What to Expect During Your Studio Newborn Photo Session

I am often asked by parents what they should expect during their studio newborn photo session so below I have outlined my process and what to expect before, during and after your newborn photography session in my studio.

Once you know your due date, it is important to get in touch to reserve your newborn session date. Prior to booking, I am always available to discuss any questions you may have in regard to the session itself or my pricing. We can schedule a time to discuss these details over the phone or via email to ensure we are a good fit and that I am the right photographer for you. Newborn session dates are usually reserved months in advance as I only take a limited number newborn photography sessions each month.

The newborn photo sessions that I provide in studio typically take place when your newborn baby is between 7-14 days old.

During those first few weeks of life, your newborn baby is still slowly becoming aware of their surroundings and mostly sleeping or eating. That small window of time provides me with the wonderful opportunity to really document your tiny baby before they start to grow into a busy and active little baby and before they become fully aware of the environment around them. This is one of the main reasons that it’s important to book your studio newborn portrait session in advance of having your newborn baby. When you know your due date, it’s time to book! To reserve your studio newborn photography session at my newborn photography studio, a session deposit is required along with an electronically signed booking contract outlining your session details as well as my studio policies.

The studio is kept warm to ensure your newborn baby is comfortable when being wrapped, unwrapped and naturally posed.

Bringing a new baby into the world is hard work and can leave you at your partner feeling exhausted, especially if you already have another little one at your side. This is why it is so important to me to ensure my studio space is a calm, relaxed and inviting space where you can truly relax and enjoy these precious fleeting moments and celebrate the new addition to your family. I recommend that parents dress in layers so that you have the flexibility to remove layers if too warm.

My focus during your studio newborn session is to not only document your newborn baby on their own but to also photograph the beautiful connection you have with your brand new baby. I like to provide lots of time during newborn sessions for parents and their newborn baby to get settled as well as time for feeding baby and providing snuggles as needed. This is why I recommend parents plan to be in my studio for their newborn photography session for up to 3 hours (especially if wanting family portraits in addition to photos taken of their newborn baby on their own).

If you do have other children that you would like to be photographed with your newborn baby, the studio does have Netflix available on a portable iPad and many small nut-free snacks to keep your children occupied while waiting for their turn to be photographed with their brand new baby brother or sister. Some families prefer to have one parent bring the sibling(s) at a later time and so if this is the case, I usually recommend that this parent bring the sibling(s) 60 minutes after the scheduled newborn session start time to allow time for me to photograph your newborn baby on their own first.

I like to have everything ready to go when you arrive on the day of your newborn photo session so during you pre-session styling consultation we will discuss your color preferences for the layers, fabrics and backdrops that I will be using during the session as well as review wardrobe options to ensure that your final newborn baby portraits are exactly what you had envisioned. You will also receive my newborn session client guide that provides lots of helpful tips and suggestions for preparing for your upcoming newborn photo session in studio including a checklist of what to bring on the day of your newborn photography session!

During your newborn photo session I will photograph a series of photos of your newborn baby on their own showcasing their adorable little features as well as portraits of your newborn baby with you, your partner and any siblings they may have.

All newborn sessions are led by your baby and I will never force a newborn baby into a position they are not comfortable with.

The newborn portraits that I photograph and create are classic in nature using minimal props as I like the focus to remain on your newborn baby. Should you have a special family heirloom you would like your baby photographed with, please do let me know during your styling consultation and I will do my best to incorporate it! All newborn props, headbands, bonnets and newborn outfits in studio are available for you to use during your newborn session. There is no need for you to bring anything for your newborn baby to wear during the newborn photo session although I do recommend bringing their favourite baby blanket to snuggle in.

After the newborn photo shoot has taken place, your family will return to the studio in approximately two weeks to review the images from our time together and to make selections on what newborn portraits you love most and would like to purchase.

My studio offers a wide selection of high quality, professionally printed archival products to select from.

Whether you are looking for an heirloom album for your coffee table in your living room or a framed canvas wall portrait for the nursery, my newborn photography studio has many heirloom products to select from. Most importantly you can be rest assured that your newborn baby portraits will stand the test of time and be enjoyed by many generations to come!

I would love the opportunity to document your growing family through gorgeous newborn portraits. If you are looking for a professional newborn photographer in Calgary, Alberta please get in touch with me below by scheduling a consultation so we can discuss creating a beautiful and custom newborn photography experience tailored just to your family. My newborn photography studio is fully licensed and insured with strict Covid-19 protocols in place to ensure the safety of everyone that enters into the studio.

Jillian Faulkner is a published and award winning professional maternity, newborn, child and family portrait photographer in Calgary, Alberta that offers maternity, newborn, baby, child, teen and family photography services in her boutique home studio, outdoors and on-location. She is an active member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers and the Professional Photographers of Canada. Jillian Faulkner Photography is a licensed and insured portrait photography studio that has been capturing family portraits since 2010. All of the portrait photography sessions Jillian photographs are designed with a personalized approach, a great attention to detail and exceptional custom service creating a portrait photography experience like no other. 

Before you go, should you be visiting Pismo Beach in California this summer with your family, I would highly recommend you read a recent article posted by Rosa Clark who is a Pismo Beach Photographer. Her post provides many great suggestions as to what to do with your kids and family while visiting Pismo Beach and is also a very talented photographer should you want to book family portraits during your stay!