Whether you are expecting, currently *surviving* with a newborn or little one, (or just reading this blog because you’re curious)...
You will benefit from knowing these tips and tricks to help baby’s first photoshoot run smoothly.
Hi, I’m Emma, and I am an Oregon maternity and motherhood photographer. I also love shooting couples and seniors/portraits, but I have been so interested in working more with the beautiful mamas on this earth! You are loved, and totally deserve to be appreciated and hyped up for all the work that you do in raising your little one(s). I hope that you'll find that not only do I provide beautiful, timeless photos, but that I encourage you and help you and become a friend at our creative photo session.
Well, you’re probably wondering what my amazing baby photoshoot hacks are… Here goes!
And at the end, if I've convinced you that you can survive a baby session with me, consider booking me as your photographer!
Know your photographer's style ahead of time.
Personally, I am not one for the posed newborn photos. While they are extremely cute, they require a large amount of prep and props, as well as knowledge to keep the baby safe during newborn poses.
I am more of a storytelling, documentary-style motherhood photographer, where I put the family and baby in a baby-friendly location, and then give the family some things to do with the baby. I love boho vibes, nature, and a weakness for picnics. I enjoy making funny faces at your baby and pinching their cute thighs to encourage smiles and laughs. These photos are an example of my style!
Feed and nap your baby on a regular schedule.
Communicate with your photographer ahead of time if you prefer shooting at a certain time of day, let them know ahead of time! Keep your baby on their schedule to the best of your ability, so that they are fed (at least) and happy before the shoot.
If your baby falls asleep during the photoshoot, it's no big deal. Sometimes, it can actually be helpful - and there are still plenty of photos and poses we can do with a sleepy baby. For example, this is a photo of a baby's adorable toes, which could have been taken with an asleep baby!
Bring your baby's comfort items.
If your baby has a special blanket, toy, or pacifier, bring it! While it doesn’t need to be in every photo, it is a great thing to have in case your baby gets upset. However, if you do have a special item that you'd like photographed, please let me know and I would love to accommodate you.
During this photoshoot pictured, Shelby brought a pacifier which she used to soothe her baby as I rearranged props and changed camera lenses. She was worried that it wouldn't match the vision, so most photos are without the pacifier, but I captured this photo, and thought it was pretty adorable.
Expect things to go "wrong".
As a documentary-style photographer, I love all of the candid shots. I will rarely perfectly pose you, but direct you sometimes in a certain direction. Also, let’s be honest, babies cry. They have fits. They even throw up! If any of these happen to you during a session with me, I will tell you with a smile that it is ‘no big deal’. Because it really is no big deal. We will work through it together!
For this session, the baby hardly smiled. At only three months, this isn't unusual. Even so, I caught some accidental smiles, and those are scattered around in the final gallery. I do believe that if your baby has a renowned grumpy face, you will still want photos of it to show them in a few years, or to show everyone your baby's true personality.
Emma was absolutely amazing!! She was so sweet with my 3 month old, and was making him smile so much! She was great about directing the shoot and the photos are absolutely stunning. I loved the set up she created for our shoot as well, so ethereal and dreamy. I can’t wait to shoot with her again!
Shelby May
If these things make you feel more comfortable and open to a baby session with me, I would absolutely recommend you book with me!
When you inquire through my Contact page, we will collaborate to find a location + style, date, and outfit inspiration to make your session dreamy!
My hope is that these photos will be good enough that you want to print them for your home, to reminisce on such a beautiful time. (Bonus: when you get your gallery, I have an online store to make printing and delivering to your home SUPER easy.)
