Syracuse Newborn Photographers
Syracuse Newborn Photographers – Tips and Suggestions for Newborn Session
Being a Syracuse Newborn Photographer if there is one thing that I love, it’s photographing newborns.
A newborn photography session can be challenging but the rewards can be amazingly special. There are many factors that have to come together for the session to go smoothly…and if there’s one thing both photographer and parent must have for the session, it is patience.
A session can go quick and be done in an hour, or it may take 2 hours or longer, but regardless it’s
important for everyone involved to stay patient – the end result is worth it.
The following contains some tips that I have found helpful when approaching a newborn photography session.
- Get them young.
Try to book your session as soon after birth as possible.
I like to shoot newborns anywhere from 1-10 days. Waiting a couple days can give mom and dad a bit of time at home with their new little one. Of course, a photography sitting can take place at any time. As your baby gets older, they can become more fussy.
At 10 days they lose the sleepiness and the ‘newborn curl’. I find that the first 24-36 hours are best, as baby is at it’s sleepiest in the first 24 hours. I prefer to photograph at their sleepiest time – so keep an eye on their “new” schedule and we will figure out the best time to come (must be within great lighting times too).
In addition once they hit 2-3 days old they frequently develop newborn acne, flaky dry skin, redness and patchiness around eyes/ears/nose and feeding blisters on their lips. So while I can usually get them to sleep it is harder to keep them asleep as we pose them.
Around 2 ½ to 3 weeks is when baby acne can set in too so it is good to try and get them before that happens. That being said I will take a newborn at any age. If the parents are game for trying so I am as long as they understand I cannot promise a lot of sleeping shots.
- Keep them warm.
This is crucial if you want a good sleepy baby which I recommend for newborn photography sittings taking place in the client’s home. Space heaters are good if you have one. If not, turn up the heat in your house to around 70 degrees). I have a heating pad, so it doesn’t need to be too hot.
So please, an hour or so before our scheduled session (if in your home) please warm up the room – this is especially true if we will be photographing you before our schedule session since diapers can leave marks on the baby’s bodies for some time. Another, but less desirable option, is to make sure the diaper is loose.
A full baby is a happy baby.
Making sure your baby is fed just prior to the session can be of tremendous help. If we need to take a break during the shoot to feed your baby, that is fine as well. We would rather spend 45 minutes feeding the baby or comforting them to make them happy, than trying to photograph a crying one. After the baby is full, make sure they are burped really well.
Newborn portraits are unique in that they can’t be scheduled months out, but you can line up a photographer months out who will build time into their calendar around your due date for your session. If you are scheduling your birth, let me know that as soon as possible.
Call me as soon after you deliver as possible, so you can arrange a time for the session. Ideally the session should take place within 1-10 days after birth.
If the session will take place at your home – do not worry about the state of your house. You just had a baby. I do not care if dishes are piled up the sink and clothes baskets are running over.
Collect any items you want used in the session beforehand – family heirlooms, toys, monogrammed blankets, etc. I’ll go through these with you to determine what will look best in the pictures.
Decide if you’d like pictures taken with your baby, or if want pictures of only the baby.
Make sure the baby has a full belly before I arrive. Aren’t we all happier with a full belly?
Be patient. If the baby gets fussy or alert, don’t stress out. A baby can sense your anxiety and we want to keep the environment as mellow as possible. We will try and get the baby comfortable again, but if that just doesn’t seem possible, we’ll take a break or we’ll work with what he’s giving us. We may wait for an hour before the baby settles – that is fine.
Be assured that if there is ever a point where you’re uncomfortable with the poses, simply let me know. I only want to do poses that you are comfortable with.
Keep wipes handy
If you breastfeed and can, have at least one bottle pumped for feeding.
A majority of the pictures will work best if the baby is asleep so anything you can do in advance to encourage this is recommended
Newborn Photographer Syracuse NY
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