Stacie contacted the studio to learn more about booking a newborn session while she was at the beginning of her third trimester. She had initially thought she wanted to book a newborn session with photos of the baby only and no parent images because she was concerned she wouldn’t be up for being photographed after giving birth.
Guess what? We don’t do that. I only photograph newborn sessions that include parents and siblings. I have no interest in only photographing your baby, because that’s how strongly I believe that YOU need to be in the images too.
After speaking with Caroline (our full time studio manager) about why we don’t photograph just newborns and the reasons why, she understood the importance of being in the photos. Sometimes it just takes another perspective and the reassurances! She also learned about our COVID safety protocols while on the phone.
Stacie proceeded to book her newborn session here at the studio after determining that we were the perfect fit for what she was looking for. She was really excited to hear that we had a studio wardrobe available so she wouldn’t have to worry about shopping for something to wear, and asked to add on our hair and makeup services as well.
Adding on services to your newborn session is such a lovely way to treat yourself in the early postpartum days. You likely won’t feel like yourself in those first weeks, and will be tired. Our HMUA team is absolutely fantastic and you’ll feel like you’re visiting with a girlfriend as you chat throughout. Our team practices COVID safety, and is masked while in the studio with you. Adding on services does not lengthen your session time, as you will be sitting around regardless while your baby is being photographed alone at the beginning.
For those who are wondering about in home sessions: these have been indefinitely suspended for COVID safety reasons. We are currently only offering studio sessions. Don’t worry, because the only thing you need to worry about is getting here! A session in your home actually requires a lot of work: cleaning your house (who has time for this right after having a baby?!), moving distracting elements out of rooms, turning the heat up to get it warm enough in the house, and the list goes on and on. At the studio, you walk into a completely sanitized space at the perfect temperature, with the perfect natural lighting (and studio lights at the ready should they be needed), and kick back and relax!
SESSION DAY!
On the morning of their session, Stacie and her husband arrived at the studio with Isabella. Stacie already had her eye on a dress that she had seen on an Instagram post, and with a little creative clipping, we made it work for her, which she was thrilled about. We discussed whether she wanted me to incorporate tiebacks and headbands on Isabella’s head during her newborn portraits, and she asked for a mix with just a few images without them. I don’t do huge hair bows or flowers here, and I keep my selections proportionate to the size of your baby’s head. Stacie settled into the hair and makeup chair while I took Isabella over to the newborn shooting area for her solo portraits.
Isabella had the sweetest little button nose and drifted in and out of sleep throughout her session, and was a total dream to photograph. I love when a baby opens their eyes and gives me the opportunity to photograph eye contact images. I’m always on the lookout for big baby yawns as well, and take the time to capture those tiny little toes with a macro lens.
I use neutrals tones here in the studio, and I choose them based on your baby’s skin tone. I incorporate soft blush tones into baby girl sessions along with whites, creams, and beiges. Neutrals are timeless and will still look beautiful 50 years from now. They also serve to keep the focus where it should be: on your baby and all their details. The wrapping and posing that I do is also very baby led and kept very natural. I never force a baby into a position they don’t want to be in. The safety and comfort of your baby is my top priority when they are in my care.
After I finished Isabella’s solo portraits, she took a feeding break and had a diaper change. Stacie was finished with her hair and makeup services, so she got dresses, and transitioned to the parent and family portion of the session!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I LOVE photographing first time parents with their brand new baby! For some clients, their baby is the first baby they have ever held and they’re still getting comfortable moving them around. So a lot of my first time parent clients are a bit nervous since they still aren’t 100% used to handling their baby while standing up! If you think about it: when you’re at home with your newborn, most of the hands on care you are giving your baby is while sitting down or when they’re laying down on a changing table.
Even if you don’t have a lot of experience handling newborns, there’s NO need to be nervous during a session with me. My TOP priority is your baby’s safety and your comfort. I will communicate clearly with you about how to hold and move your baby, and we will adapt as needed! I will walk you through the entire session and demonstrate things if needed. There are TONS of different ways to hold a baby that work well for photographs - so if you don’t feel secure or confident holding your baby in one particular way, we’ll switch it up to one that you are.
During our time together, I’ll be on the lookout for stray hairs and adjust your clothing. I’ll also make sure you don’t give yourself a self inflicted double chin while looking down at your little one. ;)
I want your focus to be on your baby, not stressing about all those little things. The family portion is typically the “easiest” part of our time together . The only thing you’ll have to do is admire your tiny little human…. and I’m willing to bet you’ve been doing that since they were first placed in your arms after you delivered them.
After Stacie viewed her proof gallery, she let us know that she was so glad we had convinced her to be in the images too. We hear this a lot. You can never repeat this time in your life with THIS baby, so don’t let the opportunity pass you by.
Enjoy some of my favorite images from Isabella’s newborn session! I’m looking forward to seeing her again as she grows!
If you're expecting a baby or already a parent and looking for a newborn, maternity, or family photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Watch this video to hear about my philosophy and see how I work in the studio so you can determine if I'm the right fit for you. I can't wait to meet you!
Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and family photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.
