As a photographer for 8 years, it’s no secret how much I love capturing special milestones for people. The small, in-between moments that are full of love and care are the ones that will forever matter the most to me. This is a passion I’ve always brought into everything I photograph: weddings, families, maternity… You name it! But when I became a mom myself, the importance of newborn photos grew even deeper for me.
Both as a mother and as a Boston newborn photographer, I know exactly what it’s like to want to freeze that newborn bubble and let it live on forever. The good news? Newborn photos do that for you. If you’re expecting (congratulations!) and want to plan your newborn session, here are all my best tips as someone who captures moments like this all the time.
Why You Should Always Take the Newborn Photos
I know that bringing your baby home for the first time and getting adjusted to having a newborn in the home is a blur, but newborn photos slow it down a little bit and let you really focus on the fact that you just did the dang thing.
So, if you’re on the fence about whether you should take newborn photos or not, my answer will always be yes. This is a time in your life that will move by so quickly and that you’ll miss forever and ever (trust me!), so freezing those moments to look back on for decades is something that’s SO special. Plus… Who doesn’t love pictures of tiny baby toes?!
And if you're smack-dab in the middle of your pregnancy and considering maternity photos, too, I share the same sentiment. There’s something incredibly moving and empowering about getting photos of you while you’re literally growing life (like a queen)! You can check out this beach maternity photoshoot I captured in Boston for all the inspiration and planning tips you need.
What a Newborn Photoshoot is Really Like
If you hear “newborn photos” and immediately picture dark circles under your eyes, running around to make your house spotless, and frantically trying to get your baby to stop crying, I totally get it. Hear me out, though, because in reality… It’s nothing like that.
Newborn photos are very, very lifestyle-focused. It’s you guys in your new element. Nothing too posed, nothing over the top; just you and your people soaking in all the baby snuggles and living in the real moments that are your new normal.
And planning them is never as hard as you think, which is exactly why I made this guide!
Tips for Making Your Newborn Photos Easy, From a Boston Newborn Photographer
The first step in planning newborn photos? Take a deep breath.
This is a stress-free guide that’ll make planning your newborn session incredibly easy, so don’t sweat. I’ve got you, mama!
Where to Take Newborn Photos
Personally, I'm a HUGE fan of in-home newborn sessions. You're already in your own space, you have everything your baby needs nearby, and nobody has to pack a diaper bag and get out the door at a specific time. Plus, I love that your photos get to include the little details of your home during this season.
And PLEASE don't spend the morning deep-cleaning your entire house for me. I'll help find the spots with the best light, and we can move a few things out of the way if we need to. I promise I'm not coming over to inspect your laundry situation.
We’ll get photos mainly in the nursery, and maybe a few other spots. What we won’t get are photos of dishes in the sink, dirty clothes on the floor, or a tiny bit of dust in the corner. I know how it is bringing a baby home, and know that this is 100% a judgement-free zone.
What to Wear for a Newborn Photoshoot
One thing that I really love about newborn photos is how soft they are.
They’re quiet.
They’re sweet.
They’re full of meaning.
My biggest outfit recommendation? Wear something you feel GOOD in. You just had a baby, and the last thing I want is for you to spend your entire session adjusting an uncomfortable dress or worrying about how something fits. Soft neutrals photograph really well, but comfort is always going to win in my book.
For baby, I recommend having a simple outfit ready and a backup nearby because, well... Babies. We all know how that goes!
A big tip I always give is to coordinate, not match. So don’t worry about adding five matching outfits to your next Target order, please.
The Best Time of Day to Take Newborn Photos
I usually love scheduling newborn sessions earlier in the day, especially when we have some pretty natural light coming through your windows. But every home is different, and every baby is different, so we'll figure out what makes the most sense for your family.
And please don't worry about getting your baby on some perfect schedule before I arrive. If they need to eat, be changed, or take a little break, that's completely fine. We'll work around them!
When to Take (and When to Schedule) Your Newborn Photos
This is something that takes a little bit of collaboration, because things obviously shift a bit when it comes to pregnancy.
If you're wondering when you should actually book your newborn photographer, I recommend reaching out while you're still pregnant. That way, we can get everything planned ahead of time and leave some flexibility around your due date. Because we all know babies don't exactly care about our calendars!
Typically, we’ll schedule a loose date together, but once you have the baby, I’ll check in and modify depending on when the baby was born and how you’re feeling.
Most sessions take place between 2-4 weeks after the baby is born, because that’s when you get those precious sleepy snuggles and that newborn-era feeling!
The Most Important Tip: Go With the Flow
This goes for really any session, but especially newborn sessions: please go with the flow. Don’t force anything, don’t stress if baby isn’t cooperating, don’t worry about staying on an exact schedule.
Babies are babies. Breaks to eat or to be changed are 100% normal and fine. I’m not here to capture picture-perfect moments; I’m here to support you and give you a gallery that you’ll cherish for years and years.
You can learn more about my approach to taking newborn photos in Boston here!
Newborn Photography Ideas I Love
If you’re reading this and already picturing what your newborn photos could look like, I have a few ideas that I love capturing every time as a Boston newborn photographer.
Make it a Full-Family Session
If this isn’t your first baby, I’m always a fan of including the entire fam.
Getting to see older siblings hold their baby sibling is something that’s so special, and even having grandma pop in for a few pictures with the new baby is incredibly sweet!
Include Your Pets
That being said, bring your pets into the session, too. They’re part of the family, and some pics of your dog sniffing your baby’s little head might just end up being some of your faves.
Bring in Some Props
Things like embroidered blankets with your baby’s name, sentimental toys, or baby books can make such cute props around the nursery for newborn photos.
I will say, though, if that adds extra stress on you, we will be 100% fine without them!
Ashley Olafsson | Boston Newborn Photographer
If you're expecting a little one and already thinking about newborn photos, I'd LOVE to help you plan something that feels easy for your family. You don't need to have the nursery finished, your outfits picked out, or your baby's schedule figured out before reaching out. We'll work through all of that together.
Tell me a little about your family and when your baby is due, and we'll go from there. I can't wait to meet you guys!
Xoxo,
Ashley
