What to Expect From a Newborn Photography Session with Emmy Jo Photography
Whether you’re a brand new parent or you’re adding another little one to your growing family, you’ll always treasure photos that document those tender newborn days and the little details of your baby that you want to remember.
In the midst of this season, it’s normal to feel exhausted and to put self-care to the back burner, but as your full-service newborn photographer, I take care of everything, from providing beautiful dresses for you as a mama to helping you coordinate outfits for the rest of the family.
It’s my goal to deliver an effortless newborn photography experience for you and your family that prioritizes you and your baby’s needs every step of the way. Here’s what you can expect from your newborn photography session with me!
What to Expect When Working With Me
Once you’ve officially booked your newborn session, your due date goes on my calendar. I take on a limited number of clients per month to ensure that I can serve you beautifully whenever your baby makes their debut, so once you’re all at home and are settling in, we will set an official session date and time.
It’s common to wonder how soon a newborn session should take place after a baby is born. My rule of thumb is that if your baby is in diapers, and so are you, your only focus should be on bonding with that baby!
Newborn photos are special because they capture such a finite moment in time, but that window of opportunity is longer than most families think. It’s important to give yourself time to recover and to get to know your baby first and foremost before you consider confirming your session date.
It’s also important to know that during your newborn session, I follow your family’s lead; your baby is in charge, and they can take as many nursing breaks or snuggle times as they need.
If your baby is joining older siblings in your family, please bring the whole family along for your session! I love to capture photos of the entire family with your newest arrival.
As a mom of 5 kids myself, I’m an expert in chaos wrangling, so I always tell my families not to fret if your older children are jumping off the walls or if your toddler isn’t very interested in sitting still; I will make sure your toddler gets in the shot, even if I need to play a game with them to trick them into sitting or find creative ways to harness their natural curiosity!
The Flow of Your Session Day
Your session day has finally arrived! Once you arrive at my photography studio, which is attached to my home, you’ll be encouraged to kick off your shoes and make yourself comfortable. The environment is quaint and cozy, and I’ve prepared the space for you to relax together with your baby.
While you browse the gowns on my rack and the clothing items I have available for other family members, I will dress your baby in an adorable hand-knit romper and begin photographing your newest addition.
As you finish getting ready, I’ll focus on capturing all of the details of your baby, from their fingers and toes to their nose and their lips. I also have snacks and drinks on hand for you and your family while I finish up the baby-only portion of the session.
Once everyone is ready, we’ll move into family photos. I generally like to pose mama and baby in a seated position, as it tends to be most flattering for postpartum mamas. While you cuddle and admire your baby, I’ll hover around you and snap away!
At that point, dad will hop into the frame for some photos of you as parents with the baby. I’ll also capture photos of dad and baby by themselves while mom takes a break. It tends to get warm inside the studio with a giant light shining your way, but I’ve thought of every detail: you’ll have your own personal fan blowing on you so you don’t overheat.
From there, we’ll move into other poses, including standing, sitting on stools, and laying down to give your family the best variety. We’ll add in sibling shots as well; if you have older children, I have tons of toys and activities to keep them entertained and happy until it’s their turn in front of the camera.
Once I finish up the family portion of the session, we’ll take a break for the baby to nurse or eat, and when they’re ready, I’ll change them into a new outfit and do one more special setup for the baby only. Depending on your preferences, we may choose a set with your baby wrapped up and gently placed in a bucket or a sleepy pose on a tiny, custom-made bed.
This session flow is a loose plan that can be customized based on the needs of you and your family! It’s important to me to allow your baby to lead the way and to give them as many breaks for closeness and snuggle time with mom as they need.
As your photography session comes to a close, you’re welcome to hang around and finish playing or feeding the baby before leaving for home. I’ll take a few moments before you depart to share with you all of the beautiful products, such as albums, prints, and wall art, that you can use your print credit to design. I’ll also share when you can expect to receive your gallery, and I’ll send you on your way with a small thank you gift.
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Expanding your family is an occasion worth celebrating in photographs that you’ll be eager to display and enjoy for years to come. I love serving families in Wilmington, Hampstead, and along the North Carolina coast, and documenting your family as you welcome your newest addition is my signature service.
Ready to learn more about my newborn photography services? Click here to reach out and schedule a newborn session!
Have you started packing your bag for the hospital? Want an easy checklist to make sure you got all the essentials? Click here.
