No, it’s not a silly question. It’s a perfectly valid one! How long do newborn photo sessions actually take? Perhaps you’re a new mom and you’re wondering what to expect at your newborn photo session.
When it comes to newborn sessions, I tell my clients that the newborn photo session usually takes 1.5 hours. This gives us time for diaper changes, perhaps a feeding if necessary, as well as photos of baby with siblings, family and solo shots.
What’s the average length of a newborn session?
On average, a newborn session takes 1.5 hours long. Sometimes we are done within an hour. And sometimes we may go up to 2 hours, although that is rare. When compared to a family or maternity session, which run about 45 mins, newborns tend to need a little extra time to photograph. This is especially true if you have a larger family. When there are siblings involved (or, maybe you’re including your fur babies like in this post), newborn sessions can tend to run on the longer side because of the time it takes to interact with and capture sibling/baby photos. However, if it is your first child, then sessions could only take about an hour or so.
Why do newborn sessions take longer than other sessions?
Truth be told: the baby sets the pace for newborn sessions! There is a bit of extra time built into newborn sessions to facilitate diaper changes, feedings, and sometimes the baby needs extra time to calm. I always encourage mom to feed baby 30 minutes prior to our session so that baby is nice, calm and sleepy. Sometimes extra diaper changes are needed during the session and this will either wake the baby up or, it could cause the baby to fuss. In which case, we would need time to soothe baby back to sleep or into a calm state. Also, newborns go through huge growth spurts and tend to cluster feed. Adding extra time to the session gives us the margin to add in a feeding if we need to.
Newborn Photo Session Timeline
Arrival
Once I arrive, I’ll say hello + chit chat a little (of, course!). The very first thing that I will do is take my shoes off, set my camera down and scope out the lighting in the home. Lighting is the most important part of the photo process. So, finding a good spot is key! Usually the master bedroom or nursery are the best spots.
Family + Sibling Photos
I like to start with:
The entire family together
Newborn and the siblings together
Newborn with each individual sibling starting with the youngest and working up in age order. Siblings that are toddlers have a short attention spans, so I like to make sure that I photograph the newborn with the youngest toddler first.
And of course, we can’t forget about getting photos of baby with her four-legged siblings!
Mom + Dad
I like to carve out a little bit of time for:
Mom and dad with baby
Mom solo with baby
Dad solo with baby
Baby Solo
At this point, baby has been held alot and is hopefully asleep! This is the time in which I like to get a few solo newborn photos of just baby.
Wrapping Up
Before I leave, I always ask my clients if there is anything else they would like me to get before I go. Usually we have all the bases covered by this point. But, just in case, I always ask. I also remind them of my turnaround time which is 1-2 weeks. Galleries are sent via email with a link to download all the images.
Small things that can help your newborn session run on time
In general, a tidy home is very aesthetically pleasing when it comes to in home newborn sessions. But have someone help you. A deep clean isn’t necessary, but a general tidying up is more than fine.
Have everyone’s clothes laid out the night before. Include all accessories! If you need help deciding what to wear, go to this post for helpful info.
Start getting ready early. Sometimes the getting ready process takes longer than you think
Provide siblings with a snack prior to my arrival
Feed your baby 30 minutes prior to my arrival + do a quick diaper change before you begin your feeding
Plan a slow morning for your the day of your newborn photo session
The best way to prepare for your newborn session is to decide that the morning of your session is going to be nice and relaxing. Don’t schedule anything. Make something for breakfast the night before ie: overnight oats, french toast casserole. Set your clothes out the night before. Whatever you can do to make your morning smooth and relaxing is going to set you up for success. As newborn photographer, my goal is for you to enjoy your session and for it to be a peaceful time.
Want to know more info
about my newborn sessions?
Frequently Asked Questions
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I like to schedule newborn sessions for either 10am or 11am, when the sun is nice and bright. Light is the most important thing when shooting in homes!
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Ideally, yes. But, sometimes dad can dip out early if we have gotten all of the shots we need with him.
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I encourage my clients to choose one swaddle and one outfit. No more than that.
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Yes, of course! I love capturing generational photos.
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Absolutely. See this post for more details.
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Unfortunately, because of the nature of the session, shorter mini sessions are not ideal for newborn sessions.
And Just Who am I?
I’m a wife and mama of two boys living in Stuart, FL. I am passionate about preserving family legacies by creating classic and timeless family portraits for those who wish time stood still. I created my portrait sessions to show busy mamas that having a perfectly natural-looking family portrait in their home was not only obtainable… but also a joyful experience!
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