As I look around my home, some of my favorite photos that adorn our walls are the photos taken at our 4 children's newborn sessions. These images signify the beginning of a new adventure, a new season, and so much growth in our family and lives. Each time a baby came into the world and we prepared for the session to capture that milestone it was super helpful to know what to expect as a newborn photographer. This blog post is designed to help you understand what to expect at a newborn session at the Hello Jude studio and answer some commonly asked questions about the newborn session experience.
Before Your Session
In preparation for your session, the studio is sanitized and prepped for your family. Options from the client wardrobe are pulled based on the style and color palette you selected. Outfits are then cleaned and steamed ready for your arrival. One amazing thing about this option is that you do not have to stress about what you will wear to the session. You also don't have to spend the extra time that morning ironing clothes and coordinating colors- I do all the work for you.
Before you arrive, it is a good idea to eat a yummy breakfast or lunch. Nothing makes sessions more challenging than a hangry toddler or dad. It's also a great idea to feed your baby before you arrive so that they are full and sleepy for their camera time. If during the session we need to stop so you can have a feeding that is totally fine. There are spots in the studio available for you to nurse, pump, or prepare a bottle.
What to Expect at Your Session
Newborn sessions typically last anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the baby's needs and how many siblings are also being photographed. When you arrive, I will swaddle baby and begin with their portraits while your family tries on clothes from the client wardrobe and decides which outfit option you like best. Even though we are in a studio, I try to make newborn sessions feel very relaxed. The first hour of the session is typically spent photographing newborn portraits (ie. newborn photos of baby individually, newborn with sibling and family). The second hour is spent photographing lifestyle images (ie. mommy portraits, daddy/sibling moments) as well as the whole family together for some posed and candid shots.
This is always my favorite part of the session. I love to capture genuine interactions and moments as they happen. The studio provides a lot of space for families to spread out, relax, and have some fun together.
If you have older children, I encourage you to bring some of their favorite toys or books to help keep them entertained during the times when they won't be photographed.
Sibling and Family Photos
One of my goals as a newborn photographer is to capture the sibling bond. It's such an amazing thing to watch siblings interact and grow together. Newborn sessions are a great opportunity for me to photograph siblings together. For some tips on how to thrive during your newborn session with a toddler in tow check out my blog post HERE.
Posed newborn photos are beautiful, but I also love to capture family photos that are more candid and natural. These types of shots are my favorite because they show the personality of your family and the everyday moments that you cherish most.
After the Session
Once your session is completed, I begin the editing process of your images. My goal is to create edits to your images that feel natural and timeless. Any additional editing such as scratches or baby acne are also taken care of during this time. Once the full gallery has been edited you will receive an email with the link to access your full gallery with unlimited high-resolution downloads.
It's such a special experience to have newborn portraits taken and I feel so honored when families choose me to capture this moment in their lives. I hope that my approach to newborn sessions helps to create a stress-free and enjoyable experience for you and your family.
If you have any questions about newborn sessions or the process please don't hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to answer any of your questions!
If you would like to see some newborn blogs click HERE
Hello Jude Photography is a North Georgia Newborn Photographer specializing in luxury family, maternity, newborn, and baby photography. I believe in the beauty of simplicity and the value of tangible heirlooms that you can pass down from generation to generation.
Bailey serves clients in the North Georgia region including Habersham County, Hall County, White County and beyond. Our natural light studio is located in Clarkesville, Georgia.