Newborn photos FAQ

Jump Straight to the Good Stuff – Newborn SEssions with Stephanie Lynne

What is the best age to photograph my new baby?

Newborn photos are so important. I love getting to experience the joy with families over and over. There is nothing more exciting than bringing your baby home and letting the whole family adore him. Newborn photos are usually best captured between 7 – 10 days. This not only gives you a little time to adjust to having a new baby in the house before inviting me in to capture these photos for you, but it also is a great sweet spot for great newborn baby photos.

With that said, I have photographed newborns anywhere from 3 days to 5 weeks. With an in home session we can play around with timing to what works best for you. If you want a newborn session with a new baby who is a little more interactive, schedule the session for closer to 1 month. If you want to capture the brand new baby look, them as small as they will ever be, and the adorable sleepy photos, 7 to 10 days is the perfect time.

How long do Newborn photo sessions last?

Newborns have a way of ruling the session. Just like they ruled your body and sleep schedule for the last 9 months (and probably the next 9 months). What that means, I am on their time. Newborn photography sessions can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the baby, the household (are there also siblings to capture? pets?). One baby can be very content with having a new person in their house with a camera in their face. But, other babies can make sure we are all aware they are not happy with the change of schedule for that day.

Just because one baby needs a little extra time doesn’t mean it’s a difficult session. I will plan to be there for 2-4 hours, but I am in no rush, we are on baby’s schedule. If baby needs a soothing break, or extra time to eat ( I know all about cluster feeding) then we will take the time. Furthermore, If mom needs a break, a snack, or just some time to re gather her self, I get it. I am a mom to 4 babies of my own. I have all the patience in the world from new mom’s and babies!

How can I take professional newborn photos at my house? ….my house doesn’t look a magazine cover…

Your house does not need to be perfect. I promise. The best part of an in home newborn session is I get to capture you and your new baby in the comfort of your own space. No having to pack up everything to bring it with you to a studio and sit in an uncomfortable chair outside of your own home. I capture your joy in your joyful spot. I promise 99 percent of the homes I photograph in aren’t “perfect”, but they are perfect for newborn photos.

I find the best light, the best spots, and I will help you move around clutter if need be. You just had a baby, your house will have bottles everywhere, empty granola bar wrappers from those late night/middle of night feedings, etc. While there, I will not only help you tidy up by pushing things out of the view of the camera. But, I also help find the best light and the most comfortable spots for you and baby.

Will my newborn photos be of just my baby?

Newborn photos aren’t just for photos of your beautiful new baby. Mom, I want you in the photos, too! I get it, you just had a baby and you might be self conscious of your postpartum body. I’ve been there. And with my first 2 babies, I refused to get newborn photos with me in them, and I regret it. Looking back now, I hate that I don’t have more photos of me with the my babies. During your newborn photo session we will capture photos of just your beautiful babe, you with your babe, your spouse/partner with your baby, baby with siblings, full family, etc. We will capture it all. Do you have family pets? That’s the beauty of an in home session. I love to include pets!

What should we wear for newborn photos?

Deciding on a photographer for your newborn photo session is an important decision. Once that is done, the next question is what to wear. I hope you find this newborn photos clothing guide helpful in planning your session.

Mom’s Clothing

Choose something that is both comfortable and flattering to wear. Perhaps a dress that is stretchy on top and more flowy on the bottom or a lace top and knee-length or midi skirt could work. Sleeveless is great on toned arms and 3/4 sleeves are universally flattering and slimming. If you want a more casual look for your in home newborn photo session, choose something simple like black leggings and a top.

Newborn Clothing

Babies look best in simple one color onesies. A plain white, grey or pastel color onesie is more than enough for your newborn photos. As a result, this insures the focus of the portrait is on the baby and not on the clothing he/she is wearing. Need to swaddle the baby? No problem. I recommend a solid light color as part of the newborn photos clothing guide. For example, a white or grey swaddle blanket looks great in photos. Don’t worry you can change outfits during the session if you have something special you want the baby photographed in.

Family Clothing

When choosing the family’s outfits, keep the same color scheme but choose various hues so you don’t match perfectly. Coordinate, but don’t match is the key. When being photographed in your home, simple, light or earth colored clothing looks best. For example, your husband can wear neutral top like light grey/charcoal grey/light blue and lighter/darker pants and you can wear neutral colors like the cream, hazel green, grey, vintage blue…. Your child could wear a neutral color outfit but doesn’t have to match you exactly. Barefoot? Even better.