A newborn photoshoot is a specialised photography session that focuses on capturing images of your brand new baby in the early days of their life. A newborn photoshoot often features babies in sleepy, curled-up poses. While babies are generally considered newborns for the first few months, to a photographer, that window closes much sooner, after about 3 weeks. This is because babies above this age tend to be awake and less likely to spend time in the curled-up pose that makes newborn photography so special.
Most people don’t realise how small this window actually is, which is why it’s so important to plan your newborn photoshoot well in advance, ideally during your second or third trimester!
Posed Newborn Photography vs Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Posed Newborn Photography
When most people think about newborn photography, posed newborn photography is probably what comes to mind. This is the more classic approach, with the baby being placed in specific poses to show off their tiny features. Babies are often swaddled during the shoot and a variety of props (think wraps, knitted hats, and baskets) are used. You can also choose to do the session with your baby unclothed for a more minimalist look.
Traditionally, a posed newborn photoshoot works best within the first few weeks after birth, when baby is sleepier and therefore more malleable to posing. Babies at this age also tend to enjoy being swaddled and in the curled-up position. This is why a posed newborn photoshoot is time-sensitive and best done before the 3-week mark.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography
Lifestyle newborn photography, on the other hand, is a more relaxed and informal approach, focused on the natural expressions and interactions between you and your baby. The outcome is a more candid photoshoot that aims to preserve the natural essence of the moment. We usually recommend this style be done at your home, as it adds a personal and meaningful layer to your story.
Because lifestyle photography relies less on posing, there is no strict age limit. But we still recommend taking the photos in the first month, especially if you wish to document those tiny, teeny features of your newborn that change so quickly.
For an in-home session, you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect home, just a couple of softly lit spaces to work with. The nursery, living room, and parents’ bedroom are usually the best spots. A quick tidy of surfaces and some natural light goes a long way.
At Stories, our newborn photoshoot is a combination of the posed and lifestyle newborn photoshoots for the best of both worlds.
How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photoshoot
A little preparation goes a long way in helping the session run smoothly and stress-free. A Stories newborn photography session lasts approximately 1.5 hours in duration. You could do the shoot at our studio, your home, or your confinement centre. You can let us know if you prefer a more posed or lifestyle approach, and we will adapt accordingly. We will bring all the swaddles and some props for the session. Here are a few other things to keep in mind:
Before the session: Try to keep your baby awake in the hours leading up to the shoot. A well-fed, sleepy baby makes for peaceful pictures and a much calmer session for everyone. Feed and burp your baby right before the session begins, and avoid a full feed one to two hours beforehand so they’re ready for a proper meal just before you start.
What to bring: Pack at least one change of clothing in case of any accidents, as well as everything you’d normally need for feeding and changing. If there’s a special item you’d like included in the photos, a family heirloom, a handmade blanket, or a meaningful keepsake, let us know in advance.
For parents: Wear neutral colours like creams and soft tones for the family shots, and avoid chunky jewellery or accessories that might distract from the main subject, your baby! We always take variations during the shoot, so you’ll definitely be included in the session. These moments pass faster than you think, and you’ll treasure them.
During the session: Try to stay calm and relaxed. Babies can sense tension, so the calmer you are, the more settled your baby is likely to be. Fussing and crying is completely normal, so don’t panic if your baby does that! We have seen it all and will work patiently with you.
What If You Missed The Newborn Photoshoot Window?
We get it; the first month of being a new mum is exhausting. Between all the crying, endless feeding and diaper changing (not to mention recovering from delivery), a photoshoot may be the last thing on your mind.
If having a photoshoot in the first three weeks is not an option, don’t worry about it! Just because your baby isn’t a newborn anymore doesn’t mean you can’t still have a beautiful photoshoot. After all, babies don’t stop being cute, and any age is a good time to capture these precious memories.
If you do plan to take the photoshoot after the one-month-old mark, there are just a few things to take note of.
Since babies are more awake and active by then, we recommend a lifestyle photography session rather than a posed newborn shoot. Rather than sleepy, curled up poses, the focus will be on alert expressions, eye contact and perhaps even a smile.
If you need more time for rest and the photoshoot gets pushed back even further, the sessions can always be customised to focus on baby milestones, such as tummy time, crawling, etc. You can see this article for some milestones worth capturing.
Having a baby is one of the most extraordinary phases of life. Regardless of when you choose to do your photoshoot, you will always cherish the photos and the memories of the session.
