The Newborn Photography Experience

When to book your session

Newborn photography is as popular as wedding photography these days and most newborn photographers, including myself, book months in advance. My schedule allows for a certain amount of newborn bookings per month to ensure I will have enough time for each session just in case you all deliver at once. (Yes this has happened many many times! Ha!). Read a little about the newborn photography experience and click HERE if you are interested in reserving a newborn session!

I recommend reaching out towards the end of your second trimester. This is the perfect time to make your reservation and start planning for your session. I do allow for a couple of last minute newborn sessions in my schedule so feel free to reach out to check availability. Your second trimester is also a great time to book your maternity session! These sessions are an absolutely beautiful way to capture your growing belly and family.

Newborn sessions are typically reserved based on your due date. Parents will contact me the day after the baby is born and we will formally schedule their session at that time. Sessions take place when baby is 7-18 days old during the daytime at my studio in Homer Glen, IL. I LOVE documenting family photos and siblings with the new baby too.

How long are sessions?

Sessions last about two hours and we will take any necessary nursing, feeding, and cuddling breaks. The quiet room is filled with simple wraps and neutral blankets making it a calm and relaxed space. Parents are encouraged to sit back, relax and watch their tiny baby being photographed for one of the first times.

After our session

A few weeks after our session, you will be presented with your gallery viewing. You will select your favorite images and we will go over collection options. I have a large product line including albums, heirloom boxes filled with prints, framing, and birth announcements. You can take take a peek at some studio samples when you are there for your session. Future sessions including baby’s six month sitter session and his / her first birthday photo session are scheduled at that time. To read more about those options click here.

All the pretty little details

Newborn macro photography is one of my MOST favorite parts of the session. The combination of pretty little features and natural light make for the most beautiful photos. During every newborn session, whether it’s a full or mini session, I will document all of the pretty little details with my macro lens. I use a 100L lens as it allows me to capture the smallest of details.

Tips for using a macro lens

1. A steady hand. I manually focus when shooting with my macro and taking a deep breath and holding steady works the best.
2. Beautiful light. I am asked by fellow photographers all the time how I get the ‘light and airy feel’ to my images and honestly it comes down to learning how to manipulate and diffuse your window light.
3. Move around the baby. I move my beanbag in a full circle when I’m shooting with my macro. I stay in one place and I simply turn the bean bag slowly after every shot. This allows for a nice variety of poses and images.

Below is one of the simple poses I use to capture these macro photos. Simply laying baby on his back with the window behind him allowed the light to diffuse beautifully on his face.

Book your session today !