A newborn session can take anywhere between 30 minutes and 3 hours. Let me walk you through what can contribute to the length of a newborn session and what makes it go smoother!
Wrapped Petite Session | Typical Session Time: 30 minutes
The smallest newborn session takes about 30 minutes; this is because your precious baby is swaddled the entire time! Once you arrive at the studio your baby will be securely swaddled by the photographer and then placed in different setups. We let our clients pick 3 prop setups and one Flokati to customize their session based on the colors they like the most. Clients often like to match their colors to either the nursery or their living room. So keep that in mind, so you can portrait your photographs accordingly at home. Wrapped sessions are wonderful for older babies, as they usually will sleep through it as well.
Petite Session | Typical Session Time: 1 Hour
The petite newborn session includes wrapped and unwrapped photographs of your newborn baby. Due to this more time is needed to pose the baby carefully. Typically we will do three unwrapped poses as well as one prop and one flokaki. This will add a nice variety to your newborn photo gallery. Clients love the petite session because it is only an hour long and they still receive a beautiful diverse gallery.
Deluxe Session | Typical Session Time: Up to 3 Hours
Most photographers offering luxury newborn portraits offer a deluxe newborn session which can take up to three hours. This extra time allows for the baby to be changed into several outfits and lie in numerous poses. Difficult poses, such as Froggy & Taco, are only offered during the deluxe session as they can take up to 20 minutes to achieve. During the deluxe session your baby will also be placed into props as well as lay cozy on a flokati.
Deciding Factors – Baby’s Needs
Most babies are fed every two to three hours. Therefore, the duration of the sessions is determined by the little one’s feeding times. Posing the baby is hard work for the photographer, but also for the baby so it may lead to the baby getting hungry more often. Photographers will always take a break to let the baby eat, as your baby’s comfort is the most important during a newborn session.
Infants go through stages of high constructive sleep and high wakefulness in a very short time. This is why photographers do newborn sessions around 10-14 days of the baby’s life. The younger the baby the higher the chances they fall into a deep sleep during your newborn session. A longer photo shoot could lead to the baby waking up more frequently and it will take some time to get the baby back to sleep.
The temperature of the room where the photo shoot is being done is also a very important factor. Babies love it warm so most photographers keep their studio between 75 and 80 degrees to accommodate naked babies.
Keeping Parents Comfortable
Photographers with a studio will make sure the parents are comfortable during the newborn session. A waiting room, snack, TV you name it. Though most parents prefer to fall asleep to make up for the lack of sleep. Most photographers will not need the parents’ assistance during the photo shoot but will be sure to ask if they do. Parent photos are always encouraged and such a great addition to your newborn gallery!
What Can You Do To Enhance Your Photoshoot?
To ensure your photoshoot is the best it can be, here are some tips and tricks on how to best prepare:
- Feeding the baby right before the shoot to ensure they are drowsy “milk drunk”
- Choosing outfits, props, etc., before your session takes place is also preferred so the photographer can set up and prepare
- Following the shoot preparation list provided by your photographer
- Bring along items that might be needed such as a pacifier, gas drops, and extra baby wipes
With thorough preparation and working as a team spectacular newborn pictures can be taken. Your photographer will do their very best to keep your baby comfortable throughout the process, no matter if you choose the 30-minute or 3-hour shoot. Choose your photographer carefully to make sure your baby is in the best hands.
