If you’re expecting a baby and thinking about newborn photos, you may be wondering what actually happens during a newborn photography session.
Will my baby need to be asleep? What if they’re fussy? Do I need to bring outfits? What happens if we need to stop for a feeding? And how on earth are we supposed to get ourselves and a newborn out of the house on time?
First: newborn sessions are not meant to feel rushed.
As an Elgin newborn photographer serving families throughout the Chicago suburbs, I’ve photographed newborns and growing families for more than 13 years. My newborn sessions are designed around your baby, with plenty of time for feeding, changing, soothing, snuggling and simply letting your newborn be a newborn.
Here’s exactly what you can expect.
Before Your Newborn Photography Session
Once your session is booked, I’ll help you prepare so you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
You’ll receive guidance on what to wear, what to bring and how to prepare your baby before arriving at my Elgin studio.
And when it comes to baby’s wardrobe, you can keep things very simple.
I provide the onesies, wraps and simple pieces we’ll use for your newborn during the session. Everything is selected to photograph beautifully with my neutral, timeless style.
If you’re wondering what the rest of the family should wear, you can also read my What to Wear for Newborn Photos guide for ideas for mom, dad and siblings.
When You Arrive at My Elgin Newborn Photography Studio
There’s no need to walk through the door with a perfectly sleeping baby.
Some babies arrive sound asleep. Others are wide awake. Some decide that arriving at the studio is the perfect time for another feeding.
All of that is completely normal.
We’ll get settled, talk through the session and follow your baby’s cues from there.
One of the biggest things I want new parents to know is that there is no pressure for your baby to “perform” for their photos.
Your baby sets the pace.
What If My Baby Needs to Eat?
We stop.
It really is that simple.
Newborn sessions leave plenty of time for feeding, diaper changes and soothing. Whether you’re nursing or bottle feeding, we take whatever breaks your baby needs.
A full newborn session typically lasts around 2–3 hours, but that doesn’t mean we’re photographing your baby for three hours straight.
That extra time is intentional.
It allows us to slow down instead of trying to force a newborn into a photography schedule.
What If My Baby Won't Sleep for Newborn Photos?
This is one of the questions I hear most often.
And the answer is: that’s okay.
Sleepy newborn photographs are beautiful, but awake newborn photographs can be just as special.
Those tiny expressions, wide eyes, stretches and little movements are part of your baby’s story too.
We’ll soothe when needed and work toward sleepy poses when your baby allows it, but I don’t believe in forcing a session simply because a baby isn’t sleeping according to plan.
Some of my favorite newborn images happen in the moments we didn’t plan at all.
How I Pose Your Newborn
My approach to newborn photography is simple, natural and baby-led.
I want your images to feel timeless rather than overly styled.
We’ll use simple wraps, onesies, blankets and neutral setups that keep the focus exactly where it belongs on your baby.
You’ll see the details you’ll want to remember years from now:
Their tiny fingers.
Their little toes.
The newborn hair.
Those sleepy expressions.
The way they curl up.
And just how unbelievably small they looked in your arms.
Are Parents Included in Newborn Photos?
Absolutely.
Even if you’re tired.
Even if you don’t feel completely like yourself yet.
Even if you originally thought you only wanted pictures of the baby.
I strongly encourage parents to get into at least a few photographs.
Your baby will never be this tiny in your arms again, and these images aren’t only for you. Someday, they’ll be incredibly meaningful to your child too.
I keep parent posing simple and natural, so you don’t need to know what to do in front of the camera. I’ll guide you throughout the entire process.
What About Older Siblings?
Siblings are welcome during newborn sessions, and I don’t expect young children to stand perfectly still and smile on command.
I’ve spent more than 13 years photographing babies, toddlers and families, and sometimes the best approach is simply giving young siblings a little room to be themselves.
We’ll work quickly when we need to, take breaks and keep expectations realistic.
For little sisters, I have simple wraps available that photograph beautifully with a newborn. For younger brothers, a simple bare-chested look can also create a timeless sibling portrait without worrying about coordinating another outfit.
And if your toddler wants absolutely nothing to do with their new sibling that day?
We’ll work with that too.
You Don't Have to Know How to Pose
This applies to the entire family.
One of the most common things clients tell me is:
“We’re awkward in pictures.”
That’s my job to worry about not yours.
I’ll tell you where to stand, where to put your hands, when to look at me and when to look at your baby.
But I also don’t want every image to feel stiff or overly posed.
Some of the photographs parents love most come from simply holding their baby, looking at them and interacting naturally while I photograph what happens.
What Should You Bring to Your Newborn Session?
You don’t need to pack half of your nursery.
Bring the things you normally need to care for your baby:
Diapers and wipes
Bottles/formula if bottle feeding
Pacifier if your baby uses one
Extra milk if needed
A change of clothes for yourself or baby if you’d feel more comfortable having one
I’ll take care of the photography pieces, including the newborn onesies and wraps we’ll use.
My Newborn Photography Style
My newborn photography style is simple, neutral and timeless.
I use neutral settings along with options such as black and caramel backdrops to create variety without making the photographs feel overly trendy.
My goal is for you to look at these photographs 10, 20 or 30 years from now and still love them.
Because ultimately, the backdrop isn’t what matters.
Your baby does.
When Will We Receive Our Newborn Photos?
After your session, I’ll carefully select and professionally edit your images.
Your finished gallery is typically delivered within 2 weeks.
From there, you’ll be able to view your images and choose your favorites based on the collection you’ve selected.
When Should You Book Your Newborn Photography Session?
I recommend booking your newborn photographer before your baby arrives whenever possible.
You don’t need to know your baby’s exact birthday.
We’ll reserve space around your due date and finalize your session once your baby arrives.
If your baby is already here, don’t assume you’ve missed your opportunity. Reach out and I’ll let you know what availability I have.
You can also read my [When Should You Book Newborn Photos?] guide for more information about timing your session.
Looking for a Newborn Photographer in Elgin, Illinois?
If you’re expecting a baby and looking for an Elgin newborn photographer or newborn photographer in the Chicago suburbs, I’d love to help you document this stage of your family’s life.
My newborn sessions take place in my Elgin studio and are designed to be relaxed, simple and centered around your baby.
You don’t need a perfectly sleepy newborn.
You don’t need perfectly coordinated outfits.
And you definitely don’t need to know how to pose.
You just need to show up with your baby.