Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Jessie Mary Photography » newborn photography

Wide Awake Newborns

Jessica — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 19:45:43 +0000

Newborn photographers usually prefer their subjects good and sleepy. It makes it easier to pose a newborn, and of course they are a lot more cooperative in front of the camera. While sleepy newborn babies are adorable, I think the relationship to mom and dad, and the expressions are what is most important. Here are some of my favorite wide-awake newborn photos. Look at the eye contact between the baby and his Dad in the last photo!

Newborn Photo Sessions

Jessica — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:00:36 +0000

Newborn sessions are a bit different than other portraits. While toddlers can generally be convinced (or as the case be with my daughter, bribed with ice cream) to cooperate for photos, and older babies seem to like the attention, newborns are these little tiny beings that do not know what is going on.

How do you prepare for a newborn photo session?

1. Schedule the session for less than two weeks after birth. Usually, it is best to find a photographer during pregnancy, and book a tentative date. I have my clients tell me when their due date is, and then send me a quick email or text within a day or so after the birth. We aim for scheduling when the baby is between 5 and 10 days old.

2. Newborn sleeping and eating schedules are usually unpredictable and pretty much around the clock. I suggest choosing a time of day that works best for you. If you have other children, after their breakfast or after nap-time may be ideal.

3. A couple hours before the session, start putting your baby’s diaper on loosely, to avoid any red marks.

4. Think about location. Outdoor photos can be beautiful but with the Portland climate this isn’t possible for many of our seasons. I suggest doing the portraits in your home. This is usually the most relaxed for both you and your little one.

5. Mom and Dad are usually part of newborn photos, so give yourself some time to take a shower, blow dry your hair, and put on something besides your most comfie sweats, unless you really want those in the photos. (Yes, I realize these are not easy tasks to find time for when you have a newborn.)

6. Be sure to feed your baby right before the session, milk makes them good and sleepy, and sleepy newborns are best for photos.

7. During the session, feel free to take breaks whenever you think your baby needs one.

Sweet Little Newborn Girl {In Studio}

Jessica — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:37:01 +0000

A year and a half ago I photographed Vanessa’s little boy at Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro, as he turned one. Now I’m honored to get to meet her newborn daughter, Emma, at less than two weeks old! When Vanessa brought her into my Portland studio, in her very pink girlie carseat, I was just amazed at how precious and tiny she is.

Portrait Special {Two free 8×10 prints}

admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:17:37 +0000

I am starting to get a lot of inquiries for spring portrait sessions. As an incentive to book early, I am including two 8×10 prints (a $40 value) with any portrait session booked in March. These sessions can take place later in the year, and can be for any type of portrait (maternity, baby, family, seniors, or engagement).

Take a look at my portfolio and email me to schedule a session.

Baby’s First Year Photography Package

admin — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:06:51 +0000

My daughter just turned one, and I am amazed at how much she has changed. I received a first birthday card and it had a picture of her taken minutes after birth. I barely recognized her. Being a photographer I naturally I followed her around with the camera for the last year. I get so busy though between being a mom and running my photography business, that her pictures are just scattered between dvds, my backup drive, and loose prints. (I always take the time to organize my clients’ images but somehow not my own!)

I know we all get hectic and taking a baby, especially a newborn, out to a photography studio can be difficult. This is one of the reasons I offer on location photography. The other is that I prefer to photograph in my subject’s natural environment. Baby’s First Year can be started during pregnancy or as a newborn. Email me for package details.