Washington DC Photographer | NPS Photography
It isn’t a secret to those who know me that my heart belongs to newborn sessions that take place at home. Capturing your family in your home is SO incredibly important in telling the story of this special time in your life. It’s the baby’s first home, after all!
But as your Washington, DC newborn photographer, I can tell you for as organic and natural these sessions are, I have a whole series of must-have photos from your newborn session, and I come prepared to capture ALL of them. This special list of must-have newborn session photos ensures that the resulting images and heirloom photo products you choose have heart, soul and variety.
My captures not only include the whole family, but a variety of shots of each set-up, including close-ups, pullbacks, standing and sitting shots. I effectively act as the zoom, moving around – and arranging you and your family – to get the goods.
Must-Have Newborn Session Shots
- Mom holding her newborn baby.
This is a non-negotiable. Moms are the heartbeat of my sessions, and I always want her to look and feel gorgeous. A strong image with mom holding baby is always my goal and a not-to-miss shot. I also aim to capture as much variety as possible. These shots can include mama holding the baby on her chest, mama and baby sitting or laying on a bed and cradling the baby.
- Dad holding his newborn baby.
I love capturing a photo of the baby’s head cradled in dad’s large and gentle hands, and the way he looks at his new little one. I always ask dad to hold the baby how he usually does because dads have a special way of holding their babes and each is different. Your baby is SO small in a father’s hands and arms and getting a photo of this interaction while your little one is still so, well, little is priceless.
- The Grandma Shot.
While I live for capturing the real and natural interactions between you and your newborn baby, I know that Grandmas live for photos of the whole family looking and smiling at the camera. So that’s what Grandma (and you) will get! I am always careful to stage these shots at both the beginning and then again at the end of the session, when everyone is well warmed up and comfortable.
4. Siblings and baby.
Capturing all of your babies together, be it fur babies or big brothers and sisters, is another must-grab photo. Because all of these little people (or pets) can be squirmy and unpredictable, I am careful to shoot a variety of shots of the gang, with varying angles, pull backs and close-ups. I have different strategies for capturing these pictures depending on the ages of the siblings. With toddlers, I will have the toddler shimmy close to the baby and ask them to gently touch their head, tummy or toes. I have older siblings hold the baby and pile the other siblings around them.
5. Detail shots
When everyone needs a break, and when baby is either lying in their crib, on a bed, or cradled in your arms, is when I get to work on the details shots. Think 10 little fingers and 10 little toes, the precious top of baby’s head with that fine baby hair, little bow lips and fine, long lashes – these are the things that change SO quickly as your baby grows, and are so important to capture while they’re still so small.
6. The Nursery
Moms, I know how hard you work on getting your baby’s nursery just right. There is so much detail and care – and frankly, design work – that goes into this special space, and I want to capture it. From full, pulled back shots of the space, to images of the little details – be it specially framed mementos, to monogrammed items and bookshelves – you want to remember baby’s first safe haven. And if you don’t have a nursery, that’s ok, too! Not everybody does! In those instances, I focus on baby’s first bed.
Most of all, your in-home newborn session should tell a story – one where your growing family, every family member’s special personalities and, of course, and your treasured new addition take center stage.
Do you have any other must-have images you’d like me to capture, or simply have questions about the newborn session experience?
