Is there anything on earth that is more precious than a newborn baby? Newborn photography exudes a certain calmness that I can’t describe. I know how special and fleeting the first few days of your baby’s life are. When my first child, Jared, was born, I don’t think I ever looked away from him for at least a week. The same was true with both of my girls- Anna and Lauren. They were not only the most beautiful creatures I had ever seen, but they almost seemed to change and grow right before my eyes. I look back now and wish I had done a better job of photo-capturing their tiny, peaceful stage forever. Now, all these years later, I cherish every image of their first days because I know they will never be that small again. Although, the newborn photos that sit on my bedside table hardly do justice to how beautiful they were when they arrived to this world. I want to provide beautiful photos of your newborn miracle.
I feel I have a passion for children and family photography but I have a deep-seeded love for newborn photography. I think it stems from a desire to provide every new parent with the opportunity to document their newborn’s first few days as well as turning images of their precious baby into fine art. I wish I had beautiful newborn portraits to have on my own walls of my three children when they were newborns. In order to create the perfect newborn portrait, here are a few guidelines to follow:
”When should I schedule my newborn session?”
To ensure the sleepy, curly newborn poses, I advise scheduling a newborn session within 10 days after delivery. Parents of breastfed babies should wait until the mother’s milk comes in so your newborn will have full tummy.
“How long will my newborn photography session take?”
Newborn photography sessions take at least 2 hours and, depending on the baby’s disposition, may take up to 3 1/2 hours. Multiple newborns may take even longer. We will take all the breaks that baby demands for feeding, diapering, and cuddling. Do not stress if your session is taking a long time. I have scheduled at least half a day to do your session.
“Where do you suggest we do a newborn photo session?”
I have a wonderful studio in Alabaster. My studio has beautiful natural light and is very conducive to gorgeous images. With lots of props and everything already set up and ready to go, we can be sure to have a wonderful photo experience.
“How do I prepare for my newborn photography session?”
Newborn photography requires a good amount of planning and an insane amount of patience. My goal is to recreate a womb-like environment for your newborn. With any newborn baby, there are a set of rules and guidelines I require with all my sessions.
1) I will set up a portable space heater as well as low temp heating pad to go under all of the backdrops that baby lays on. Be prepared to be HOT. My experience is that baby does best if we can recreate the womb environment. Getting baby’s temp up will make it easy for us to work with him/her while they are naked. I also use a heartbeat noise machine to provide ambient noise. It works wonders!
2) While siblings are welcome to come and to also be in some of the shots, please try to help keep them somewhat calm during the session. I want to create a quiet atmosphere to keep your baby calm and asleep. I also use a heartbeat noise machine to provide ambient noise. It works wonders!
3) Make sure your newborn is well fed and sleepy when I arrive. Many images I take require your baby to be in a deep slumber.
4) I love capturing sweet moments with Mom, Dad and siblings. To keep the focus on your baby, please have available solid-colored, simple tops. Make sure your outfit is washable because I guarantee there will be accidents with a diaper-free baby in your arms.
5) I will have lots of hats and baskets and some other props. I have a number of blankets and fabrics that we can lay baby on. If you know of something you really want to use, let me know ahead of time so I can be sure to have it available. Personally, I love baby’s skin. I think the photos should reflect the miracle that you just created and show off their beautiful body. I also think photos that incorporate special sentimental items are priceless. If you have special handmade blankets or a hat that baby’s Daddy wore as baby, I would love to add that into a pose so have those sorts of items available and ready to use.
Newborns provide me with so much joy. I love working with the sweet newbies and then being able to see them grow up. Please contact me with any questions you may have regarding my newborn photo sessions.
–Jen
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