How long will a newborn photography session last?
I often get asked what happens in a newborn photography session, and why does it take longer than other shoots I offer. After all, how can a teeny tiny sleepy baby take 2 to 3 hours to photograph?
This is a question asked more often than not by couples who have not yet had their baby.
They're yet to discover that even the simplest task (leaving the house - how hard can that be? having a brew - easy peasy right?) becomes a mountain in those early days when your once orderly world is flipped upside down!
Related reading: Three things to consider when choosing your newborn photographer
Why do newborn photography sessions last several hours?
Below, I outline what we do during newborn photography sessions. I also explain why it’s such a long-haul shoot but, ultimately, why it’s absolutely 100% worth it.
1. Babies cannot be rushed (so relax and watch me work)
The whirlwind of the first few weeks with your newborn is something that I still remember very clearly, and my eldest has just entered his teenage years!
The last thing you need when you’ve made it to my Boston Spa studio (which is an achievement that is not lost on me) is to be rushed around, to feel bad if you’re a little late (after feeding or changing nappies or getting lost), or to feel that your baby isn’t ‘performing’ or behaving as he or she needs to during the session.
I only ever book one newborn session in per day, so if you’re running behind schedule don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal for brand new parents.
Once you get here, the hardest bit is over - you can sit down with a cuppa and a biscuit (I always save the nicest biscuits for my new mums and dads) and leave it up to me.
While you sit and watch, I will gently lull your little one into a deep sleep (which cannot be rushed), and carefully pose him or her into different positions for me to photograph.
2. Babies are unpredictable
There isn’t a ‘once size fits all’ approach for photographing babies (the same could be said for any human being to be honest). So, it takes time, preparation and experience to know how to get the perfect pictures for new parents.
This starts way before the shoot day with a phone or email consultation, or a visit to the studio if you would like to. I like to find out as much as possible before your newborn photography session.
I'll be interested in finding out:
- what you would like to capture,
- what you imagine will be the resulting images,
- what colours suit your interior decor
- and, if you have any ideas of what you would like to do with the image once they are taken.
Once your baby has arrived and we are in the studio, he may like to sleep on his tummy, or she may be uncomfortable on her front and prefer lying on her back or side so there is always a large degree of flexibility.
I will plan various sleepy poses but the wide-awake little folk I have met have also taken the most adorable photographs, with their curious expressions and big eyes.
We stop and start whenever the baby needs feeding or changing - there’s nothing that can (or should) be done to hurry that along!
The resulting images from my sessions are always serene, calm, and beautiful, but as with most things, it’s behind the scenes where the hard work takes place.
3. Baby safety during your newborn photography session
The absolutely hands down number one priority is the safety of this little human that you have brought to my studio.
I trained extensively with one of the top newborn photographers in the UK, Melanie East, whose passion for newborn safety is second to none, and this has rubbed off on me.
There is never a reason to take a chance with a baby. I will never carry out any positions that I think could be unsafe or cause the baby future injury or joint problems.
I will always use a spotter (someone who has a hand on the baby to support him or her) with any position that could mean the baby is unsteady or may startle and move unexpectedly.
My photography studio is also kept at the perfect temperature so that your baby isn’t ever too hot or too cold during the session.
Please be assured that the welfare of your baby is my number one priority.
Related reading: Behind the scenes during a newborn photoshoot
4. You may want sibling photos
I understand the importance of capturing a photograph of the whole family together with your new addition, and also of getting pictures of your toddler (who suddenly seems enormous) with their new ever-so-tiny best friend.
So, you may be pleased to know that siblings are always welcome (but only for a wee while).
Often dad or a helpful grandparent will keep them entertained in a local park or cafe while we nail the newborn shots so they can come along for the last half hour (and try to steal the show!).
It’s never a problem to involve your older child or children in a newborn photography session.
Related reading: What to expect from your newborn photoshoot plus baby photo inspiration
Your baby being photographed is an enjoyable experience that cannot be rushed
I love what I do, so I always take great pleasure in my newborn photography sessions. But it’s important to me that you do too.
I will make sure that I am well prepared so that the studio is a calm, welcoming, well organised environment.
I will make sure that I have drinks and snack on hand as parents sometimes completely forget about themselves in their effort to remember everything that baby needs.
My photography studio has a lovely comfortable area from where you can sit and watch. Once you're here, there is nothing at all you need to worry about.
Related reading:
A sneak peek inside my Leeds photography studio
Would you like to receive my free newborn photography guide?
I've created a free downloable PDF guide to newborn photography. Subscribe below and I'll send you a copy by email.
It's packed with all the information you need to know about newborn portraiture as well as my top tips on how to prepare for your baby's photoshoot.
Book your newborn photography session with me today
If you bring your baby to me here in Boston Spa for a newborn photography session, I can promise that we will capture this moment in a timeless, calm and professional way.
You'll experience a warm welcome, with food and drink on hand to keep you well-nourished and with the safety of your tiny baby at the heart of everything I do.
It’s a fleeting moment that means the world.
Contact me via the website or give me a call on 07762 111818 today if you’d like me to preserve it in beautiful images for you to treasure forever.
