You can spend months planning your newborn session, from scrolling Instagram for the perfect photographer to planning the most adorably coordinated outfits. You can repaint your bedroom and get new bedding to ensure the “perfect” backdrop for your newborn session (confession, I did that. Twice.) As your due date approaches, you may get the kids new hair cuts, and even treat yourself to a manicure. However, none of those things will matter for giving you beautiful baby photos if you do not do this one thing.
What is the number one thing you can do for beautiful newborn baby photos?
Trust your photographer.
You spent time researching for the right photographer for your family. It is likely that you looked through her portfolio, website, and instagram feed, read a few blog posts and then even booked a session for your baby photos.
There is a reason why you chose this photographer.
Most likely because you felt connected to her work, and maybe even to her story. Remember that as you wake up on picture day.
When you lean into your family and relax, magic will happen for your newborn baby photo session.
The first thing I do when I walk into a family’s home is remind them to trust in me. Know that I expect baby to cry, to take breaks for feedings, and that toddlers to want to play. Okay, the first thing I do is say hello, congratulations, and peek on your adorable newborn baby. But then I remind you to relax.
Remember those newborn baby photos you poured through, and instagram pictures you studied, I promise you, the families in those photos weren’t models, their children weren’t “perfect”, and the moms were probably all a bit nervous about being photographed after just giving birth and adjusting to life with a newborn again.
The family shown here looks amazing and like their kids were perfect. Now the family is amazing, but we were also feeding the toddler chocolate chips in between photos. The kids all took breaks to go play somewhere else, get a snack, drink some juice, and then came back for more loving on their baby brother. Because mom and dad were relaxed and did not pressure anyone, they trusted in me to capture their family and instead just loved on their sweet children, their gallery of images were magic.
Bonus Tip: Be Yourself
This tip probably sounds cliche, or like a shoe advertisement or something. But I mean, a lifestyle newborn session is about capturing YOUR family. Are your dogs family members? We will make sure they are included too. Did you have special details when putting together your baby’s nursery? Or maybe your family is musical and dad plays the guitar for his babies (like this dad here), break out your instruments and play.
Don’t get lost in what everyone else wore in the baby photos you see. If you’re not comfortable in dresses (or your daughter never wears them) then don’t force it. I can help you put together outfits that will photograph beautifully while keeping true to your family style.
Still looking for a photographer to put your trust in? I know that together we can make magic for your family. Contact me, let me know your due date, and let’s get your newborn session booked on my calendar. Click the button below to contact me.
Learn more about newborn sessions with me, or even read up on how you can prepare for your baby photos on the blog.
