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Regardless of whether you’ve had professional photos taken in a studio, newborn photography is likely to be different than anything you’ve experienced before. This blog post is your A to Z guide to Baton Rouge newborn photography. Learn what to look for and how to plan for these once-in-a-lifetime photos.

Why Get Baton Rouge Newborn Photography

Have you ever heard the phrase “The days are long, but the years are short”? It couldn’t be more true about babies. Newborn babies change so fast. By the time they’re three months old, they look different and interact with you in new ways. Photography gives us the ability to preserve that newborn sweetness forever.

Parents and family members get so much out of Baton Rouge newborn photography. I like to think that it’s as much for future generations. Imagine your child being an adult and being able to hand them their baby photos. Someday you could frame your child’s newborn photo besides your grandchild’s. That’s a really meaningful legacy you’re creating for your family.

Newborn photography isn’t just something you do now because you think it will pay off later. It can be a really fun experience! You get to take a day just to celebrate your growing family. In my studio, we also make sure parents get a break. My assistant and I are experienced in what we do, and we make parents so comfortable that the vast majority of them take a nap while we work. That’s a rare treat for new parents!

What to Expect at Your Session

It’s helpful to know what you can expect out of your experience. Feel free to ask your photographer for an overview of a newborn session. Here’s a look at my workflow for Baton Rouge newborn photography:

When families first arrive at the studio, we take time to settle in. I show them the setups I’ve prepared (more on props below) and make sure they’re what the family envisioned. Parents can take this time to change their baby into their outfits and check if they’re hungry. A full baby is a happy baby in photo sessions.

After that, the baby runs the session. That might sound odd, but in my experience, adjusting our plans according to the baby makes for the best experience for everyone. When the baby is sleepy, we do more complicated poses. If they wake up and want food or cuddles, we stop until the baby is ready to keep going with different poses. I prioritize poses that parents ask for, but the baby sets the pace the whole way.

Curious to learn more about what to expect at a Baton Rouge newborn photography session? Check out this blog post: What Happens During a Newborn Session?

Posing and Props for Newborn Photos

A lot of posing in newborn photography uses props. These can include:

• Wraps
• Buckets and baskets
• Blankets and pillows
• Toys
• Family heirlooms

An experienced newborn photographer knows how to use all of these props with your baby’s safety in mind.

Composite photos are key for achieving some poses. Have you ever seen a newborn photo that looks impossible? Maybe you’ve seen a photo that looks like a baby is sleeping in a swing hanging from a tree branch, or they’re propped on their elbows with their chin resting in their hands. A photographer takes several photos with the baby in safe poses then puts them together to create one (composite) image. That way, the baby stays cozy and safe, and the photographer is able to create those adorable images.

Do you want ideas on how to personalize your newborn photos? Check out this blog post for ideas!

How to Include Siblings in Baton Rouge Newborn Photography

Are you thinking of including siblings in your Baton Rouge newborn photography? As much as your life is changing, your childrens’ are too. Bringing them to a session is a great way to honor that and make them feel included in the arrival of your newest little one. There are some things you’ll want to consider when you prepare for a newborn session with siblings.

Poses

There are so many options for safely posing newborns with their siblings.

• A sibling can sit cross-legged with the baby in their lap. 
• Laying down and cuddling is a good way to keep the baby’s back flat while capturing those sweet interactions.
• You can add props into the mix to encourage the older sibling to interact or just create a different composition.

Of course, parents are always welcome to join the photo and hold the baby. This is a precious time in your life too! It’s worth commemorating with a family portrait.

Colors

Decide ahead of time what colors your baby will wear, and choose their siblings’ close to coordinate. I always have a consultation call with families ahead of time so that we can get clear on their vision for colors, props, and poses. That gives them a chance to prepare their other kids. If you feel really stuck, neutrals are always a safe choice for the whole family.

Timing

Your Baton Rouge newborn photography should take place when your baby is nice and sleepy. We want to consider the needs of your older children as well. If you know they’ll struggle to be still for long, you can ask a family member to bring them for just the beginning or end of the session. I also keep a play area in my studio. Siblings can get their post-photo wiggles out with some new-to-them toys. 

How to Plan for Future Milestones

When you’re in the midst of planning for a new baby, it’s hard to imagine how fast the first years will go. A lot of families start out diligently documenting the early days, but life has a way of getting in the way of keeping up with those incredible photos. The solution? Milestone sessions.

Milestone sessions are an amazing way to preserve sweet moments in your baby’s development. By the time they’re three months old, they’re not a newborn anymore. They’re smiling and interacting with you in new ways. They can usually hold their head up for different poses too. 

Between six and seven months old, many babies are able to sit and play. They’re easy to please (in other words, will smile for the camera). They can even sit up, making it possible to use new props and poses.

Even if you opt not to do photo sessions at three and six months, a one year birthday photo is the perfect accompaniment to your Baton Rouge newborn photography. You won’t believe how much they’ve changed in a single year! Having those pictures side by side will mean the world as your child continues to grow.

Fortunately, milestone photo sessions don’t have to be any more complicated than newborn ones. My studio includes everything my clients could need. I keep a wardrobe of outfits and bonnets as well props and cake pedestals. One perk is that milestone sessions are shorter than those for your Baton Rouge newborn photography. As your baby grows, they’re eager to explore the world. We keep these sessions shorter to catch them at their best.

What to Look for in a Baton Rouge Newborn Photographer

Working with an experienced newborn photographer is always a good idea. They may cost a little more than a new photographer, but there are three invaluable things an experienced photographer can bring to the table: patience, safety, and a great setup.

Patience

Let’s face it. Newborn babies can be unpredictable. When they need something, they need it now. The person documenting your Baton Rouge newborn photography has to know when to move your baby into a different pose and when it’s time for a break. Based on my experience photographing hundreds of babies, I know there’s always another pose that might make your baby happier. I also only schedule one newborn session a day. That way there’s plenty of time to tend to your baby’s needs without feeling rushed.

Safety

Safety is as important in your Baton Rouge newborn photography as it is in any part of your baby’s life. An experienced newborn photographer should have completed training in newborn safety and be up-to-date on current safety measures. I’ve completed training on safe posing techniques. Your baby’s safety is never compromised for the sake of a cute photo. 

Setup

When you pick a photographer for your Baton Rouge newborn photography, remember to keep things simple for yourself. Choose a photographer with a permanent studio, so you don’t have to worry about prepping the house for in-home photography. There are a lot of perks to a studio setup. You can keep the temperature just right for a sleepy newborn, and ideally, the photographer will have a closet full of clothes and props for you to use.

At my studio in Morgan City, I have everything we could need to document your baby’s newborn session. It’s just 60 miles south of Baton Rouge. While I keep everything ready to give your baby a comfortable experience, my goal is to give you a break too! Come put up your feet while my assistant and I preserve this precious time in your newborn baby’s life.

Would you like me to document your Baton Rouge newborn photography? I can’t wait to welcome you and your little one to my studio. Reach out to me here!