Newborn Photography is one of the most challenging, yet extremely rewarding types of photography there is. When you see a sweet little newborn wrapped ever so perfectly, sound asleep and posed to perfection, nothing is more breathtaking. But achieving all of these in unison is much more difficult than it looks. All parents know how quickly those precious babies can go from sleepy and cozy, to hangry and fussy. In this post I will go over the 5 challenges that Newborn Photographers face, and how they manage to capture such sleepy, beautifully posed portraits of these squishy little babies.
Challenge 1 (the biggest challenge): Get The Baby To Sleep.
One of the biggest hurdles to any Newborn Photographer is getting those sweet angels softly to sleep. Not all newborns are naturally calm during photoshoots. Some may be fussy, making it challenging to capture the desired shots. Successful photographers have developed tricks to calm unsettled babies, such as using white noise machines, maintaining a warm environment, or incorporating gentle rocking motions. Being patient and understanding that not every moment will be picture-perfect is crucial in overcoming this challenge. Another way I have found to help overcome this challenge is preparation. How the baby arrives at the studio is equally as important as the steps in the studio to get them nice and sleepy. I send a set of instructions out to parents in advance to their session, so they may maximize their time during their session to get a variety of poses and shots. Things like feeding the baby a couple hours before the session so they are hungry upon arrival, keeping them awake before the session, and some other helpful advice help prepare for a sleepy baby. Parents then feed their baby when they arrive, and should expect to feed them a couple more times during the session to keep them comfortable and full. It helps tremendously to put the baby right to sleep.
Challenge 2: Unpredictable Schedules.
Newborns operate on their own schedule, and it's often unpredictable. This can be a challenge for photographers trying to plan a session. To overcome this, experienced newborn photographers emphasize flexibility. They understand the need to adapt to the baby's natural rhythm, allowing for breaks and adjustments as needed. Creating a calm and comfortable environment also helps soothe the baby, making it easier to work within their timeframe. Newborn Sessions can last up to 3 hours, and you should definitely expect multiple feedings, diaper changes, and time to soothe them. We are on their time, not ours, and it is very important to watch for their cues and respond accordingly to give them whatever they need. It truly is their big day, and they are going to make us work for it!
Challenge 3: Posing and Safety.
Posing a newborn requires both skill and caution. Safety is paramount, and photographers must be well-versed in proper posing techniques to ensure the baby's comfort and security. Overcoming this challenge involves continuous education and practice. Many photographers undergo specialized training in newborn posing to master the art while prioritizing the safety of the little ones they photograph. Some babies naturally do not like to be positioned in certain poses, and any educated and experienced Newborn Photographer should be able to pick up on these cues, and abandon the attempt to pose them in that position. I have had hands-on professional Newborn Photography training, as well as a safety certification from the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International, and I take the utmost priority in ensuring the safety and comfort of my Newborns. There are plenty of poses that are very safe for Newborns, so if they do not like to be posed in the fancier positions, there is still plenty of opportunity to get a unique and beautiful gallery.
Challenge 4: Creating a Comfortable Environment.
Newborns are sensitive to their surroundings, and a cold or uncomfortable setting can lead to a less-than-ideal photoshoot. Photographers overcome this challenge by ensuring the studio is warm and cozy, using soft and soothing props, and paying attention to lighting. A comfortable environment not only contributes to better photographs but also enhances the overall experience for both the baby and their parents. Sometimes I use a little trick to get the baby cozy and warmed up for their session. I will begin the session with a wrapped pose, so the baby feels secure and warm. This helps get them use to the new environment and relaxed for pictures.
Challenge 5: Effective Communication With Clients.
Effectively communicating with parents is key to a successful newborn photoshoot. Overcoming this challenge involves setting clear expectations from the beginning. Photographers discuss the process, potential challenges, and what parents can do to prepare. Open communication builds trust and helps manage expectations, ensuring a smoother experience for both the photographer and the clients. That is where sending an instructional guide to parents, and sending out personalized questionnaires is a must in my business. It helps me effectively communicate with clients; give them a space to address questions, concerns, and preferences, as well as help them make the most out of their session and leave my studio with the best experience of their life.
There you have it! 5 challenges that Newborn Photographers face, and how they have prepared to hurdle over them to create an unforgettable experience for their clients and deliver breathtaking galleries. I hope you found this post informative and helpful, and if you are thinking about booking a Newborn Session in the Burnsville/Minneapolis, Minnesota area, click the button below to contact me today to start building your dream gallery.
Chelsie Belcourt
Professional Newborn Photographer
Burnsville, Minnesota
612.978.4900
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