A. Yes, newborn portraiture is a fairly new art form (withing the past 5 years or so) in the photography world. In the past, parents would most often choose to have their baby’s first portrait session take place around 2-3 months of age. Now, newborn photographers, like myself, photography newborns under 2 weeks of age.
Although having a newborn session done just days after birth is a fairly new concept for many people, I strongly believe is isn’t just a fad. Fads are things that come and go because people get tired of them and move on to something else. Newborn photography is similar to wedding photography. Your newborn baby will only be this tiny once int their life and only for a matter of days. You have one chance to capture that moment before it passes you by.
Q. The first week or two after birth is such a hard adjustment time for parents. Why does newborn photography have to be in these first two weeks?
A. With three young children of my own, I absolutely know how difficult those first few weeks can be! But, ironically it’s because that time is so difficult that newborn portraits are so important to many people. As families are struggling to adjust, that fleeting newborn stage is so easily forgotten.
Newborns change dramatically in the first weeks of life. When they are first born, they are able to bend and curl into these sweet little poses, mimicking how they lived inside the womb. They sleep in such a deep sleep that sometimes it is impossible to wake them up. And, they have that precious, brand new “newborn look” that reminds us of the miracle of birth. All these amazing characteristics will begin to disappear forever after just a few short weeks. The goal of newborn photography is to capture this extremely fleeing stage in your baby’s life. It is a session centered about capturing the beauty and newness of this tiny little miracle that you have brought into the world.
Q. My friend just had some great holiday pictures done of her family. She said the photographer does newborns, too. Would she be a good choice?
A. Maybe. Maybe not. The fact that your friend had a positive experience with this photographer is definitely a plus! However, newborn photography is its own special breed of photography. And it isn’t for every photographer. I’ve done every other kind of portraits–kids, families, seniors, weddings–and I can say that, in comparison, newborn photography requires a completely different learning curve and skill set than the other types of photography. The most important thing you can do as a consumer is to look specifically at their newborn portfolio. Just because someone is an awesome photographer, doesn’t mean they are an awesome newborn photographer.
Q. There seem to be a lot of photographers who say they “specialize” in newborns. Should I just look for the one with the best prices?
A.Price is always at the forefront of any consumers mind. But you have to remember the old saying, “You get what you pay for.” Going with the least expensive photographer is not a good way to determine the best person to take your baby’s portraits. Most often the lease expensive photographer is also the least experienced photographer. You have to remember this photographer will be handling, posing, and soothing your baby. It’s not just about taking the pictures. It is making sure you are working with someone who knows how to appropriately handle newborns in general, considers the safety of your baby first, and will provide you with a beautiful final product.
Usually new and inexpensive photographers do not meet the above criteria.
Q. What should I look for in a newborn photographer?
A. The most important thing is for you to look through their portfolio for certain criteria.
1. The images should be classic and timeless in nature.
These portraits will be an heirloom you will pass on to future generations. Pictures that show off the latest fads will look dated in a few years.
2. The baby should be the focus of the portraits.
When you look through the pictures, ask yourself “What is the first thing I notice?” Are you marveling at how precious the baby is or finding yourself distracted by fake flowers, huge headbands, tutus, and stuffed animals? Often the less props included in the pictures, the better the photographer is. They have the ability to skillfully pose your baby so that he is the sole focus of your portraits.
3. The baby should look comfortable, relaxed, and peaceful in the portraits.
As in all portraits, facial expression is very important. Newborns are so pliable and can be put into all kinds of amazing positions in their first couple of weeks of life. They are position that might look uncomfortable to us, but actually are quite comfortable to the baby as they mimic how they were positioned in the womb. A skilled photographer will be able to pose the baby tucked with their feet up by their chin, accompanied by a peaceful, sleepy–sometimes smiling face.
Q. I’m pregnant now–when should I schedule my newborn session?
A. Most photographers will tell you that it is best to schedule your newborn session while you are still pregnant! The more notice they have, the better for both of you. Because your baby’s due date is generally unpredictable, photographers will reserve a time frame for you. They know that they can only schedule a limited number of sessions around that time. If you wait until after your baby is born to contact a photographer, they might not have room in their schedules on such short notice. Additionally, when you contact a photographer when you are still pregnant, it is one less thing you have to worry about doing after your baby is born.
You have created a special miracle, a beautiful baby unlike any other. Contact a newborn photographer to capture this precious stage in your baby’s life so that you will never forget it. They will be pictures you will cherish forever; portriats that will become heirlooms.
Please Contact me today if you expecting and want a custom newborn session for you and your baby. I take great Joy in capturing life's greatest miracles.
