Are you preparing to welcome a new baby into your family? If so, scheduling a newborn photoshoot may have crossed your mind. In the guide below, I’ve put together all the details you’ll need for an engaging and joyful Boston newborn photography session. Keep reading to find more information. You’ll find the best time schedule, what to wear, and how to select between creating newborn photos at home or working in a photography studio.
Table of Contents
- Best Age for Boston Newborn Photography
- Best Time of Day for Capturing Boston Newborn Photos
- Who is Photographed During a Newborn Session
- How to Pose for Family Photos During the Session
- Preparing Toddler Age Siblings for Newborn Photos
- Selecting a Boston Newborn Photography Studio vs an In-Home Photoshoot
- Newborn Photos At Home
- Photos in a Newborn Photography Studio
- Working With Your Boston Family Photographer to Include Your Pet
- What to Wear for Newborn Photos [Moms & Dads]
- What Happens After Your Boston Newborn Photography Session
- Boston Newborn Photographer – Packages & Pricing
Best Age for Boston Newborn Photography
My recommendation on the best age for capturing Boston newborn photography is right around the 14-day mark. However, some families experience a traumatic birth or even visits to the NICU, pushing this time frame out further. You and your baby’s health are more important than the timeframe of a photoshoot. If your session has already been scheduled, and you need to push back by a week or two, that’s ok.
What Time of Day is Best for Capturing Boston Newborn Photos?
As a general rule of thumb, I like to consider mid-morning, during the week, beginning around 9:30 or 10:00. I find that during these hours baby is fed, changed, and clothed. Making it the perfect time for me to pose your newborn before the rest of the family gets in front of the camera.
Who is Photographed During a Newborn Session?
As a Boston family photographer, my approach is to photograph the entire family during a newborn session. That means both parents, your tiny newborn, and any siblings – whether human or of the four-legged variety (more on this below!). Our time together will begin by focusing on your baby. From there, we will move into a variety of photos that ensure everyone is captured. All in all, showcasing the beauty of your family.
How to Pose for Family Photos During the Session
Worried about how to pose with the family all together? I will guide you through the entire process in a way that feels natural to you, not overly staged. I find that working together in this capacity leaves room for you to love each other as you normally would. These organic moments showcase the essence of your bond. Allowing you to relax and soak up this cherished time with your family.
Preparing Toddler Age Siblings for Newborn Photos
Letting the little ones enjoy their new role as big brother or big sister is all part of the fun. Let them know how excited you are to have a fun family day with them. Make sure they have a small snack ahead of time. Let them take breaks as needed. Or if they have a favorite toy or stuffy, allow them to play with it throughout the session. The goal is not to aim for perfectly posed photos. But rather images that are the true embodiment of your family structure. Stained clothes and ripped knees happen; it’s all part of the process and not worth stressing over.
Selecting a Boston Newborn Photography Studio vs an In-Home Photoshoot
You may be curious about whether to host a newborn session in a photography studio or at your home. Honestly, there are benefits and drawbacks to both options. The decision you make depends on the experience you hope to enjoy by working with your Boston newborn photographer. Both settings will leave you with memorable images of you and your family. Here’s a little bit more information on the pros and cons of in-home newborn photos vs a photography studio.
Newborn Photos At Home
Navigating life with a newborn can be filled with ups and downs as you adjust to a new sleeping and feeding schedule. Photographing your newborn at home offers ease, flexibility, and, in some cases, peace of mind because you may not yet be comfortable bringing your newborn outside the home.
Newborn photos at home come with the benefit of being able to grab what you need, when you need it. Diapers, bottles, a nursing pillow, and your other everyday essentials will be right within your reach. Giving you the freedom from having to pack and carry an overloaded bag with you to a studio.
The other benefit of newborn photos at home is having the ability to host the session in your baby’s nursery. Did you both take great care in setting up your nursery? Does it feature thoughtful details like family heirlooms and hidden “easter eggs” that pay homage to your child’s name?
What about the rocker in the corner of the room that has quickly become part of your nightly routine, or the dresser or changing table that you refurbished or assembled in anticipation of your baby’s arrival? You may want to capture each of these details through newborn photos at home, allowing you to recall a time when your baby was so small and spent their time tucked away safely in your arms.
There is a common misconception that your home needs to be absolutely spotless to capture newborn photos at home. In reality, all we need is one or two spaces, clear of piles, for your newborn photos. Your home doesn’t have to be cleaned from top to bottom. Just a basic clean-up in the space we’ll be accessing is more than enough.
The last consideration to make with newborn photos at home is whether or not your home attracts the amount of natural light needed to capture the unforgettable moments of your family gathered in front of the camera to honor this moment. One of the things I suggest to my clients ahead of their session is to open all the blinds and draw back any curtains. Allowing streams of natural light to set the stage for photos to cherish in the years to come. But if the windows in your home overlook trees or shrubbery, obstructing light, then visiting a Boston newborn photography studio may be a better option.
See More: These in-home Boston newborn photos were captured in a light-filled nursery.
Photos in a Newborn Photography Studio
While some parents find comfort in welcoming their Boston newborn photographer into their home, others feel overwhelmed at the thought.
Boston newborn photography studios offer crisp lighting, an ideal setup, and possibly, a much-needed fun family outing.
Maybe can’t remember the last time your home was cleaned, at all, and you are so immersed in those tender newborn moments that you are actively ignoring the piles of laundry sitting around the house. A deep clean, laundry done, and dishes put away are not a prerequisite for hosting newborn photos at home. However, some parents still feel uncomfortable at the thought, which is understandable.
Photographing your newborn at a photography studio gives you the freedom from the worry you find yourself experiencing at the idea of an in-home session. There’s no mad dash to pick up piles, throw away trash, or hide objects that haven’t yet found their way back. All you have to do is pack the necessary items and head out to arrive at your scheduled time.
You may not have left the house since you came home with your baby, and the idea of getting out with the entire family sounds like a dream. Additionally, with a photography studio, you don’t have to worry about the amount of natural light that may or may not be available at your home. Whether you welcomed a winter baby or the perimeter of your home is filled with trees and greenery that blocks the sun, it’s no longer a concern when you work at a Boston newborn photography studio.
See more: These beautiful newborn photos were captured in my Boston photography studio.
Working With Your Boston Family Photographer to Include Your Pet
Pets are always welcome to join in the newborn photos, after all, they are part of the family too! Your decision to choose newborn photos at home or working in a studio may come down to whether or not you’d like to include your pet. If they do not easily adapt to new environments, then an in-home session may be best. Conversely, if your pet loves a ride in the car and going on adventures, then a trip to the studio may be in order.
If you do wish to include your sweet pup, I highly recommend taking them for a walk ahead of the session. This will allow them to get out any lingering zoomies and, of course, relieve themselves ahead of time of the photoshoot.
Does your pup have a favorite toy or treat? Make sure to bring it along, or have it ready for them. This will allow me to get their attention, ensuring they are actively engaging in the photoshoot.
Alternatively, if we are working in your home and your pet tends to get nervous or frightened with strangers around, please let me know. We can find a location within your home where they feel safe and secure. They don’t need to be present for every image taken, but we can include them as much, or as little as you’d like.
PS: Do your furbabies shed? Having a lint roller nearby will keep your clothes looking crisp and fresh throughout the photoshoot.
What to Wear for Newborn Photos
I have to admit, this is one of the top questions I receive about Boston newborn photos. This is a big moment for your family, and these photos will hang on the walls of your home, get framed as gifts for grandparents, or even become the new profile picture for your social media profiles. Looking and feeling your best is a top priority. Here are my top tips for what to wear for newborn photos.
Moms – What to Wear for Newborn Photos
As a mom myself, I understand that the birthing experience may not have left you feeling like the best version of yourself. You are still healing while navigating a new routine. The best piece of advice I can give you is to wear what feels best for you.
For example, if you are nursing your baby, choose clothing that will allow you to do so during your session. Our time together will last anywhere from an hour to two hours, so it’s entirely possible that you may need to stop and nurse your baby at some point. If this is true for you, we can also create a mini break-out portrait session of you feeding your baby (if you wish). With nursing parents, I ensure the highest level of privacy throughout the process and after. These photos are for you and you alone; they will not be shared online or through public galleries.
Moms, if you need a few more tips on what to wear for newborn photos, skirts and dresses are always a win. They flatter all body types, especially in front of the camera. I do have a small selection of gowns available through my client closet. I offer these to borrow during your session, at no extra cost.
You might choose to purchase, rent, or recycle your own dress. Here are a few hard and fast rules on what looks amazing for the camera.
Clothing with Patterns
Do not select attire with small patterns, which tend to make clothes look ‘busy’ and detract from your photos.. Let’s say you are set on choosing a dress depicting watercolor florals. Try to find one with large, oversized flowers as opposed to millions of tiny flowers.
Color Palette
Soft natural tones, or pastels, will best complement my artistic style of photography. Lighter tones tend to showcase better than bright, bold colors, which can easily cause reflection.
Accessories
Simplicity is key. Feel free to wear your engagement ring and wedding band or a small pair of stud earrings. Larger chunky pieces tend to distract from photos, creating their own focal point and demanding attention, which can take away from the beauty of this moment.
Hair & Makeup
Professional hair and makeup always look stunning in Boston newborn photos. This is a great way to indulge in a small act of self-care while also allowing you to step into feeling like the best version of yourself for the session. I can provide recommendations on a hair and makeup artist to come to your home or even the photography studio to help you prepare.
Manicures
Your hands will be present for many of the photos we capture, but you don’t necessarily have to run out and get a manicure. Nails should be trimmed and well-maintained, but polish isn’t necessary. If you do want ot get a manicure ahead of your session, neutral or pale pink tones work beautifully.
Dads – What to Wear for Newborn Photos
The entire family doesn’t have to match exactly to enjoy newborn photos. But the overall tone should be somewhat complimentary in nature.
Color Palette
Same as mom! Soft natural tones, or pastels, will best provide a storytelling approach through the images we capture. Think of Solid shades of light gray, blue, khaki, and white. The goal is to set a calm and relaxing mood. Find attire that complements what mom is wearing without it being too overly matchy.
Footwear
Neutral colored socks or bare feet only; your shoes can stay in the closet for now.
What to Avoid
Stay away from pinstripes, plaid, patterned clothing, graphics, logos, and shorts, which all tend to be ‘loud’ when the camera is present.
Our Boston Newborn Photography Session has Just Wrapped. What’s Next?
Once your session is complete, you can expect delivery of your photos within two weeks. You will hear from me when your gallery is ready to view. From there, we’ll have the option of reviewing your images together via Zoom, or you can review the gallery on your own. During the review process, you will select your preferred images, and I will begin making any final necessary edits (fly-away hairs, baby acne, etc.) The turnaround time for final edits is an additional two weeks. After this time, the edited photos will be available in your online gallery. If you have chosen a Boston newborn photography package with an album, we will finish our time together by selecting the album design.
Boston Newborn Photographer
As a mom and a Boston newborn photographer, I know what a big moment this is for your family. Welcoming a new baby is such a joy. Capturing the emotion behind every snuggle, forehead kiss, and tender embrace will turn these moments into the memories you’ll look back on throughout the years. You can find more details on the packages I offer as a Boston newborn photographer at this link.
