With the growth in popularity and demand for custom children’s photography, one very unique niche in the industry has begun to emerge as an art form of its own–the photography of our very smallest clients, the brand new members of our families–newborns.

So often, parents who haven’t been exposed to the fine art style of newborn photography may shy away from this rare opportunity to capture the fleeting moments of their new arrival’s first days. They might picture a red-faced, grimacing baby swallowed up in clothing that is almost certainly too big for them–propped up in front of a backdrop, or carefully wedged in the corner of a couch. Parents might think–why newborn photographs? Why not wait until they are smiling, or until they can sit up, or at least until their eyes can focus?

Part of the joy and beauty of photographing children is getting the opportunity to enlighten parents regarding the unique opportunities that await them when they choose a custom children’s photographer; specifically, a photographer that specializes in newborns. The art of newborn photography is blossoming–parents are discovering the breathtaking beauty of seeing their perfect little one in a fine art photograph, while photographers themselves are exploring the depths of capturing the essence of a baby’s first days. There is nothing quite like the first few weeks in a baby’s life–never again will the physical features of your little one change so quickly.

Why so early?

It is because of the rapid disappearance of these newborn traits that most newborn photographers recommend an infant be photographed in his or her first ten days of life. Believe it or not, just a few weeks makes a major difference in a child’s development in those early days–and the goal of newborn photography is to capture the very first details of a baby’s journey in life. Newborn photographers are experts in recording and enhancing these details; it is crucial that babies are brand new, so they are still super-sleepy, and still like to maintain their favorite position, the “curl” that they had in their mother’s womb.

What is a newborn session like?

Custom children’s photographers who specialize in newborns will often photograph infants asleep, and almost always with a diaper only or in their bare skin. They are masters in lulling and keeping babies asleep, as well as in using creative techniques in posing and arranging to provide you with magical images of your young one at his or her tiniest.

Being a new mom is hard. It’s tiring, it’s demanding… but all mothers know it is also one of the most beautiful and divine experiences in the whole world. It is the newborn photographer’s goal to enhance these sublime first days by expertly carrying out the session and rewarding moms with a gorgeous record of their experience in the form of fine art prints, canvases, or my personal favorite, luxurious custom albums.

Some photographers even provide clients with professionally designed custom birth announcements. Every newborn photographer has their own way of approaching these new little clients–and their mothers–but the common theme is simplicity and grace. I have had so many clients exclaim with surprise, “but it was so easy!” at the conclusion of a session. As you can expect with any newborn photographer, my newborn sessions are always very quiet, very relaxed, and very peaceful.

Your photographer may have a studio, or he or she may prefer to come to you, in the quiet atmosphere of your own home. Your session will probably last 2-4 hours; newborn photographers are experienced in the ways of brand-new infants, so there is always ample time for nursing and changing.

What if I want to do it myself?

Here are a few tips to photograph your newborn if you choose to do it yourself:
* avoid distracting clothing–the birthday suit or a plain cloth diaper is best, or a close-fitting onesie
* think warm–turn up the thermostat or get a space heater so your baby doesn’t get chilled while you shoot
* feed your little one before photographing–they will be more content and more likely to snooze and snuggle
* find even light–try to avoid direct sunlight or overly dark rooms; find a room where windows are letting in lots of indirect light
* try posing baby on a soft pillow or beanbag, covered in a soft, textured blanket
* don’t be afraid to try creative angles or ideas–try a knitted hat or a colorful swaddling blanket.
* don’t forget the details! be sure to capture the little toes, little fingers, little swirls of hair, and the sweet wrinkles in baby’s skin

Making the decision to capture your little one’s very first qualities, choosing to preserve your child’s very first days–investing in newborn photographs for your little one– this is something you will never regret. Your images will be treasured not only by you and your loved ones, but by your baby himself as he grows, and for generations to come.

article written by Sarah Dobbins Photography

Sessions should be done under two weeks old, ideally between days 5-14. This is because of the rapid disappearance of newborn traits. Developmentally around week 3-4 most babies get a case of baby acne and start experiencing some stomach discomfort due to the fast increase in milk/formula consumption or they become colicky. They are also not as sleepy and some of the more advanced poses require a very sound asleep baby in order to achieve the pose.

The session will last somewhere between 2.5-3 hours. If you want family and/or siblings to be photographed with the baby please let me know and we will plan on doing this at the end of the session. Please note that I do not recommend that siblings participate in the whole newborn session as the studio will be warm and the sessions can go over two hours. The heat and the time required are too much for siblings to withstand.

The studio will be very warm, somewhere around 85 degrees. Be prepared for the Bahamas, I recommend dressing in layers. This is a requirement in order for the baby to be comfortable and well soothed throughout the session. Babies have a hard time maintaining their body temperature and the heat is provided in order to make them more comfortable and sleepy.

I may need some assistance with some of the more advanced shots. I would prefer that this not be mommy as sometimes the smell of mommy or even the voice wakes the little ones up from the deepest sleep, this is also the safest since I don’t want mom straining or hurting herself.

What to bring:

• Binky/Pacifier even if you are not using them just to help me get them in a deep sleep
• Bottle with formula or breast milk - Please bring more than you think you will need.
• Bibs/burp cloths
• Diapers
• Wipes

Things to do:

• Please feed the baby prior to coming to the studio. We will start with another feeding at the studio to ensure the baby is full.
• Dress baby in an outfit that buttons down (does not require pulling over head)
• Dress baby in loose clothes in order to prevent skin marks
• File the corner of the finger nails (prevents scratches during posing)

What to Wear?: 

• Avoid all white or black color combos, neutral colors like beige and grey work best
• One person can wear a neutral color (white, grey, beige) then the other person can wear any color
• Avoid matching outfits, but rather try to find outfits that complement each other
• Avoid clothing with logos and busy patters that will distract

If baby is sick, please reschedule. Usually within a couple of days they bounce back.

Sessions are recommended between 32-36 weeks, unless you are carrying multiples, in which case I recommend the session take place between 27-30 weeks.

Maternity/Pregnancy Recommendations

• Wear anything you feel comfortable in and LOVE. Avoid patterns, stripes and plaids unless you love them and they are a representation of your personality
• Solid colors are best: white, brown, gray, beige. Avoid bright pink and yellow – they never look great
• Flirty sundress
• Pants – jeans (any color), black pants (yoga pants work well)
• Necklines – select V-necks, squareneckss, turtlenecks or deep scoop necks. Women should avoid crew-necks.
• Sleeves – Long-sleeved tend to be the most flattering, but sleeveless and spaghetti straps work well. Women should avoid t-shirt length sleeves unless you have beautiful, sculpted or very thin upper arms
• Shirts – big, white, button-down rumpled man’s shirt. Any shirt or cardigan that opens down the front works well
• Tanks – anything clingy, fitted or stretchy in solid colors (white, black, red, blue...).
• Wear makeup! If you don’t normally wear makeup, please consider at least wearing a some lipstick/color gloss.
• Refrain from wearing anything that is binding to the session - I'd like to prevent marks on your skin.

What should my husband wear?

• Men should bring jeans or khaki pants or any other dark bottoms like a light or dark grey
• I encourage rumpled (not starched), plain white shirts
• Throw a regular, WHITE and/or black crew-neck t-shirt in the bag, too.
• Bring solid, dark colors like charcoal grey, dark brown, navy blue tops and bottoms.
• Layers are great; wear the t-shirt under a crew or v-neck shirt.

Don't have anything to wear, no problem! I have gowns, tops, skirts, and wraps that can be used or mixed and matched with some of your clothing items.