You have looked through my newborn portfolio and you’ve read about lifestyle photography. You are convinced that this is the style you want for your baby’s photos and even know that I’m the photographer for you. Or maybe you’re still not sure. Either way, you may be wondering what is the newborn family photo session experience like? Let’s walk you through what to expect when I arrive at your home for your newborn family photo session.
I will ask for a tour when I arrive at your home for your newborn family photo session.
This isn’t to check out your square footage, or how clean (or how not clean) your home is. I am merely looking for the areas in the home with the best light where we will be spending our time photographing your family. I also use this time to check out the nursery (if there is one). Typically, sessions take place in the master bedroom, living room, and the nursery (or a mixture of these rooms). Again it completely depends on natural, window light .
In over a decade of photographing newborns, I have not had a home that was too dark. Seattle homes can be smaller with small windows. However, you can snuggle up nearby for gorgeous, connected newborn family photos.
Once we have decided on the right spots within your home to photograph you, I check for distractions (that bright pink water bottle by the night stand, phone cords, etc) and have dad help me move them.
While mom finishes getting ready I focus on dad and baby.
Mom has spent all morning nursing the baby and getting baby ready, I do not expect you to be ready the moment I walk in the door. Usually, mom is touching up makeup, putting on a clean top (that hasn’t been spit up on), or doing any other last minute things. I use that time to not only take a little tour, greet that sweet new baby, but also focus on just dad and baby.
Yes, you will want to try to be ready by your scheduled session time. However, your newborn family photo session is not a time of stress or worry.
Next in your newborn family photos, we focus on the entire family.
Photographing just dad and baby leads naturally to adding in mom wherever we are. If there are older siblings we capture the entire family while they have the greatest attention span. And, of course, if you have fur babies, they are welcome to join in too!
The beginning of the newborn family photo session is a great time for the entire family as everyone is expecting to participate. Baby may be awake or asleep in your arms. Either way, they are comfortable and happy because they are close to you!
There is a general flow to a newborn session however, baby leads the way.
My number one rule for newborn family photos is for baby to be happy and safe.
I have specific images I am after – such as dad and baby, entire family, mom and baby, siblings (if applicable) and just baby. However, expect baby to need to stop for a feeding, diaper change, or even an outfit change. If baby is rooting too much to be just held by mom, we let her nurse. Or if baby is wanting to be snuggled instead of just laid down in her crib or on the master bed, then you snuggle the baby. I have no “rules” for what your baby must do.
For Seattle area photo sessions that include baby and toddlers, your toddler will help dictate the flow of the session too. You can learn all about what to expect for for sessions with a toddler.
Your baby may be awake or asleep during your newborn family photo session.
Again, there are no expectations for your newborn photo session. It is okay if your baby is awake the entire time, if your baby sleeps the entire time, or if your baby is awake and then naps. Since I let her guide the session, I ensure she is comfortable and happy.
It is okay if she cries. That is how she tells us she’s hungry or needs a new diaper. Crying will not be because she does not feel safe or comforted during her newborn family photos. Do not worry if she was up all night and is now super sleepy, or if she’s wide awake. Your gallery will be full of gorgeous photos of your new baby either way.
We will take breaks for feedings, diaper changes, and even a cup of coffee.
As I mentioned above, if baby needs to eat, we let her eat. If mom needs another cup of coffee, brew one and take a few sips. During this featured session, dad brewed me some coffee and we sat and chatted while mom nursed a hungry baby girl. And, of course, with full babies comes full diapers. So there were breaks for diaper changes, too.
Nursing photos are up to you and your comfort level.
Speaking of nursing breaks. Feeding your baby is such a special time for bonding. If you would like me to capture that time of you together, I am more than happy to do so. However, if you are wanting privacy, I give you as much space as you need.
Newborn Photo Sessions take 1-2 hours.
Depending on how many breaks or needed, if there are other children involved, and how much I snuggle your baby (just kidding on that last one….sort of!), you’re session can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. Two hours may sound like a long time to schedule out, but I promise, it never feels that long.
Newborn photos are easy like Sunday morning.
You just had a baby, you’re getting little sleep, and you’re figuring out life with a sweet new baby. It is important having this time documented. I do everything I can to make sure the process is as relaxed and easy as can be. I want it to feel like you’re spending the morning chatting with an old friend, showing off your love for this little life who has turned your world upside down.
Are you expecting? Contact me to book your newborn family photo session and get your due date on the calendar.
Get a feel for the Seattle area (including, the Snoqualmie Valley, Issaquah, Redmond, Woodinville, and Bellevue) in-home newborn family photos by peeking at my portfolio.
Other favorite resources for newborn family photos include, What is the Best Age for Photos and the Best Outfits for Newborn Baby.
Learn more about working with Neyssa Lee for your baby’s photo session.
Having photos taken of your new baby should not be stressful or overwhelming. Find more resources for your newborn family photo session below.