Welcoming your newborn child into the world is an indescribably beautiful experience. From that first glimpse of your baby, a flood of wonder, joy, and pure emotion washes over you. These fleeting moments, though unforgettable, quickly transform into cherished memories. This is where professional newborn portraits come in.
Newborn photos serve as timeless family heirlooms, commemorating the arrival of new life, preserving the most significant milestones of your growing family, and crafting enduring legacies through captivating portraits that will be treasured for generations to come.
When prospective parents reach out to me for a baby photoshoot, they often have an abundance of questions – and I understand you might too! Let’s simplify things. Scroll down for a comprehensive, step-by-step guide covering everything you need to know about newborn photography.
WHAT IS NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY?
Newborn photography is a specialized art form dedicated to capturing the delicate beauty of newborn babies. To ensure utmost safety and comfort during these sessions, newborn photographers undergo specialized training. They skillfully immortalize the fleeting moments of a newborn's early days in stunning photographs.
Typically scheduled when the baby is between seven and fifteen days old, newborn photography sessions capitalize on the newborn's soft, squishy, and malleable nature. This brief window, aligned with the newborn's developmental stage, offers the prime opportunity to capture these remarkable images.
While each newborn photographer infuses their work with a unique flair and style, newborn photography generally falls into two main categories: lifestyle and posed. My expertise lies in posed newborn photography.
NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION FAQ
Additional Information
I photograph newborns regularly—this is what I do every day. For you, however, this may be your very first baby, and it’s completely normal to have questions. If anything isn’t answered below, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to walk you through what to expect and help you feel fully prepared for your session.
What steps do you take to keep my baby safe during the session?
Your baby’s safety is my absolute top priority—always. I have extensive training in newborn posing and handling, along with years of hands-on experience. Throughout the entire session, I closely monitor your baby for any signs of discomfort or stress and adjust immediately if needed.
Certain advanced poses, such as the “froggy” pose, are created using composite images. This means your baby is never unsupported or placed in an unsafe position. Multiple images are safely captured and then carefully merged during editing to achieve the final look. Every pose is done with intention, care, and your baby’s comfort at the forefront.
Nothing in your session is rushed or forced. Every step is thoughtfully planned to create beautiful images while keeping your baby secure, comfortable, and content.
My baby scratched their face. Should I reschedule?
No need to reschedule at all. Newborn scratches, acne, flaky skin, cradle cap, and even mild eczema are all incredibly common—and completely temporary.
These little imperfections are expected and easily addressed during the editing process. Your final images will reflect your baby at their very best, while still looking natural and true to them. What matters most is capturing this fleeting stage, not waiting for “perfect” skin.
I love your studio props, but I have a special heirloom or prop. Can it be included?
Absolutely—with a little planning. If you have a meaningful item such as a handmade blanket, heirloom outfit, hat, or stuffed animal, please let me know ahead of time so we can discuss how to safely incorporate it.
Many professional newborn images—especially hanging props or elaborate setups—are actually composites. For example, your baby is never placed in a hanging basket. Instead, they are safely posed on a solid surface or supported by an assistant, and the final image is created during editing. Digital backdrops work the same way: your baby is photographed safely in the studio and placed into the scene afterward.
Because these setups require preparation behind the scenes, advance notice allows me to give your special items the care and attention they deserve while maintaining the highest safety standards.
What cleaning and sanitizing steps do you take between sessions?
Cleanliness and hygiene are taken extremely seriously in my studio—especially for newborns.
• All props, wraps, outfits, and accessories are sanitized between sessions
• Fabrics are steamed to eliminate germs
• All surfaces are disinfected using professional-grade cleaners
• I wear an N95 mask during newborn sessions
• A hospital-grade ozone generator is used to sanitize the studio environment
• Adequate time is scheduled between sessions to allow for thorough cleaning
Every newborn session begins in a clean, sanitized, and safe space.
What if my baby can’t be photographed within the first two weeks?
While the first 7–14 days are ideal for very sleepy, curled poses, it’s not always possible—and that’s okay. Beautiful newborn images can still be captured beyond this window.
Older newborns may be more alert and flexible posing may be limited, but we’ll adjust the session to suit your baby and still create meaningful, gorgeous images. Flexibility and collaboration are key, and I’ll guide you every step of the way.
What if my baby is awake during the session?
This happens more often than you might think—and it’s perfectly fine. While most babies do fall asleep at some point, some stay awake longer and simply enjoy observing everything around them.
Awake images can be absolutely stunning, capturing bright eyes, tiny expressions, and sweet curiosity. Many parents end up loving these images just as much (if not more) than the sleepy ones.
How long does a newborn session last?
Session length depends on the package you choose:
• Mini wrapped sessions: approximately 15–20 minutes
• Standard newborn sessions: around 1–2 hours
• Elite sessions: up to 3 hours
The session is always baby-led. Time is built in for feeding, diaper changes, soothing, and cuddles as needed. There is never any pressure or rushing—your baby’s comfort comes first.
Can parents or siblings be included in the newborn session?
Yes! Including family members is a beautiful way to tell your baby’s story. Each package outlines whether parent and sibling images are included, and I offer poses that are designed to be both safe and flattering for everyone involved.
Newborn photography is about more than just photos—it’s about preserving a moment that passes far too quickly. At Lambs Newborn and Family Photography LLC, my goal is to create timeless images that become treasured heirlooms for your family.
If you have questions or are ready to schedule your session, I’d love to hear from you.
DO I HAVE TO BUY PRINTS FROM YOU?
In short, NO! Absolutely not...
Following your newborn photography session, the photographer will carefully curate the images and create a proof gallery for your review and selection. Your final gallery will comprise the images chosen from this proof gallery. You can expect to receive the proof gallery within 72 hours of your session.
Once you've made your selections, we'll proceed to professionally edit your chosen photos. This editing process includes removing any temporary imperfections such as scratches or rashes that may have appeared just before the session. Additionally, we'll apply stunning effects to ensure your photos are of the highest quality, perfect for displaying proudly on your wall. Typically, the editing process takes approximately two weeks from the time we receive your selections.
We believe in empowering our clients with full control over printing their images. These photos are often utilized for creating museum-quality prints, mini photo books, cards, or professional albums.
Upon completion of the editing process, you'll receive non-commercial reproduction rights. This means you're not permitted to sell your images or utilize them for promoting another business. During the session, you'll have the opportunity to choose your preferred images. Following the session, I'll carefully select the best shots, then provide you with an unedited proof gallery within 72 hours for your selection. Once you've made your choices, it will take approximately two weeks to finalize your gallery. You'll be able to access your final photos through an online gallery, where you can view and download them for printing purposes.
