that reason, I will make sure to have a parent nearby to help out if needed.
Props:
I have a ton of props, backdrops, outfits, etc. The only thing you need to bring is yourself and the baby. If you have something special you want the baby photographed in, please bring it, but I provide everything you will need. Every once in a while the parents have a bunch of stuff they want to use for the shoot. Please let me know this in advance so I know how to prepare. I can’t promise that I will get to use all of it, but I will certainly do my best.
Don’t Forget to Relax:
This whole experience is supposed to be a memorable and fun one. Since not only do I have two daughters of my own, I also do this every day. I completely understand how you feel having a new baby. The whole experience with what happens during the delivery is stressful enough. I want you to have fun and enjoy yourself! One of the best compliments I receive is how the shoot was like an experience. I have become great friends with clients after the newborn shoots and continue to take their pictures at each milestone.
All newborn sessions are shot in my studio. If you are interested in booking a shoot, click here. For any questions or concerns, please feel to send me an email.
I was born and raised in Perry hall (Baltimore area) and have been living in Harford County, Maryland for close to 15 years. I have two daughters that keep me very busy and a very understanding husband that helps keep me sane :) I love all kinds of photography including Newborns, Weddings and Family. For the past several years I performed shoots out of my house, but recently opened a photography studio in Joppa, Maryland next to the “The Great Hall” Wedding Venue at the Millstad. My studio allows the perfect lighting to capture the best pictures and it is surrounded by 40 acres of property that is used by a ballet studio and gymnastics facility. There are plenty of places to photograph! I also have some favorite beautiful spots in the area that I like to photograph at as well. Whether you are looking to capture the first days of your baby’s life, the important times with your family, Senior Portraits for your High School Graduation, or walking down the aisle on your special wedding day, I would love for you to consider me! I do not take any of my business for granted and feel blessed to do what I love for my career. I invite you to check out my website and subscribe to my email list for exclusive discounts and updates. I try and write these blogs in a way that might answer some questions you may have. If you ever have any ideas for my blog, shoot me an email and I will be happy to see what I can do.
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