What to Expect in Newborn Photography for First TIme Parents | Boston Newborn Photographer | Boston, MA

Welcoming a newborn into the world is an incredibly special moment. One wonderful way to preserve these precious moments is through newborn photography. However, preparing for a newborn photo shoot can be both exciting and overwhelming for new parents. Fear not! Here are some valuable tips to help you prepare and make the most out of your newborn photography session.

Timing is Key

Timing is crucial when scheduling a newborn photo shoot. Ideally, aim to have the session within the first two weeks of your baby's life. During this time, babies are still very sleepy and easy to pose, allowing the photographer to capture those adorable curled-up shots.

It's advisable to contact your chosen photographer during your pregnancy to secure a spot on their schedule. This ensures that you won't miss the opportunity to capture those fleeting newborn moments.

Create a Comfortable Environment

Creating a comfortable environment for your baby is essential for a successful photo shoot. Keep the room warm to mimic the womb environment, as babies tend to be most comfortable in a cozy setting. Additionally, consider playing soft music or white noise to help soothe your baby during the session.

Be Prepared for Feeding and Diaper Changes

Newborns have their own schedule, and it's essential to be prepared for feeding and diaper changes during the shoot. Plan to feed your baby right before the session to ensure they are content and sleepy. However, be prepared for occasional interruptions for feeding or diaper changes throughout the shoot. A full and content baby will be more cooperative during the session.

Stay Relaxed and Patient

Babies can be unpredictable, and it's essential to stay relaxed and patient during the photo shoot. Remember, babies can sense when their parents are stressed, so staying calm will help create a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone involved.

Embrace the Unpredictable

While you may have specific poses or ideas in mind for the photo shoot, be prepared to embrace the unpredictable nature of newborn photography. Your baby may not always cooperate or sleep through the entire session, and that's perfectly okay. Some of the most precious moments are captured when your baby is awake and alert, showcasing their unique personality.

What to Expect During the Session

During the session, your photographer will work with you to capture a variety of poses and setups. This may include solo shots of your baby, as well as family portraits with parents and siblings. Be open to trying different poses and setups, but also communicate any preferences or concerns you may have with your photographer.

Cherish the Memories

Newborn photography is not just about capturing beautiful images; it's about preserving memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Take the time to enjoy the experience and bond with your baby during the session. The resulting photographs will serve as a timeless reminder of the love and joy that your little one has brought into your life.

Newborn Session Poses: The Bucket Pose | Boston Newborn Photographers

Newborn Photography - Bucket Pose Examples

The Bucket Pose:

To the right are some examples of the bucket pose from my newborn photography studio in Framingham, MA. This pose is where the baby is placed in a bucket/planter/box with most of their body inside the prop and their head resting gently on their arms outside of the prop.

The beauty of the newborn bucket pose lies in its versatility. There are some prop poses that only let the photographer get one or two images for a gallery, but the bucket pose is a different story. This pose allows for creative compositions, beautiful angles, close-ups, or wider shots. This a wonderful pose to get a great straight-on headshot of your newborn. Most poses won’t allow for this.

Positioning the baby in the bucket is relatively easy for photographers and the baby is very comfortable and tends to melt right into the prop. Sometimes I find it hard to move to the next scene because the baby is so relaxed and happy.

I highly recommend requesting this pose when planning your newborn session. You will be thrilled with the results!

Newborn Photography Trend: Neutrals | Ann Lyle Photography | Boston, MA

Keeping the newborn session very simple is the newest and most popular request for my recent sessions. The request for simple scenes and soft muted colors is 70-80% of my sessions today .

When I started my business in 2013, there could not be enough props in a newborn session. In fact, nearly every scene was themed like Harry Potter, super heroes, babies dressed like their parent’s professions, etc. Bright, colorful, and over-the-top. Still cute, but hardly ever requested now.

Today, the sessions are all about the baby and celebrating their sweet simple beauty. With the exception of a few hats and tiny bears or flowers, excessive props are rarely used. The trend for newborn sessions with a timeless look to the photos is the top request. As a newborn photographer, I welcome the style and love the look and focus on the baby.

And, if you still want a crazy scene with 10,000 props….don’t worry, I still have them! :)

Flowers in a Newborn and Infant Photography Session | Sudbury, MA

Combining babies and flowers can result in adorable photographs that capture the essence of the time of year and the innocence of infancy.

Let's explore some fun ideas for posing spring and summer baby girls with flowers for newborn photos.

Setting the Scene and planning

When planning your newborn photo shoot, work with your newborn photographer and let them know your favorite colors and flowers you would like to use.

Newborn photographers generally have a closet full of high-quality faux flowers ready to go. If you would like to use fresh flowers, consider your budget for the add-on cost. Make sure your photographer has time to get a quote for you and have the flowers delivered to the studio.

Props and Poses

For spring babies, pastel-colored flowers like tulips, daffodils, or cherry blossoms are wonderful choices for sets.

Summer babies can be posed with bright and bold flowers like sunflowers, daisies, or wildflowers.

Safety First

Always consider the safety of the baby when incorporating props like flowers into your newborn photo shoot.

Ensure that the flowers are non-toxic and free from any sharp thorns. Live flowers fade quickly, so pose the baby first and add flowers second.  Keep a close eye on the baby at all times and be gentle when arranging them with the flowers.

Embrace Imperfection

Babies can be unpredictable, and not every newborn pose will go according to plan. That’s ok - sometimes, the most endearing photos are the ones where the baby is squirming, yawning, or making funny faces amidst a sea of flowers.

Photographing spring and summer baby girls with flowers is a great way to celebrate the season. By choosing the right setting, props, and poses, you can create adorable and memorable images that showcase the beauty of both the baby and the natural world around them.