8 Frequently Asked Questions about Newborn Photo Shoots / Detroit Newborn Photography
You’re interested in a newborn photo session but you have no idea where to begin and you have a lot of questions, right?
We will tackle all the questions, but first, congratulations on your pregnancy! This time in your life is beyond exciting, and for you parents (especially first time parents!), it is ok to have questions about all.the.things!
Before we start, let me briefly introduce myself to you. I’m Chelsie Maurer - a thirty-something year old living in Metro Detroit. I’m married to my college sweetheart and we have two awesome daughters who are both sweet and spicy! I’ve recently become addicted to Diet Coke and reading Fiction Novels. I am a professional newborn and family photographer with a boutique studio downtown Utica, Michigan and I travel throughout Detroit. I absolutely love to serve my clients, and I genuinely enjoy giving them the best experience and photos. Enough about me though!
Onto those frequently asked questions!
When should I book the newborn session?
Ideally, you want to book your newborn session at least two - three months before your due date. I book newborns based on their due date, and take a limited number of babies per month. Babies have their own timing so this gives flexibility to fit all the babes in for photos! After baby is born, we schedule the photo session date for within the next two weeks, ideally.
My baby is already born! Can I still do newborn pictures?
The answer is yes! Please don’t miss out on the opportunity of those sweet, sleepy, squishy newborn photos. Reach out to me as soon as possible so you can get in the studio. As the baby gets older (three weeks or older), the newborn poses may vary a bit, but we can still absolutely do a session! The baby in the below photo was a 7 week old, and as happy as can be!
Do I need to bring baby outfits?
No need to bring any outfits for your little bundle of joy! I have a large variety of wraps, bonnets and tiebacks for the use during baby’s newborn photo session. These are stylized sessions, and all outfits provided match the style of the session. You don’t have to do any shopping for this occasion, Mama!
Is everything clean?
Any prop, blanket, wrap and so forth gets cleaned after use from all babies. The studio itself also gets sanitized and cleaned as well. You and your baby’s safety and health is of the utmost importance.
Why do newborn sessions take so long?
Good question! Most clients are surprised when I tell them newborn sessions are typically three hours. This is because I don’t rush baby (or parents!). If baby wants to feed, then baby will feed. If baby is fussy, baby will be cuddled and rocked for as long as need be. If baby needs to settle in longer, then that is what we do! I have several “baby whisperer” tricks up my sleeve, too!
What should I wear for the pictures?
For in-studio newborn family pictures, I recommend neutral clothing. Blacks, grays, creams, browns, muted greens and so forth. These are timeless and certainly photograph well!
For mama, I recommend wearing a loose top or dress. I photograph you and baby at a flattering angle, and the loose top also helps with the postpartum effects of having a baby. Don’t worry, you will look gorgeous!
What should I bring to the session?
Bring your diaper bag along. I ask that you bring a pacifier for baby during the session. This helps baby settle quicker throughout the session and different poses. If you are not comfortable with a paci, I understand and certainly respect your wishes.
I have a changing station for baby stocked with wipes and newborn sized diapers, but I ask you have your own changing mat or blanket to lay baby on for changing.
Feel free to bring your own snacks or drink if you wish, however, I also have a stocked mini refrigerator with refreshments, a Keurig for coffee or hot chocolate, and a little snack station as well.
Baby has blemishes and flaky skin. Is that something you can edit out?
Absolutely! Baby’s skin will be edited for the final images. No need to worry.
Newborn Photo Session Preparation Tips!
Each of my newborn clients get emailed a Newborn Photo Session Prep Guide. This covers how to best prepare the baby for a nice, sleepy session the morning of. It also includes little details that only a photographer would think of (ie - please don’t put lotion on the baby right before coming to the session, and several others!). My clients have told me just how helpful this Prep Guide was to them!
That covers most of the frequently asked questions for newborn baby portrait sessions! I hope you found it to be helpful and it better equips you for your baby’s photo shoot. Feel free to contact me here with any additional questions - I am happy to help!
xo,
Chelsie
You may also be interested in…
Three reasons why you SHOULD do that Maternity Session, Mama!
What you need to know about In-Home Newborn Lifestyle sessions
Chelsie Maurer is a professional photographer serving Metro Detroit and surrounding areas. She specializes in Maternity, Newborn, and Family sessions. Chelsie Maurer Photography’s studio is located in historic Downtown Utica, Michigan.