Your Newborn Photographer

Being a Maryland Newborn Photographer has been an amazing journey!  How should I put this… I L-O-V-E it!  It combines so many loves for me… babies, mommas, creativity, photos, and simply getting to know new people.  I receive many questions from families wondering about a newborn photo experience. Here is a post to answer some of the top questions, in no particular order.

If you have any other questions, you can connect with me and I would be happy to chat with you about any more details.

Newborn Photographer – The Top Questions Answered

~ How long is a newborn photo session? ~  My newborn sessions are about 2-3 hours in length.  Simply said, babies have their own agenda.  Therefore, I take my time and work with newborn and their families in a relaxed and non-rushed environment.

I also want time to photograph the newborn in multiple set-ups, with siblings, each parent separately and of course the whole family.  I’ve even incorporated the family’s furry babies too, as long as they are well behaved.  Even though creating all the images for each combination of family takes time, I believe having a whole set of images like this tells the full story of the your family’s life at this point in time.  To do otherwise, would leave out several important chapters – not the way I like a story to be told.

The reason a newborn photo session can take longer than a typical family session is that I take my time to assure the baby is safe and comfortable at all times.  (see next question for more details)  Also, each baby is different.  Some a sleepy and chill the whole time and the session can go shorter, others need a bit more Shayna snuggles to settle in, but I’m patient and I love to snuggle so it all works out!

Newborn Photographer Safety ~ What safety precautions do you use? ~

(this is actually NOT asked often but it is something I always bring up when talking with someone who is searching for a newborn photographer).  Families may not know to ask this, but I always educate my clients on the safety measures I take.  I also give them questions they should ask other photographers when researching who they will hire.

Some examples of the safety measures I take during a newborn session:

• clip my nails very short so as to not scratch baby or anyone else.
• take my rings off (even my engagement diamond), so it doesn’t scratch anyone
• don’t wear make-up or lotions as I never know if anyone has skin sensitives or allergies, I DO wear deodorant, but is an all natural type.
• always use a trained 2nd person to spot the baby within inches (either an assistant or family member) while in any container, never know when baby might wake and even the little jerky movements could cause fall
• use a space heater to warm the area, babies like warmth
• I’ve been professionally trained on how to position babies safely to assure their little joints and blood circulation are carefully monitored & never put in danger

The bottom line is that babies are beautifully and wonderfully made, but they also require special care and training to know how to handle them safely.  No photo is worth the risk of putting a baby in danger and I take newborn photo safety VERY seriously!

Newborn Photographer Props ~ Do you have props or can we bring our own to use during the session? ~

The answer is yes and yes!  I have a wonderful supply of newborn props, blankets, backdrops, containers, headbands, hats and hair pieces to select from in my studio.  During the consultation, I also talk with parents about items they may want to incorporate personal pieces into their session.

Heirloom or special family items are really sweet to include in newborn photos.  For example the image above with the quilt was handmade by that little lady’s great-great-grandmother.  It was very delicate so I suggested we don’t put the baby on the blanket, but just use it as a backdrop – it was perfect!

Thank you for taking the time to read more about what a newborn photo session with me entails.  If you are pregnant or know of anyone who may be interested in a photo session with me, you can connect with me and I would be happy to chat about all the details.

Have a joyful day!

~Shayna