A Photographers journey...
*1. The First Few Days: What to Expect* Newborns spend most of their time sleeping. It’s normal for them to sleep between 16-18 hours a day, although this can vary. Their sleep patterns will be irregular, as they need to wake frequently to feed. Newborns also experience a range of reflexes, such as the Moro reflex (startle reflex), which is a response to sudden movements or noises.
*2. Feeding and Nutrition* Feeding is a primary concern for new parents. Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula-feed, it’s essential to understand that newborns have tiny stomachs and need to eat often. Breastfeeding generally occurs every 2-3 hours, while formula feeding might be slightly less frequent. It’s also normal for newborns to lose a small percentage of their birth weight in the first few days, but they should start gaining weight once feeding is established.
*3. Sleep Patterns and Soothing Techniques* Newborns have irregular sleep patterns and can wake up frequently during the night. Creating a calming bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Techniques like swaddling, gentle rocking, and white noise can be soothing. It’s also important to practice safe sleep habits, such as placing your baby on their back to sleep and using a firm mattress.
*4. Diapering and Hygiene* Newborns will go through a lot of diapers. Expect to change them frequently, as newborns can soil their diapers up to 10 times a day. It’s crucial to keep the area clean and dry to prevent diaper rash. Using gentle, hypoallergenic wipes and a good barrier cream can help maintain healthy skin.
*5. Bonding and Emotional Support* Bonding with your newborn is vital. Skin-to-skin contact, talking, and singing to your baby can strengthen your connection. It’s also important to take care of your own emotional well-being. Parenting can be stressful, and seeking support from family, friends, or professionals is key to maintaining a healthy balance.
*6. Health and Wellness* Regular pediatrician visits are essential to monitor your baby’s growth and development. Vaccinations, routine check-ups, and developmental milestones are all part of ensuring your baby stays healthy. Keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as fever, unusual fussiness, or feeding problems, and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.
*7. Preparing for the Future* As your baby grows, their needs will evolve. Understanding developmental stages, from the early milestones of rolling over and sitting up to walking and talking, will help you support their growth. Continue to engage with your baby through play, reading, and interaction to foster their development.
*Conclusion* The newborn phase is a precious time filled with new experiences and challenges. By understanding what to expect and how to care for your baby, you can make this period smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, every baby is unique, and flexibility is key. Embrace the journey, seek support when needed, and cherish these early moments with your little one.
Any photographer that photographs newborns must have safety as their number one priority. There are many things that can go wrong if this is not practiced with each and every one of your little clients.
I am very stern on the fact that if a baby is not comfortable in a pose I move on to the next, I tweak poses all the time to whichever way the baby is comfortable and relaxed. I will never for any reason force a baby into a pose.
I have parents ask me all the time for certain poses especially the "froggy pose" as shown in the image, I always tell them I will try, but I cannot force baby into this. Safety is number one with this pose and I like to share how it is done safely. Someone is ALWAYS holding baby, I do not have an assistant so I always ask Mom or Dad to give me a hand spotting for me.
I am holding baby in place in one shot (a parent or assistant is just right beside the baby spotting even when I am doing this), and in another image I have someone holding only baby's head only.
The final image as shown is the final outcome done safely, we never under any circumstances put baby in this position unattended. We call these types of images "composites" where we merge 2 images together to make one final image.
The "froggy pose" for example really requires a sleepy baby, usually within the first 14 days of life there is a better chance to achieve this than with an older baby.
I wanted to make my clients aware that I am always willing to try a pose you like, however if your baby is uncomfortable and is showing cues of stress I will immediately change positions. Your child's safety is far more important that getting that pose.
The following diagram shows how your baby is in mummy's tummy, some babies may or may not be able to go in certain positions in the first place depending on how they were in the womb.
Some babies can be placed in certain poses without discomfort as that is how they were in the womb where as some babies hips etc. cannot bend that way.
It is also very important for clients to advise your photographer if there are any hip etc. issues at birth as this could effect the poses and there may be some poses that should not be done as it can worsen the situation.
I truly hope this was a little insight as to what us photographers need to look out for when working with your little one. In most cases it is not because we may not want to do the pose for you, it is because your baby has shown cues of distress in them and their safety is what is most important at the end of the day.
I like to think of your baby as my own when I work with them, if I feel that a certain pose etc. would harm or cause stress to your child I will stop immediately.
Lastly, just practicing common sense - always have your camera strap around your neck when shooting over head and no not use glass or flimsy props and the list goes on. If you wouldn't do it to your own child do not do it to others.
I am a BIG believer in "prevention is ALWAYS better then a cure"
This is going to be a long one folks, but worth the read to anyone to get good insight on our business and what we need to run it successfully.
I have this question asked of me several times by clients and even people who are wanting to peruse this profession. A fellow photographer in my area posted a similar blog and I just had to also join in and give some insight to the many factors that make newborn photography prices the way they are. It is not always just in the case of newborns, it applies to all my sessions also.
I am solely speaking for myself here and want to make it clear that everything I am about to run through here is not necessarily the same for every other photographer.
Please also take into account the experience and quality of work from the photographer you are looking to hire. It is obvious a starting out photographer will not charge what I do, but I don't even think that matter's a whole lot. You as a client are hiring a photographer for their style and perhaps just for THEM as a person weather they have 1 year of experience under their belt or 10 years. If clients are hiring solely on price, well that is fine too. That being said I think it is safe to say most photographers that have this type of business full-time or on a part-time bases still have some or most of these expenses. It is also quite possible I even missed a few ;)
Many need to take into consideration the pricing for equipment in general (this is the most costly of all) In my case I use studio light not natural light (natural light photographers luckily get to skip this expense). Starting with lights (I personally have 3 high end lights), bulbs and flash tubes for the lights, umbrellas/soft boxes, reflectors, camera(s) (I have 2 camera's - my main baby and a back up), camera lenses (I own 4, but some photographers own many more than that). This can all add up to close to $10,000 or more!
I can now go ahead and list all the other expenses involved to run the business successfully:
- Heating (I heat my house and have space heaters going especially for newborn sessions)
- Newborn sessions can range from 1-4 hours depending on the package - this consists my trying to keep baby relaxed, posing baby, keeping baby safe at all times. My work does not end after the session - I then need to cull all the images make edits to them, send them off to the client - once selections are made it can take hours of editing the final selections.
- Workshops and courses to keep us up to date with trends or new techniques, depending on the teacher these workshops are in the hundreds or even thousands (yes..thousands). I did a newborn workshop last year that was $400 USD just to give you an idea. Some mentors that visit our towns to do workshops in person can be well over $1000 USD.
- PROPS, outfits, wraps, bonnets, headbands, backdrops (paper, vinyl, wood etc..), blankets, furs and the list can go on and on. These pieces add up quickly and are very expensive depending on quality. I personally only like to shop the best quality so I end up paying a bit more, but it makes my clients images look all that better with high quality products. We cannot take the "cheap" way when it comes to this as it also makes our work look that way and nobody wants that.
- Leasing a studio space. I personally work from my home studio, but many others lease space - that is also quite expensive. However, because my studio is in my home my utilities are more as I am using extra electricity, heat, A/C etc..
- Liability insurance
- Marketing and advertising
- Bookkeeper and Accountant
- Website, appointment booking systems and other business related software. These cost money to operate and time to update regularly.
- Editing software (Lightroom and Photoshop in my case) is a monthly premium.
- External hard drives to back up images. These get costly as they are not cheap. I have quite a few of these going and it is a necessity.
I truly hope this helped give some insight on the back end of my business. I personally would not trade it for the world as I absolutely love what I do and no matter the cost I will still keep going. I think this just helps create some awareness that we do not just make up numbers and charge that number - there are many factors that go into our pricing.
I hope you enjoyed the read and the insight and if you have any further questions on anything mentioned please feel free to ask me, I can always elaborate further.
The first few weeks of a newborn's life are a magical and transformative time for both the baby and the parents. Here’s an overview of what to expect and how to navigate this special period:
The first few weeks are filled with adjustments, learning, and bonding. Embrace the chaos, cherish the little moments, and remember that each baby is unique, progressing at their own pace. Enjoy this beautiful journey!
The best age for newborn photos is typically between 5 to 14 days old. During this time, babies are usually still very sleepy, easier to pose, and have that classic “newborn” look with their curled-up, womb-like positions. After two weeks, babies tend to be more alert and may not stay in those peaceful, sleepy poses as easily.
Getting newborn photos done is a wonderful way to capture those fleeting early moments of your baby’s life. Here are a few reasons why they’re worth considering:
Timeless Memories: Newborns change so quickly, and having professional photos helps preserve those tiny features and precious expressions.
Family Bonding: The photo session can be a special time for parents to bond with their newborn and celebrate their new addition as a family.
Professional Quality: A skilled photographer knows how to handle and pose newborns safely and beautifully, capturing the essence of your baby in a way that’s hard to replicate at home.
Unique Art: Beautiful newborn photos can become cherished pieces of art in your home, reminding you of that special time for years to come.
Milestone Documentation: Newborn photos are a great way to mark the beginning of your child's life story, complementing other milestones you’ll document as they grow.
Legacy: These images can be shared with your child as they grow up, giving them a glimpse into their early days and the love that surrounded them.
Overall, newborn photos are a meaningful investment in capturing the magic of early parenthood!
Taking maternity photos can be significant for several reasons:
Celebration of Pregnancy: Maternity photos celebrate the journey of pregnancy, capturing the beauty and unique experience of this time.
Creating Memories: These photos serve as lasting memories of a special period in life, allowing parents to look back and reminisce.
Bonding: The photo session can be a meaningful bonding experience for parents-to-be, fostering connection and excitement for the new arrival.
Documenting Change: Pregnancy brings about many physical and emotional changes, and maternity photos document this transformation.
Sharing with Loved Ones: Maternity photos can be shared with family and friends, allowing them to be part of the journey and celebrate with the parents.
Empowerment: Many people find that maternity photography helps them embrace their bodies and feel empowered during pregnancy.
Overall, maternity photos capture a unique moment in time, filled with anticipation and love.
When choosing a newborn photographer, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure you get the best experience and results. Here are some key questions to consider:
What is your experience with newborn photography?
Can I see a portfolio of your recent work?
What is your approach to safety during the session?
Do you have a studio or do you offer on-location sessions?
What is included in your package?
What is your pricing and payment policy?
How do you handle rescheduling in case of illness or emergencies?
How long does a typical session last?
What should we bring to the session?
When can we expect to see our photos?
Do you offer any prints or albums?
Can we discuss our vision or specific poses we want?
Do you have liability insurance?
What happens if the baby is fussy during the session?
Are there any travel fees for on-location sessions?