Key tips for capturing the most tender and touching newborn photos

If you are thinking of directing your professional career towards taking newborn photos, it is essential that you know that this speciality is not like any other. In this type of newborn reportage, a special sensitivity, a great deal of patience and, above all, a deep respect for the baby’s time and needs are required. In these sessions, aspects such as extreme care when positioning the baby and the dedication beforehand to prepare every detail of the environment are key if you want to offer a quality service. However, these are not the only factors to take into account. Becoming a good newborn photographer goes far beyond mastering the photographic technique: it also involves empathy with the parents, knowledge of neonatal behaviour and excellent planning.

In today’s post, we want to share with you 10+1 essential recommendations that will help you make a leap in quality in your newborn photo sessions. With them, you will not only achieve more professional images, but you will also ensure that the whole experience is unforgettable and totally satisfying for the new parents.

 

Essential guide with 10+1 keys to create unique and memorable newborn photo sessions for every family.

 

Everything you need to know about newborn photo shoots

 

Newborn photo shoots are usually taken in the first days of a baby’s life, ideally during their first week. This brief and magical period is perfect for capturing newborns in poses that they still remember and that they adopted in their mother’s womb, which brings a great tenderness and naturalness to each image.

In this type of reportage, it is common for the children’s photographer to design a series of carefully detailed settings, with striking decorations, soft textures and specific props that turn each photograph into a true work of art. The result is unique images that touch families and become everlasting memories. This style of newborn photography is so special that when parents discover that such sessions exist, they are often delighted. However, what many don’t know is that in order to achieve such adorable images, the photographer must undergo highly specialised training and practice for hours with articulated dolls, designed to learn how to safely handle the delicacy of a newborn.

All the work, dedication and commitment behind each newborn photo shoot deserves to be valued. Sometimes, the lack of information makes some families doubt whether or not to have this significant first session. Therefore, it is essential to make known not only the final result, but also the process, care and professionalism involved in each newborn photo session.

10+1 key tips to make your newborn sessions a real success

 

For all those mums and dads who are considering the possibility of doing a newborn session to feel calm, confident and enthusiastic about the idea, it is essential that you, as a photographer specialising in children’s photography, can transmit professionalism, confidence and closeness at all times. To achieve this, it is essential to have specialised training in newborn photography, as this type of session requires specific knowledge about how to handle the baby, how to pose safely and how to manage the environment. In addition, it is highly recommended that you have different packs adapted to the needs of each family, and that you provide clear and detailed information on how a session is carried out: how long it lasts, what the parents should bring, how the baby’s well-being is looked after at all times, etc.

In short, if you are thinking of incorporating newborn photo shoots into your children’s photo shoots, this guide will be of great help to you. Here you will find a series of practical recommendations and essential tips to take your first steps professionally, safely and with all the guarantees for you and for the families who trust in your work.

1# Prioritise the baby’s safety 100% in every newborn session

This is undoubtedly the most important aspect and the one on which you should concentrate all your efforts, especially during your first sessions, when you are still gaining confidence in handling and positioning newborns. Remember that you will be working with babies who are only a few days old, so it is essential that you feel totally confident and prepared before placing them in any pose. For this reason, specific training in newborn photography is essential before you start offering this type of session professionally. Nowadays, there are numerous specialised courses that will teach you everything from the basics, such as how to hold the baby safely if you are not yet practised, to advanced techniques for positioning, transitioning between poses and designing the flow of a complete session.

In addition, at the beginning it is highly recommended that you practice with articulated dolls specially designed to simulate the body and fragility of a newborn baby. This will allow you to familiarise yourself with the positions and movements, correct mistakes without risk and gain fluency before working with real babies. Only with a solid foundation, patience and lots of practice will you be able to deliver safe, smooth and high quality newborn photo shoots.

2# Design a soft, enveloping light environment that brings out the tenderness of each newborn

In newborn photography sessions, lighting plays a fundamental role and must be carefully controlled. It is important to avoid any type of aggressive light that may make the baby uncomfortable. The ideal is to create a soft, warm and relaxed atmosphere in the studio, which favours the baby’s calmness and sleep, two key elements for the session to flow smoothly.

Remember that in these first sessions, the baby is usually asleep or in a very calm state. The use of intense spotlights or direct lights can alter this calmness and make the session more difficult to develop. Therefore, if your studio has natural light, make the most of it: it offers a more friendly, natural and favourable lighting for this type of portraits. In addition, scheduling the sessions in the morning has multiple advantages. On the one hand, babies are usually calmer and sleepier at that time, which makes it easier to handle them. On the other hand, parents, who are usually off work in those early days, especially appreciate the peace of mind of having the studio to themselves, without the hustle and bustle of the afternoon, when there may be more movement of clients or other sessions.

Taking care of the light and atmosphere in newborn photos not only enhances them, but also elevates the experience for the families, making the session more comfortable, intimate and special.

3# Create a relaxed and welcoming environment that makes both babies and parents feel comfortable

As well as making sure you create a calm and relaxed atmosphere in the studio so that the newborns feel comfortable and don’t get upset, it is very important that you also think about the comfort of the parents. Especially if it’s their first time at a newborn session, it’s normal for them to be a little nervous. Keep in mind that they will be entrusting someone who is not family (except in the case of the paediatrician, of course) with their baby’s wellbeing and safety, which can cause some anxiety.

To reassure the parents and make them feel more confident from the start, the first thing to do is to send them a detailed script of how the session will unfold, so they know exactly what to expect. This will give them a clear idea of the process, reduce stress and allow them to enjoy the experience more. When the parents arrive at the studio, you can also create a little comfort corner for them. A comfortable chair, some magazines, water, biscuits and an instant coffee or tea machine can make all the difference. This way, while you work with the baby, the parents will feel more relaxed and accompanied, and the hours in your studio will be much more pleasant.

The wellbeing of the parents is key so that they can also relax and enjoy the moment, knowing that their baby is in good hands. At the end of the day, your goal is not only to get good photos, but also to make the experience a positive one for the whole family.

4# Establish a smooth and efficient newborn session dynamics

In newborn photography sessions, as we have already mentioned, it is common to place babies in different poses to create more striking and varied images. These poses can be done on a variety of elements, such as drapes, buckets, cradles, bowls and many other creative options. By using these elements, along with the right props, studio décor and props to dress the baby, you will achieve more dynamic and visually appealing photos, which will delight the parents.

For the shoot to run smoothly and not take unnecessarily long, it is crucial that you plan in advance not only the poses and the order in which you will do them, but also the elements and props you are going to use. Knowing what props, backgrounds or accessories you will need will allow you to work more efficiently and quickly. This pre-work will not only speed up the shoot, but will also give you more confidence during the shoot. By having everything under control, the workflow will be much more agile and dynamic, allowing the photo sessions to be more effective, without compromising on quality or the experience for the parents.

In addition, planning will also help you to be more creative, as you can experiment with a variety of styles in a shorter amount of time, resulting in a diverse and memorable photo gallery for the parents.

5# Provide parents with a detailed explanation of how the session will proceed

As we mentioned in point 3, it is crucial to resolve all the doubts that the parents may have before the day of the photo shoot. This step is fundamental to ensure a calm and stress-free experience. The first thing you must convey to them is confidence. Before the session, organise a talk beforehand where you can explain how you work, what kind of precautions you take when positioning the baby and, above all, share your experience and training in newborn photography. This will give them confidence and help them feel comfortable.

Once the parents are calm and decided to carry out the session, it is highly recommended to send them a detailed guide on how the day of the photo shoot will take place. Here are a few ideas:

• Duration of the session: indicate the approximate number of hours the session will last. This will help you to better organise yourselves.
• Precautions beforehand: explain important details that should be taken into account before going to the examination, such as making sure that the baby has finished its last feeding beforehand, that it is wearing comfortable clothes, etc.
• Spare clothes: recommend that you bring a change of clothes in case the baby gets dirty during the session, spare nappies and several bottles.
• Involvement of parents: if parents are going to participate in the session, inform them about the type of costumes that are appropriate for them.
• Style details: warn mums to avoid flashy nail polish or excessive make-up that may clash with the soft tones of the decorations.

These are just a few ideas to keep things flowing, but remember that the more information your clients receive beforehand, the more relaxed and confident they will feel during the shoot. By providing them with everything they need, you will be creating a smoother and more enjoyable experience for both the parents and yourself.

6# Design a variety of customised packages or services to suit each client’s needs

 

When organising your different newborn session packages, it is advisable to create at least three options to suit different types of clients. Ideally, you should offer a basic package at a lower price, an intermediate package with more options and a premium package that includes all available services. This way, you will be able to cover a wider range of clients and give them the possibility to choose the package that best suits their needs.

It is important to keep in mind that organising the studio for a newborn photo shoot is not the same as organising it for a traditional photo book. Newborn shoots require a higher level of preparation in terms of decoration, props and time dedicated to the safety and comfort of the baby. Therefore, you should carefully calculate the minimum price for this type of shoot, taking into account all the resources and care involved. One option that works very well is to inform families about all the options you offer and then create a personalised budget according to their needs. This gives them flexibility and allows the package to be tailored to their expectations.

In addition, in order for parents to properly appreciate the work involved in a newborn photo shoot, it is important that they receive detailed information prior to the shoot. This includes information about the type of preparation you will be doing, the length of the shoot, your experience with newborn photography, and what they can expect from each package. Having this information at hand will make it easier for parents to understand the value of this type of shoot, which will make their decision to hire you much easier.

7# Use pregnancy photos to connect and build loyalty with future newborn session clients

A very effective strategy to attract clients for your newborn photography is to inform them about this type of photography during pregnancy, when the mothers-to-be are still in the sweet wait. This is the ideal time to sow the seeds of interest, as many families have not yet decided whether they will have a newborn photo shoot or with which professional they will have it done.

If you are already offering maternity sessions, you have a great advantage: mums already know you, have had a positive experience with you and trust the way you work. This prior connection is essential so that, once the baby is born, they will naturally choose you to capture their first images.

To further enhance this opportunity, you can create a combined package that includes both the pregnancy session and the newborn photo shoot. This not only makes planning easier for the parents, but also offers them added value.

Another option that works very well is to offer an exclusive discount on the newborn session to those mums who have already had a maternity session with you. This type of action not only improves your conversion rate, but also positions you as a professional who accompanies families throughout the process, generating loyalty and future recommendations.

8# Plan poses and transitions in advance for a smooth and safe newborn session

Although we have already mentioned this topic in other sections, we believe it deserves a specific section, as it is a key aspect in the organisation of any newborn photo shoot. Including a detailed planning of the shoot in your work routine will make a difference in both the quality of your service and your confidence as a photographer. By having a clear structure of poses and transitions in advance, you will achieve a smoother flow during the shoot. This will not only allow you to position the baby more confidently and accurately, especially in your first few sessions, but will also help you to optimise time and reduce unnecessary pauses, which is essential when working with newborns.

Ideally, you should design a sequence of basic poses that you can repeat and master, adapting it slightly according to the situation. This routine will give you confidence and help your baby stay calm, as you will minimise sudden or unnecessary movements. From this base, you can personalise each session by incorporating different props, props and themes according to the tastes of each family, thus achieving a varied and attractive gallery for your portfolio.

Remember: good planning will not only improve your workflow, but also convey professionalism to parents, who will see you as a specialist they can trust.

9# Always remain calm and patient during the newborn photo shoot

One of the fundamental requirements that every photographer specialising in newborns must have is, without a doubt, patience. Newborn sessions usually require a dedication of between 2 and 4 hours, and can be long for both the baby and the parents… and also for you. That’s why keeping calm and serene will be key for everything to flow naturally.

Ideally, you should plan the shoot in a structured but flexible way, avoiding unnecessary length. A good strategy is to organise the poses as a chained sequence, so that each change involves as little movement as possible for the baby. This reduces the risk of waking or fussing and will also help you to maintain a smoother and more efficient pace.

Remember that you are working with babies who are only a few days old, and in many cases with new parents who are still adapting to new rhythms. For this reason, it is best to reserve a whole morning for a single report. This way you can take all the necessary breaks: feeding, nappy changing or simply waiting for the baby to go back to sleep.

Creating a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere will make the experience more enjoyable for everyone and allow the end result to be much more natural, emotional and professional.

10# Maintain the link and generate new business opportunities after newborn photos

Once the parents have left the studio, your work as a newborn photographer doesn’t have to end. Even if you already have a number of photographs previously agreed with them, you can continue to generate income and strengthen your relationship with the family if you have a well thought-out platform for the delivery and subsequent sale of images such as our client galleries.

Using a private online gallery to showcase the final photos will not only add a degree of professionalism and convenience, but will also allow you to offer additional products such as enlargements, personalised albums, print boxes or even digital keepsakes. Many families will fall in love with more images when they see than they initially thought, and if you provide them with the option to purchase them directly from the gallery, you will naturally increase the profitability of each session. You can also include limited-time special offers, extra packs, a private link to share with the family or suggestions for great products to give to grandparents or other family members, which opens up new revenue streams without the need to organise another session.

In the following blog article we explain step by step how to set up and get the most out of a well-optimised client gallery.

>> Increase your sales through customer image delivery

 

 10+1# Perfect your technique for safe, aesthetic and high quality newborn photos

Although this is the last recommendation we give you today on how to make and sell more newborn photos, it is no less important. In fact, taking care and perfecting your photographic technique is what will really give meaning to all the previous work of preparation, setting and customer service. Without a good technique, neither the best lighting nor the prettiest set can compensate for a poor execution. Therefore, it is essential that you constantly work on defining your own style and mastering the specific technique of newborn photography. This not only includes knowing how to handle the camera or position the baby safely, but also having a clear artistic vision, taking care of the composition, controlling the light and, of course, making a careful and professional edition that enhances the tenderness and delicacy of this type of images.

Don’t stop training. Update your knowledge from time to time, attend specialised workshops, follow photographers you admire and observe in detail how they work. The more you polish your technique and the more confidence you gain, the better results you will get… and the more your clients will appreciate your work. Because in newborn photography, every detail counts and it’s the combination of all of them that turns a beautiful image into a truly memorable photograph.

Design a newborn photo shoot that leaves a lasting impression on the parents and captures unforgettable moments

As you can see, taking newborn photos is not just a matter of having a camera at hand; it requires solid training in multiple aspects. It is essential that you master not only baby positioning techniques, but also set composition, specific photographic techniques and, of course, image editing to bring out the tenderness and delicacy that characterises this type of photography.

Once you have acquired the necessary knowledge and experience, the next step is to plan and organise each newborn session in advance. Make sure you inform the parents about how the shoot will take place before they arrive at your studio, so that they feel reassured and well prepared. It is also essential that you create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both baby and parents, so that they feel comfortable and relaxed at all times.

At Arcadina, we understand the importance of providing you with tools that not only optimise your work in the studio, but also help you showcase your portfolio online and continue to generate business even when the studio is closed. With our business solutions for photographers, you can offer a complete experience to your clients, allowing them to view and purchase their photos online with total convenience. Plus, you can try all our tools for free for 14 days to find out how they can boost your business.

 

 

Today we are going to share with you an interview with Rebeca Canalda, a children’s photographer who does a different kind of photography for newborns.

>> What is the day-to-day life of a children’s photographer like? Rebeca Canalda tells us about it

And finally, here’s our question. Tell us why are you interested in newborn photos? We’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Arcadina goes with you

Fulfil your dreams and develop your career with us. We offer you to try our web service free for 14 days. And with no commitment of permanence.

Arcadina is much more than a website, it is business solutions for photographers.

If you have any queries, our Customer Service Team is always ready to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We listen to you.