cherished beginnings: reflecting on my first newborn photoshoot

Newborn photography usually covers those adorable early weeks, capturing the sweetness of babies from birth to six weeks old. I recently had the joy of photographing my newborn nephew, Oliver, who was a tender three weeks old during our session.

The lead-up to this photoshoot was meticulous. I crafted a detailed plan, noting down my essential gear, specific poses, group shots, and memorable angles. A gentle reminder to 'KISS'—Keep It Simple, Silly—guided my approach. Alongside, I mapped out a comprehensive game plan for the entire session, ensuring a seamless and delightful experience for everyone involved!

For future newborn photoshoots, I've identified some must-have items, including: a camera harness, step ladder, small space heater or heating pad, and a bluetooth speaker or sound machine, which I'll discuss in more detail later. When it comes to the location, I prefer conducting newborn photoshoots in the client's home for the comfort of both the mother and baby. This setting produces natural-looking photos with greater sentimental value, incorporating elements of home life while maintaining the family's structure and schedule as much as possible.

I believe in preparing families for the photoshoot by sending a "what to expect" email a few days prior. This email outlines requests for the family before, during, and after the session. Suggestions include tips on what to wear, requesting the family limit naps the morning of the shoot and scheduling the latest feeding to be just before the session for that perfect milk-drunk look, along with having extra soothing items on hand, such as a trusty pacifier or blanket. I give them a general memo of what our session will look like, and how I will be preparing the space before we even begin snapping photos.

To set the stage before a photoshoot, I ensure the space is warm and comfortable by incorporating a small space heater or heating pad. This precaution is especially important when families desire newborn images featuring the baby in diapers alone, as infants can become cold rapidly. Keeping them warm and cozy is a priority. Additionally, I bring along my bluetooth speaker to play soothing sounds, whether it's the calming rhythm of ocean waves or, in the case of Oliver, The Lord of The Rings Soundtrack, to create a serene ambiance that enhances the overall mood.

Throughout the session, safety took precedence. I secured my camera to my body with a special harness to prevent any accidental drops, limited work intervals to 10-15 minutes maximum, and relied on natural light over flash to maintain a gentle ambiance. To accommodate babies' sensitivity to smells, I refrained from wearing perfume or body spray. Also worth mentioning, babies can (and will) resist all efforts at posing - for example, Oliver seemed to despise being swaddled, preferring to squirm free, resulting in delightful shots of him cheerfully waving "hi!" Taking advantage of these spontaneous moments by prioritizing capturing his natural movements instead of "picture perfect posing".

For a brief respite and some birds eye view shots, I prearranged a cozy "nest" (pun intended). Using rolled-up bath towels or pillows in a basket, I fashioned a nest shape and covered the base with a soft sheet or muslin cloth, creating a cloud-like backdrop for solo shots. Then I follow the baby's lead; Oliver, for example, was very calm and spent most of the time sleeping or simply resting his eyes. He preferred to be in mama's arms or within earshot of her, so we started with cuddling poses near a south-facing window to utilize natural sunlight. South-facing windows, known for their consistent bright indirect sunlight, proved to be an ideal choice for our indoor photoshoot, enhancing the warmth and charm of the captured moments. When Oliver needed a break for feeding or a diaper change, I assured the family that we could still capture beautiful detail shots during theses intimate moments if they so desired.

This newborn session brought many unexpected lessons my way! Not only did it underscore the importance of thorough preparation, but it also emphasized the need to adapt to the moment and embody the serene atmosphere you aim to create. The experience revealed that even seemingly "imperfect" photos, capturing the unique twist of a crying face or a fleeting smile, can evolve into priceless memories. Additionally, I gained insight into the significance of diversifying shots—while it may seem obvious, capturing a range of angles, compositions, and detailed perspectives of the same pose or grouping enhances the richness of the final collection. Personally, I believe that being meticulous during the photoshoot pays off in post-production, offering a wealth of options and variety to choose from. So, keep those photos flowing!

In capturing these tender moments, from the careful preparations to the heartfelt connections, I've discovered the artistry in preserving the essence of new beginnings. Through the lens of newborn photography, the blend of meticulous planning and genuine spontaneity results in timeless images that reflect the beauty, warmth, and love encapsulated in the fleeting days of infancy.