What is the best age for a newborn photo session?

One thing I love about lifestyle newborn photography is that we can do a session any time in the first month or two. A session with a month old baby wouldn’t really look much different to a session with a 6 day old baby, however each age will have it’s benefits. Here are some reasons why you’ll want your newborn session in the first two weeks:

Baby will be more sleepy

While I don’t think babies have to be sleeping for their newborn session, a sleepy baby normally means a calm baby and a session that moves along quickly.

Baby will have more of the newborn look

Little details of a newborn disappear so quickly such as flakey feet, and the umbilical cord stump. If you want these little details documented, the earlier your session is, the better.

Baby acne hasn’t kicked in

Most babies start developing baby acne around the one month mark. This can be edited out so don’t worry if your baby has baby acne, but it may be something to think about if you’re not sure when you would like your newborn session to take place.

There are also some advantages to having your newborn session a little later:

Mom has had a little longer to recover from the birth

Some moms need a little longer to get ready for a newborn session. By delaying your session until week 5, 6, or even longer you may feel a little more on top of things.

You’ll have more time to figure out outfits

While some people have all the details sorted before baby’s birth, by having a newborn session a little later, you can take your time planning outfits.

Jaundice is not normally an issue

Some babies can look pretty yellow those first few days. An older newborn has normally passed the jaundiced stage.

As you can see, there are advantages to either age so it is really up to you and what works best for your family. I’m happy to chat with you more about the best time for your newborn session.

When is the Best Time for a Sleepy Newborn Photography Session {Seattle Lifestyle Photographer}

Tips for a Sleepy Newborn

If you’re about to welcome a new little baby into your lives, you may be wondering when the best time to have your newborn session is. I believe that newborns of any age deserve a newborn session, in fact, I often photograph three or four month old babies, the exact same way I photograph week old babies. There is however a golden spot if you’re wanting images of your baby sleeping. I will never guarantee a baby will sleep but we can increase the chances of it by photographing baby in the first two weeks of life. In my 11 years or so of photographing newborns, I have noticed that babies aged between 6-8 days almost always sleep throughout their whole session.

Book your session for as early as possible:

I’m never going to guarantee a sleeping baby. I’m not a posed newborn photographer and an awake baby is just as beautiful as a sleeping baby, however, the earlier your session, the sleepier the baby normally is.

Keep your house nice and warm

Don’t worry, you can turn the heat down once I leave!

Swaddle your baby

I have a magic little swaddle that works wonders and can be used underneath your own blankets. It’s pretty amazing at getting babies off to dreamland quickly.

Make sure baby has a nice, full belly

Whether your breast or bottle feeding. you’ll want to try to get baby’s belly nice and full. Don’t worry, we will take plenty of feeding breaks if baby needs them.

Change diapers, clothes etc before baby drifts off to sleep

If baby falls asleep before they’re in the outfit you want them in for their session, we may end up waking them too soon. Try to have them in their outfit before the feeding and swaddling begin.

If you’re ready to schedule your newborn session, please get in touch. I would love to photograph your family!

Why You Should Have an In Home Lifestyle Newborn Session {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

Those first few days when you welcome your newborn can be hectic. You’re tired, your older kids are adjusting to having a new little baby in the house, you’re getting to know your new little person, and you’re recovering from birth. The last thing I, as your photographer, want to do is put more stress on you by having you leave your home and come to me for your newborn photo session. Here in Seattle, if you have your baby any time other than summer, it’s probably going to be chilly out so there’s no better way to do your photo session than snuggling up with your little family and staying at home.

Children are more comfortable in their own home

If you have older kids, they’re already adjusting to a new sibling. It’s always best to keep them in the environment they already know and love.

You don’t need to take your new baby out in the cold

No need to bundle your precious little baby up and take them out in bad weather during cold and flu season.

Your home is an extension of yourself

That nursery you’ve spent so much time and energy on, let’s use that as the backdrop to your newborn’s photos.

You don’t even need to put on shoes

I don’t know why this is always such a big selling point for me, but I’m always happiest barefoot and I’m sure you are too!

Is a Fresh 48 Session Right for You? {Seattle Newborn Photographer}

I’m so excited that after a two year hiatus, Fresh 48 sessions are coming back. They are some of my very favorite sessions and I absolutely love photographing this special time in your lives. Fresh 48 sessions are a relatively new concept. They are designed to document that very beautiful but fleeting time in the hospital over the first day or two after your baby’s birth. Fresh 48 sessions are raw, intimate and cozy and will serve as a beautiful memory of what life was like when your baby was fresh.

What is needed for a Fresh 48 session?

I honestly don’t think you need anything special. I love to use the gear the hospital provides. They use that little hat, blanket, and bassinet for such a short time and I think it’s important to document it. You can always bring you own swaddles or outfit if you wish but with so much already going on, I don’t want you to stress about extra stuff.

How long to Fresh 48 sessions last?

I try to keep Fresh 48 sessions as quick as possible. There is so many people coming and going from your hospital room and I never want to get in the way of anyone. I keep sessions to about half and hour and we always end up with a varied and full gallery in this short amount of time.

How do you book a Fresh 48 if baby’s arrival is unpredictable?

I book Fresh 48 sessions the same way I book newborn sessions. By paying the retainer, you are guaranteeing a spot on my schedule. Since most mamas only get 24-48 hours in the hospital, I ask that you send me a quick text or email with any updates (induction dates, c section dates, once you’re headed to the hospital etc). Once baby arrives you, or your support person should reach out to me as soon as possible and we will then decide on a time for me to come to the hospital.

What I’m doing to keep baby safe:

I am fully vaccinated and up to date on all vaccines including:

Covid 19

Influenza

TDaP

I will be wearing a mask to all Fresh 48 and in home newborn sessions. My oldest child caught RSV as an infant and I believe it’s so important to do what I can to prevent spreading any germs.
I will use hand sanitizer when entering your room and I won’t handle your baby.

What’s happening with visitors in hospitals?

Most hospitals in the greater Seattle area are now open to visitors. You will want to double check with your hospital to make sure visitors are allowed.

What is included with a Fresh 48 session?

Fresh 48 sessions include forty digital images for you to share and print as you wish. If you want a Fresh 48 session on it’s own, the price is $650 with a $150 retainer required at the time of booking. If you wish to book a newborn session too, the package deal is $1,175 with $300 due at booking. You will also receive high quality 4x6 prints of every image in your gallery as a gift.

Are you ready to schedule your Fresh 48 session? Please reach out to me so we can get you on the calendar!

Tips for Photographing Your Own Fresh 48

Must Take Images Before Your Baby Leaves the Hospital

I think we can all agree that this year has been a tough one. While it’s not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, missing out on a Fresh 48 session that you were excited about, can be a bit of a downer. I know it can vary by where you live, but in the Seattle area, photographers are still not able to photograph Fresh 48 sessions. Today, I’m going to share some tips for you to take those image yourself in the hospital while photographers aren’t allowed in. I hope these will help you with photographing those early days until we can have your at home newborn session.

Tip One for Photographing Your Own Fresh 48

Photograph the hospital items that you only see in those first couple of days. The little newborn hat and the hospital bracelets are only used for such a short time so make sure you get images of them while you can.

Tip Two for Photographing Your Own Fresh 48

Make sure you photograph them in the little plastic bassinet that they sleep in. This is so unique to your hospital stay so this is an image you’ll want to capture.

Tip Three for Photographing Your Own Fresh 48

As most hospitals are only allowing one guest, take turns photographing them in each other’s arms.

Tip Four for Photographing Your Own Fresh 48

Use natural light. Turn off the hospital lights. They are never flattering and natural light will take your pictures to a different level. Shoot during the daylight and either shoot with the window behind your subject, or with the baby positioned so the light is hitting them from the side.

Tip Five for Photographing Your Own Fresh 48

Don’t forget a close up of that sweet face and other little details like the tiny flakey feet.

Tip Six for Photographing Your Own Fresh 48

Make sure you explore different angles. You don’t need to take a traditional portrait. Move all around the baby. You might surprise yourself with what you get.

I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions. I’m happy to help!