Newborn Photography – It’s All In The Details!

Most people when they book in their newborn photography session, it’s a first baby. They’re maybe really not sure what a newborn session entails exactly, but they know they are going to get gorgeous photos of their baby – all tiny, sweet and sleeping. Well they certainly will with me!

I say all this thinking back to when I first came across newborn photography. This was for my own son. A friend needed a model newborn for a workshop and you know what. I knew nothing about what to expect. Nothing. I had no idea, and gained a new appreciation for the dedication and attention to detail that newborn photographers clearly had.

So new Mum and Dad. They might have seen photos on Pinterest. A friend maybe had newborn photos taken and shared them on Facebook, or they may have gone to a friend or family members home and seen photos on the wall, or an album. The thing these lovely Mum’s and Dad’s don’t always realise, is that newborn sessions are a lot of work. Well, in my case, it’s not work, but it does require bucket loads of patience. This for me I have plenty of, as I know that patience is the key to getting those perfect shots.

“How hard can it be – they’re babies, all they do is sleep”

Ah, yes well if only. Babies do indeed sleep a lot. Most newborns do this quite comfortably, well wrapped and in Mum, or even Dad’s arms. Snug and comfortable in a very familiar place. However, a session involves them being away from Mum, in an unfamiliar place.

Being away from Mum generally is very new for a new baby, after all Mum was all they knew for the last 9 months. There is a thing called the 4^th trimester, and it’s very real. I know this all too well as a Mumma to my own two gorgeous boys. Keeping them close, cosy and comfortable is the key. Oh and warm, yes I keep the rooms warm – about 27 degrees. Perfect for baby.

The finer details, are what makes me able to capture those shots, and why it takes as long as it does. I come in bring in all my gear; I set up my backdrops, I put out my bean bag and layer all the blankets on for as I will need them. I set up my fan heater, the lighting, put out the wraps, wipes, posing positioners, baby shusher and have everything at hand ready to go for my session.

But, to ensure the session is as smooth as possible, I have already planned ahead. Way ahead.

I know what colours you like, and I have a list of shots that I want to take, that are specifically tailored to your session. This is right down to which layering blanket, with what fluff or layer, to go with what wrap, and headband or hat with each prop for every single setup. I have these set up ready to go close by too, again all in those details. Of course things can go a little off plan, as it is down to baby – always, but where I can be organised. I am. To your and babies advantage.

During the session, being aware of what pose I am putting baby in, I will place them gently down into position. They might be covered with a blanket at first, to get them comfortable in the spot. I will slowly, while holding them gently in position, re-position their arms, legs, head, fingers and toes. At each step, I am waiting for baby to settle comfortably with each change. Slowly tweaking to ensure baby is comfortable. I gently shush. I hold their tiny little bodies. I wait. I hold. Then, I wait some more, and maybe even a bit longer, and all going well (baby not needing a feed or to poop – though needing to poop usually brings the gorgeous windy smiles) I can slowly let go of baby and take some photos.

“Care and attention”

It’s a long process because of the care and attention that is required to ensure that your newborn babies feel safe, comfortable, warm and cosy so they can relax in the positions. At each pose the process is repeated. There will be breaks in between when baby does need a drink. Or even just a cuddle from Mum if they’ve decided that they’ve had enough for a bit. If I have to leave the baby, to get a wrap, a lens, anything at all, I get Mum, or Dad, to come close so someone is right close to baby at all times.

I pride myself on making your baby and you as comfortable as possible for the session. This ensures we get beautiful photos but so that the session is gentle, peaceful, calm and you’ll remember it fondly for when you look back at the photos.

If you have just had a baby and you’ve realised you’ve not made time to book in a special Newborn session. I would love to hear from you. I certainly would hate for you to miss out. Please contact me here. Or you can just email me at lisa@adelaidenewbornphoto.com.au for more details and availability. Newborn sessions each month are limited, and its a good idea to get in early for your session, so you don’t miss out on those first special weeks. Though usually I can accommodate some last minute bookings, so certainly at least ask me.