When it comes to newborn photography, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions floating around that can leave new parents feeling overwhelmed or second-guessing the process. As a Louisville newborn photographer, I’ve heard it all, and I’m here to clear up misconceptions that often prevent parents from booking their dream photoshoot. So, let’s bust four of the biggest myths about newborn photography and help you approach your session with confidence (and maybe even a little laughter along the way!).
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Myth 1: Newborn Photography Only Works with “Perfect” Babies
One of the most common myths about Louisville newborn photography is that your baby must be perfectly calm, perfectly posed, and perfectly “good” for the shoot.
Reality: Lean in close, I have a secret I need to share… (babies aren’t perfect, and neither are grown ups). Whew. Doesn’t that feel better just just get that out of the way? While it is ideal for babies to be sleepy during the shoot, there will be moments when they’re wide-eyed and curious. There will be moments when they fuss a bit, and that’s okay. With nearly two decades of experience photographing newborns and posing parents, I’ve have a smooth process that makes this a fun and even a dad approved experience. I’ll never expect perfect babies or perfect parents, but I do promise to give you the beautiful images of the people you love the most.
Myth 2: Newborn Photoshoots Must Take Place Before Baby is One Week Old
It’s totally understandable to feel the pressure to photograph your newborn session as soon as you give birth. I mean, babies change so fast, right? But here’s a myth that I love to bust wide open: You don’t have to photograph a newborn before they’re one week old.
Reality: While the “sweet spot” for newborn photos is within their 2nd-3rd week of life, you don’t need to rush straight from the delivery room to my studio. You’ve just had a baby, so let’s give you time to breathe a bit, bond, and most importantly heal. My studio books several weeks in advance, and I try my very best to accomodate last minute requests and not turn anyone away. Keep in mind, most parents contact me in their 1st or 2nd trimester and book their maternity and newborn portraits at the same time. That holds your place on our calendar around your due date, and it guarantees I won’t be overbooked. Before leaving the hospital, booked parents contact the studio to let me know baby arrived, and I then find a date around baby’s 2nd to 3rd week of life.
Myth 3: Newborn Photography Should Be Quick and Easy
You might be thinking, “How hard can it be to snap a few photos of a baby?” And while I totally get that, it’s much more involved than just snapping a quick pic with your phone.
Reality: Newborn photography is an art form and a very specific skill, and it takes time! A rushed session is the exact opposite of what you want. For each newborn session I block off around three hours. I promise those three hours aren’t you standing and smiling the entire time. Between soothing your baby, feedings, adjusting lighting, wrapping them up just right, and making sure every detail is perfect, a newborn session takes patience and trained skill. So while I promise you’ll leave with beautiful, timeless images, I also promise it’ll be an experience that’s worth every minute. Since you’ll be at the studio for a bit, did I mention I also include a yummy light lunch during newborn sessions? Those are dad approved too – ha!
Myth 4: Babies Have to Be Posed in Super “Stiff” Positions
When you think of Louisville newborn photography, you might picture babies in costumes and balancing in a variety props with trendy themes. While those photos are adorable, I do things a bit differently and my clients love the difference.
Reality: Families would say they come to me for natural, less posed (yet directed) images snuggling their baby in their arms rather than heavily posed images with baby all alone in prop a, b, c. I’ll take relaxed, fresh, squishy baby details over trendy props and stiff smiles any day of the week. When looking through images at your ordering appointment, you’ll see a great mix of relaxed poses, up-close fresh baby details, and moments with you and your baby that are posed but not stuffy. Want to see more? Take a peek through our newborn portfolio here.
If you are due within the next few months or maybe you just brought your baby home from the hospital, I’m glad you’re here. Parents typically reserve newborn sessions in their second trimester, so that we can photograph all of your baby’s fresh, new details in their 2nd-3rd weeks of life. Looking for a maternity photo session? Those are best photographed between weeks 30-35.
My hope is that you love what you see, and after your session you’ll see how incredibly easy we’ve made this for families. With over a decade of experience, we’ve thought through all of the details and taken care of them, so you don’t have to.
Follow along on Instagram for behind the scenes and more.
Want details about a Louisville KY maternity, newborn, or family portrait session? Say hello here!
Other posts you might find helpful:
- When Should I Schedule Maternity Photos
- What to Wear for Newborn Photos
- Outdoor or Studio Maternity, Which is Best for You?
- A Guide to Selecting Your Newborn Album from my incredibly talented friend Virginia, who specializes in newborn photographer in Lincoln, NE.
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