What to Consider When Booking Your Newborn Session:
There are a lot of things to think about when booking a newborn photographer. From where the session will take place, to timeline for scheduling your session, or even timing for reaching out to book your photographer; these are all key details to consider. It is also important to find a photographer that fits your style and vision for your newborn photos. That’s why I’m here to help!
The Difference Between Lifestyle and Posed Newborn Photos:
When choosing your photographer, it’s important to think about the photos you will be looking back on 20 years from now. You may be asking yourself, what is the difference between lifestyle and posed newborn photos? Posed newborn photos typically take place in a controlled studio setting with professional lighting. Baby is placed in carefully planned and thought out poses, often times using props or creative backgrounds. Posed newborn photos are typically the more traditional photos you may be accustomed to seeing, and often times do not include parents or siblings. However, lifestyle newborn photos will have a more candid approach and in return, will capture the intimacy and raw moments between you and your family. Lifestyle newborn photos will include the whole family: parents, siblings, and even pets are welcome. They will also include those close up detail shots, so you will never forget their tiny hands and that little button nose. Lifestyle sessions often focus on telling a story and capturing those raw genuine interactions as you welcome your newest member to your family. They don’t rely on a lot of props and posing, but instead the focus is on you, your baby, and their new home.
The Best Time to Book Your Newborn Session:
The best time to book a lifestyle newborn session is around that 2-3 week timeline. At this age, baby is still very sleepy and as they are starting to get comfy in their new home they are starting to recognize schedules and routines. This may mean there is a little more awake time during the photos, but this can also lead to some of the genuine and real-life moments you are looking to capture.
Although, in my opinion, lifestyle newborn photos can really be done any times within the first 12 weeks. There are a number of reasons you may want to wait until your baby is a little older to schedule their newborn photos. Maybe you need a little more time to heal and recover after giving birth, maybe you’re not quite ready for them to be around other people yet, and that’s okay. It’s whatever you feel is best for you and your family. There is no right or wrong answer here, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Your baby will be more alert; they may not sleep much, if at all, during their session – this isn’t a bad thing at all, just something to consider. They will also be more interactive, maybe they are starting to smile or making those sweet cooing sounds. Below are a few photos from a session with a baby that was 9.5 weeks old. She was very active and alert for most of the session, but with all the excitement she was tired out by the end of our session and we were still able to get those dreamy sleeping photos as well.
The best time to reach out to your photographer to inquire about newborn sessions is during your 2nd [or early 3rd] trimester. Most lifestyle newborn photographers will reserve limited spots for newborn sessions each month. Due to the time and nature of these sessions, they can be very demanding and require more attention than a typical portrait session may need. This will also give you more time to prepare before your baby arrives. It will be one thing you can go ahead and check off your list, because we all know the list is never ending.
Deciding on In-Home or Studio Sessions:
As a lifestyle photographer, I prioritize using natural lighting for my sessions. This means I solely rely on the light coming in through windows are doors, rather than using artificial lighting, such as a flash. When deciding on location for your newborn session, it is important to consider the lighting situation in your home. We don’t necessarily need the entire home to be light and bright, as we typically will spend the majority of the session in 1-2 rooms. Most commonly, we spend time in the primary bedroom, nursery, or common living areas. Sometimes the guest bedroom or sibling’s room will have the best natural light, and that’s okay too! The best way to understand the lighting in your home is to turn off all the overhead lights and lamps and open up all the windows. The light will vary in different rooms throughout the day; pay attention and make note of morning vs. afternoon lighting. I rarely schedule In-Home sessions outside of 9:00-3:00 range, as this is when the sun is the brightest.
If you don’t feel like an in-home session is the right fit for you, that’s okay too! I also offer studio newborn sessions. I have a list of studios to choose from that offer a bright and airy aesthetic that give a great alternative to in-home sessions. They include furniture, neutral props, and often times a crib to use throughout the session.
Are You Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?
I am a lifestyle newborn and family photographer in the Fort Worth and Dallas areas. My mission is to create a relaxed and stress free experience for you and your family. We will capture the real-life, intimate, and candid moments that you will be able to look back on 30 years from now. You can view more newborn sessions here! If you are ready to book your session now, or even if you just want some more information about my sessions, you can send me an inquiry!