[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Newborn photography can come with many surprises, especially if you aren’t a parent. I’ve compiled a list of newborn photography tips that have helped me tremendously and I am sure will be helpful for anyone interested in learning more about newborn photography. Of course, every photographer will have a different way or style of doing things but these are just some of the top things I’ve learned through the years as a newborn photographer.

1. Posed vs Lifestyle: Know Your Clients’ Expectations

There are two types of newborn photography – posed/studio & lifestyle. I am a studio photographer however I also shoot life style when it comes to fresh-48.

Posed/studio sessions – Typically must be done within the first 2 weeks of birth when the baby is very sleepy and flexible. The focus in this type of baby photography session is on shots of the baby looking perfect, usually in blankets, wraps, hats, & headbands. The session can last up to 3 hours with feeding, breaks, and posing. Editing this type of session also takes quite a bit of time as each image needs to go through Photoshop individually to get a polished end result. 4-14 Days is an ideal age for newborn photography. Since this age baby is still womb alike and being very flexible. They sleep during the day being less disturbed by the environment makes posing relatively achievable.

Lifestyle newborn sessions – Fresh 48 sessions just didn’t exist when I had my babies, or whether I just wasn’t aware of them. Either way – I wish I could go back and have one! Fresh 48 sessions are a beautiful way to remember and record those very special first few days spent with your fresh baby. They’re usually taken in the hospital where you’ve given birth – but of course if you give birth at home they can be captured in your home environment as well. The essence of them is to capture those first fresh 48 hours with your baby – which is where the term ‘Fresh 48’ comes from. Memories of this time-frame often become fuzzy for new parents and that is precisely why I feel these types of shoots are so important.

2. Be Prepared

If you are doing the session in the client’s home, posed newborn photography sessions require nearly the same amount of prep as a wedding. You need quite a bit of “stuff” and it is easy to forget something so I pack the night before and use a checklist so I don’t forget anything (I’m a mom with a very limited memory). To make your life a bit easier, I’ve made a print ready checklist you can use which is included in the newborn photography toolkit – one of the FREE limited time bonuses included in our online Newborn Photography Workshop.

My prep includes packing the following:

Since the sessions can be up to 4 hours I eat a lot before I go. Also, because it will be very warm with the space heater blaring, I wear cool & comfortable clothing. Some photographers bring a soft mat for kneeling comfort but I’ve found using one of your blankets work just as well.