A Newborn Photography Session with Baby Riley and Her Big Sister Ariana.

A few months ago I shared a photo of the 9-day old baby Ella, a composite image created using a digital background by Luisa Dunn https://www.luisadunnphotographyshop.com/.

The original image is on the left, the composite is on the right.

Compositing is an old photographic technique of layering or blending two images into a single scene, often creating an illusion of a whimsical but technically impossible photograph. Composite photography goes back to the late 1800 and is widely used in newborn photography.

Some of my favorite backdrops come from Luisa Dunn, a well known newborn photographer and a fantastic artist. Incorporating her designs into my work allows me to keep my newborn models safe and comfortable while creating an enchanting scene.

Shortly after my post about baby Ella, I received a Facebook inquiry from a mom expecting her second baby. The mom fell in love with the colors in the photo and requested a similar setup. After baby Riley was born we scheduled a newborn photo session for both of her girls.





At the time of the photo session, Riley was 6 days old. Her big sister Ariana took an active part in the photo session, helping out with “her baby” wherever she could and being an all around amazing big sister.








The girls’ mom loved the results and left a glowing review about their newborn session on my Facebook page.

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How to Prepare for Your Newborn Session

When you booked your newborn photography session, you were probably full of excitement and anticipation. But, once baby arrives, thoughts of beautiful photos retreat to the back burner, replaced with the day-to-day demands of feedings and diaper changes.
Preparation is key to a successful newborn session, so don’t let those crazy first weeks get the best of you! Instead, print these quick tips and stick them on the fridge to make sure you’re ready for your baby’s moment in the spotlight when the time comes.

1. Let your photographer know when your baby is born
Call or email your newborn photographer as soon as possible after the birth (ideally within 48 hours). This will leave sufficient time to change the session date if necessary.

2. Be careful with feedings for 24 hours before the session

If you’re using formula, don’t switch to a new type or brand in the 24 hours before your session, unless you have a medical reason to do so.

If you’re nursing, try to avoid these foods to minimize fussiness and gas:

• Chocolate
• Spices (cinnamon, garlic, curry, chili pepper)
• Citrus fruits and their juices (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit, etc)
• Strawberries
• Kiwis
• Pineapples
• “Gassy" veggies (onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers)
• Fruits with a laxative effect, such as cherries and prunes

3. Make sure baby has a full tummy before the session
A full stomach will make baby sleepy, helping your photographer take beautiful newborn photos. For best results, plan a big feeding just before you leave for the studio, and make sure baby eats his or her fill. Don’t forget to burp your baby before heading out!

4. Do not put baby powder or oil on baby’s skin
Keep your baby’s skin au naturel ahead of the session. Powders and oils change baby’s natural skin color, which can make your photos look off. Also, oil makes baby’s skin extremely slippery, making it difficult for the photographer to pose him or her.

5. Dress your baby in an easy-to-take-off outfit
When you arrive, your photographer will likely be the one to remove your little one from the carseat, change him/her, and start posing and shooting right away. A one-piece outfit with a zipper or buttons will make this process much easier.

Do not put socks on your baby - they leave marks on the skin that will be visible in photos. Also, avoid onesies - they are difficult to take off without waking the baby up.

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Newborn Photo Sessions: What Every Parent Should Do Before Baby is Born

You’ve done your research, found a newborn photographer you love, and officially booked your newborn session. Congratulations - but don’t kick back and relax just yet! Preparing thoroughly as your due date approaches will ensure a smooth experience at your session and gorgeous photos of your new arrival. Here are four important steps to take ahead of your baby’s birth.

1. Sign a contract

Any professional newborn photographer will ask you to sign a contract to make your agreement official. Contracts should spell out all key details, such as the timing of payments, what’s included in the photographer’s services, and refund/cancellation policies. Read the contract carefully and ask questions about anything that seems unclear.

2. Meet with your photographer in person


It’s important for you to be comfortable with your newborn photographer: the average newborn session is about 3 hours long, and the photographer will be holding, changing, and posing your baby throughout. If at all possible, meet with your chosen photographer face-to-face before your baby is born.

In addition to helping you get to know your photographer, the appointment will give you an opportunity to get familiar with the studio, props, and outfits. This first meeting is the perfect time to share your ideas for the session, discuss favorite colors and styles, and make any special requests.




3. Schedule an approximate date for your session

Unless you’re planning a scheduled C-section, it's difficult to predict your baby's arrival. However, it still helps to have an approximate session date in mind. Knowing your preferred date ahead of time helps your photographer accommodate your needs. Ideally, you should schedule your newborn session while your baby is younger than 2 weeks old.

Your photographer should check in with you when your session date is approaching, giving you an opportunity to reschedule if baby arrives later. If you don’t hear from her, don’t be afraid to reach out - you want to be sure your photographer is available when you need her.




4. Ask about a pre-session questionnaire

Many newborn photographers send clients a pre-session questionnaire, which helps ensure you’
re 100% satisfied with your experience. If your photographer doesn’t have a formal questionnaire, see whether you can email her your ideas and requests. Even if you’ve discussed ideas in person or over the phone, it’s best to have them in writing.

Don’t forget to let your photographer know if you’ll be bringing something to the shoot (e.g. a special family heirloom or a favorite outfit.) And don’t be shy about sharing your ideas - a professional will always happy to try something new. It's your baby and you should love every single photo!

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Cake Smash Photography Session

You’ve done it!

You survived your first year of parenthood, and your little baby is becoming a toddler. Celebrate this milestone with a family -- tickles, kisses, and giggles.

“Cake Smash” is a great way to celebrate your baby's 1st birthday! Beautiful outfits, creative setups, quality props, and a fantastic artisan cake! This will be a memory cherished for years, and most likely not only in your house -- I have yet to see a grandparent who would say “No” to a custom print or wall art in their place.

You will be able to use these high-quality images on invitations and/or thank-you cards. Alternatively, if you were looking for a perfect gift -- gift a Cake Smash session, it will be remembered for a long time to come!

Are you curious?

Whether you are strongly interested or researching, just curious or unsure, or even if you were gifted a session -- please, come and meet me at the studio. Once you see the place -- it is much easier to decide whether you want to bring your baby in. You will see examples of finished products and discuss setups, colours, props, outfits, allergies, expectations -- anything you might have on your mind!

Every baby is different and it's very helpful for me, as your photographer, to meet you in advance as well. I would love to know your baby’s habits, what they like and what is to be avoided. What makes them smile or laugh. As a parent you might also want to know me better -- you will be more at ease if you had met me before. This is important as babies sense very well when their parents are “En Garde” and when they are completely relaxed.

We will also check my toddler's closet! I don’t mean to brag (well, maybe a little :)) but there are quite a few oh-so-cute hand-made by artists outfits for both boys and girls. You don't need to buy your own unless you really want to. And, of course, you are always welcome to bring your favourite and/or memorable items, but please make sure to let me know ahead of time -- this way I will be able to better coordinate them with the rest of the session.

Online research is very important and it will take you up to a point, but the proverbial “last mile” is best done in the old-fashion way -- face-to-face. It only costs a bit of your time, and you will be glad that you came, whether you decide to cake-smash, or not.

Preparation

In the days leading to your session, introduce your baby to different textures and colours -- have them play with mashed potatoes, porridge, applesauce, whipped cream, yoghurt, etc.

Your baby will be more confident with the cake if they had played with various textures before. To bolster confidence even further -- consider making a “trial” session with some finger foods on the floor to make your baby more familiar with the idea.

However, a word of caution: encourage but do not force! Never grab their hands and put them into a new texture. Instead, put your hands in first, play with the food yourself. Give them as much time as needed, be patient. Be a model, show them what to do, how to play, but never force -- it might be scary for the baby at first.

Few days before the session, consider getting a real cupcake and let your baby test it. Remember, no force!

Session Day

Some babies love to try new things while others prefer to take their time, treat new things, places and people with healthy scepticism.

Take it easy, try to keep your routine, but avoid extra activities and classes back-to-back with the session. Stay home, enjoy your family time. Make sure your baby had a healthy protein breakfast and had a nap.

Pack a diaper bag with a towel, favourite toys and finger foods (cheerios, anything your child loves).

Above all, bring your smile and cheerful mood! It is, after all, not a job to do -- it is a celebration to have. Please be patient, and let me do my magic! It will be worth it.

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Newborn Photography Session. Baby Ruby from Chelmsford MA

Baby Ruby was well prepared for her newborn session and rocked it! She was fully fed right before leaving the house and came to the studio really really sleepy :)

We briefly discussed the outfits and colors with her mom and grandma, I turned on my baby shusher, undressed Ruby and started posing right away. We had a pacifier handy but barely used it as Ruby didn't mind me moving her from pose to pose since she wasn't hungry or gassy at all!

Pro tip: it is really helpful to feed the baby before you leave the house, as well as arrive in loose clothing so we can undress the baby without waking her up.

cell phone picture

Newborns usually make me work to pose them in a basket but this session was a breeze.

      cell phone picture

   

Some finished images from Ruby's newborn session:

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Privacy: the basics

When you book a photo session, you will be asked to sign a contract. The contract defines the timeline (when you are being photographed, when your gallery should be delivered, by when you will have to select your favorites, etc). It also defines the ownership model for the photographs. As a rule, the photographer retains the copyright (rights to use the photographs whichever way they fancy), which ranges from low-volume promotional materials to high-volume wholesale.

An example of low-volume promotional materials is using a photograph in the portfolio. Portfolios are viewed by a smaller audience, have very few photographs (usually, less than 30) in them, and photographers constantly update their portfolios. Result is such that only a few people will see it, hence "low-volume". An example of high-volume use is selling a picture on Adobe Stock Photos. Potentially, completely unrelated 3rd party, say a postcard manufacturer, could buy the right and put the photograph in every supermarket of every town in your country. Some people like it, others are less comfortable with such scenario.

As with any other commercial activity, always seek to obtain a photo session contract, and read it somewhat carefully. Make note of every question you have.

Remember that family photographers genuinely love people---they will work with you to make you be comfortable. Even if you did find something in the contract that gives you a pause: reach out and ask the photographer about their stance on the issue, explain your uneasiness. Your photographer can always modify the contract to address your particular concern.

Professional photo sessions create memories you will enjoy for years to come---they will help you decorate your workplace and living room. They are fun and designed to enrich your life, not make it more complicated. So, glance over the contract, discuss if you have questions, and:

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