Today, I want to share my experience and challenges of a portrait shoot with a newborn baby. It’s a unique and beautiful opportunity to capture some truly precious moments that will be treasured forever.

Working with newborns can pose several challenges due to their unique needs and characteristics. Here are some challenges I often face:

Unpredictability: Newborns have erratic sleep and feeding schedules, which can make it difficult to plan the shoot. They may get fussy or need to be fed during the session, requiring flexibility and patience. Please leave enough time before and after the shoot. This is essential when the little one is a little cranky and needs more time.

Safety: The safety and well-being of the baby is always the top priority. It’s crucial to ensure a safe environment by using appropriate props, maintaining cleanliness, and being gentle with the baby throughout the entire shoot.

Limited Attention Span: Newborns have short attention spans and can become easily overwhelmed. As a photographer, I need to work efficiently to capture the best shots before they lose interest or become fussy.

Comfort: Newborn babies need to be comfortable and cozy during the shoot. I ensure the studio is warm and quiet, and I provide soft blankets and props to make them feel at ease.

To create a successful newborn portrait shoot, there are several important factors I always consider:

Timing: The best time to photograph newborns is within the first two weeks of birth. During this period, they tend to be sleepier and more flexible, making it easier to pose them. It’s important to schedule the shoot accordingly.

Preparation: Communicating with the parents before the shoot is essential. I provide them with a list of instructions on how to prepare the baby, such as dressing them in simple and comfortable clothes, keeping them well-fed before the session, and ensuring they are well-rested.

Posing: Delicate posing is a skill that requires both expertise and attention to detail. I prioritise the baby’s safety and comfort while still capturing adorable and artistic poses. It’s important to observe the baby’s cues and never force them into uncomfortable positions.

Patience: Newborn sessions often take longer than other types of shoots due to frequent breaks and changes. I remain patient throughout the process, allowing for feeding, nappy changes, and soothing to ensure the baby remains calm and content.

Flexibility: Every baby is different, and one approach may not work for all. Being adaptable and willing to adjust my techniques and creative vision to suit each baby’s unique personality is key to a successful shoot.

Working with newborns on a portrait shoot is both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It requires a combination of technical skills, empathy, and flexibility to capture those fleeting moments that parents cherish forever. Despite the challenges, the joy of seeing the final images and knowing I’ve contributed to preserving memories for a lifetime makes it all worthwhile.

Thank you for joining me on this journey and stay tuned for more photography insights in the future!