Studio Newborn Session Guide | Frisco Newborn Photographer | SBVA Snaps Photography

Posed or studio newborn photography is a style that incorporates baskets and other small props in the studio with diffused studio strobe lighting that creates creamy skin tones. All of these portraits take place in my studio. This is not the same as lifestyle newborn photography which are photos taken in the baby’s home in their natural surroundings without props.

WHAT PROPS DOES SBVA SNAPS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDE FOR THE SESSION?

I provide everything the baby will need for their shoot including backdrops, props, wraps, and headbands--pretty much anything you see in my gallery except for the baby! But if you have something special that you would like to incorporate, just let me know. Keep in mind that not all items will look great next to a tiny newborn, and many consumer-purchased crochet items can be ill-fitting on a newborn baby.

When you arrive for your session, you don't need to bring anything that you wouldn't normally put into your diaper bag.

HOW LONG DOES A NEWBORN SESSION TAKE?

Newborn sessions take a significant amount of time from start to finish – around 2 hours, give or take 30 minutes due to baby’s disposition and whether family members are included. This gives us time for feeding breaks if needed so that baby is happy.

We will do family photos at the start of the session. For families incorporating young siblings into photos, some families opt to arrive in two cars so that one parent can stay for the duration of the lengthy newborn session and the other adult can take the sibling home if they become restless.

WHAT IF MY BABY IS FUSSY DURING THE SESSION?

Baby will cooperate the best if they are Thanksgiving-stuffed-full or “milk drunk” and sleepy. If possible, keep baby awake for the hour leading up to the session and then feed them immediately prior to the session. You may also feel free to come a bit early to feed the baby before the session begins if that is more convenient. Just let me know that you’re on your way. Also, bring a pacifier if they use one, but it is certainly not required.

WHEN SHOULD A MOTHER BOOK HER NEWBORN SESSION?

Most mothers book their session at least one to two months prior to their due date for around a week to two weeks after the due date. Then, we adjust the session date once baby announces their arrival. This is the best time to work around growth spurts, cluster feedings, baby’s alertness, and flexibility. If baby is not within this window of time—no worries! We may not get every pose your heart desires, and baby may be awake for some pictures, but we will still get some great photos of this special time.

WHAT IF MY BABY IS PREMATURE?

Please contact me for your unique situation. In most cases, we will still do the session within 1-2 weeks of the normal due date to ensure baby is ready for the studio. Premature babies can sometimes like being swaddled more than other babies, but that won’t affect how beautiful the photos are! This baby girl below was already 2 months old and alert, but that didn't stop us from capturing her while she is still small.

IF THE PARENTS OR SIBLINGS ARE IN THE PHOTOS, WHAT SHOULD THEY WEAR?

Family clothing suggestions: solid colors that you would like to see on the walls of your home. Imagine the final product and choose solid colors that you feel go together. Let me know what you plan on wearing so I can select the best color backdrops for your color palate. Family backdrops are either grey, mocha, white, or cream, but my favorites are grey and mocha!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE THE PHOTOS ARE RETURNED TO THE CLIENT?

Quickly! I pride myself on turnaround. Within a few days from the session, I try to post a sneak peek from the session. Follow my social media so you don’t miss out! Within one week of the session, you will receive your proof gallery from your session. Once you select or pay for your collection, you will receive digital products within one day and print/canvas products within 10 days of ordering.

CAN I PRINT MY DIGITAL FILES WHEREVER I WANT?

I offer premium quality printing through Miller's Professional Photo Lab that matches my exact coloring that I edit with. These photos are once in a lifetime, and you'll want to print them on the best possible photo paper that is meant to last 100+ years. You've already chosen to invest in your baby's photos, and you won't regret printing these images in the highest quality.

You have the choice to print wherever you want, but please be cautioned that consumer labs like Shutterfly, Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, and CVS will not regulate the sharpness and color of the photographs like a professional photography print lab, and they can look different than they do on your computer screen or phone.

CAN I CUSTOM ORDER WALL ART?

Yes! I am happy to help you order large prints with mounting, a canvas, or a collage. I will be happy to re-edit any image to fit your canvas appropriately.

SAFETY FIRST: HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER IS SAFE?

To provide the safest and best experience for newborns and their families, I only use natural posing that mimics the comfort of the mother's womb, or poses that include support from an assistant and then can be edited in Photoshop.

I have been trained by international newborn photographer, Ana Brandt for posing, light, and safety.

Newborns do not have the ability to regulate their temperatures as well as adults, which is why my studio is always set to a toasty 78 so that babies are comfortable.

That's it! That's everything you need to know in preparing for your baby's session. If you would like to book your baby's newborn photo session, contact me today!

Sarah