Newborn Photography

Some of my favorite photos come from my newborn sessions! I enjoy getting creative with each baby, girl or boy, and seeing what beautiful art pieces I can create. One of the reasons I love them so much is because each one is very unique. I always do newborn sessions in my client's home, which means my client's will get a very personal photo session with their own decor as some of the backdrops. New mommies love that I do these in home. They do not have to strap their brand new baby in a car seat and make the journey to a studio somewhere outside of their comfort zone while they are still recovering from labor. If they want, they can even stay nice and comfortable in their PJs while I capture their beautiful infant.

How exactly do Newborn Photography Sessions work?

    Every session is unique. Not only is every home different, but every baby is different. Some babies love to cry; some do not want to sleep and we get lots of awake photos; some sleep the entire time without even a sign of crying; some like to be fed A LOT; some even pee or poop on me. (Yes! It has happened multiple times.) To really attempt to get the most cooperative newborn, it is best to do your session within 10 days of birth. Babies are most comfortable in tight, fetal positions and are easily put to sleep within this time frame. It is also best to keep your house at a toasty 70 degrees or higher for your baby to stay warm and cozy while they are nude. The sessions can last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours and we usually spend about 2/3rds of that time setting up or comforting the baby. First & foremost, I will begin by setting up all my equipment and creating little make-shift studio sets around your home in the best lighting and incorporating any important elements that you have asked me to incorporate. We will then start the photo shoot.

    Generally, I like to begin with lifestyle photos of mommy and daddy holding their newborn on a couch or bed or by a window, anywhere that I can get the best light for the best images. It is also great because you are comforting your baby at the same time that you are getting your first family photos (usually your baby is wrapped up in a blanket at this time). Once we get some great family shots, I move to the studio style naked baby photos as shown below.

This photo was done on the clients bed with a window directly in front of the baby. Window light makes beautiful portraits!

Baby T's photos were done on the client's couch and we turned it so that the sliding door (window light) was in front of him.

Any props, like the shark hat above or the headbands and baseball below, I leave up to my clients. My philosophy is that all of your photos will be more personal if you use props (headbands, hats, booties, books, bracelets, etc.) that have meaning behind them and/or that will be worn by your baby in the future. I do not want to just give you photos that all my other clients will be getting as well. What I will bring for you is a few blankets for backdrops, some baskets, and some wooden crates (shown below).

Baby L's mommy and daddy complimented a basket and blanket that I provided with a personal card they received when he was born! I loved this idea!

This is the same basket as the one to the right, however I got a little creative and turned it on its side for a different look. Love it!

Baby Emese (pronounced Emma Shea) is in a crate with a blanket that I provide and we used the client's home as a backdrop and a headband that was gifted to mommy at her baby shower. I also Photoshopped her name in the chalk board to add an extra personal touch.

Baby G was exhausted at this point and hung her little hand out for me. The backdrop was on a wall in her room. How awesome!

These photo shoots require a lot of patience! Your new baby WILL cry and will get upset, but we are all being super careful and comforting them whenever they need it.

As I mentioned earlier, they often poop and pee on me and on the blankets, but do not worry! Potty pads are placed under my blankets and above your floor or couch so that there is no mess for you to clean up and no worries if they have an accident while they are naked. Each blanket is also washed with baby sensitive detergent after every single session.

I take much pride in making every session a wonderful experience for my clients! The photos you receive are wonderful treasures that you will have for a lifetime making all the crying worthwhile. It is best to book your session while you are still pregnant and we will simply set your session date as your due date adjusting as necessary since the baby will come on their own time. For pricing information and to book a session visit my pricing page or email me at katie@kmsphotos.com.