Capturing the details of a brand new baby is an art form that goes beyond just pressing a button on a camera. It’s about creating an atmosphere that is not only visually captivating but also comfortably soothing for both baby and parents. After years of capturing natural newborn photography, I’ve learned which items are essential for a successful session that produces beautiful images. Let’s dive into the five newborn photography essentials that transform the KFP studio into a baby’s dream space.
I. Chunky Blankets and Stretchy Wraps
In the realm of newborn photography, particularly in a studio, textures play a pivotal role in elevating the look and feel of a photo. Chunky blankets and stretchy wraps become more than just props; they contribute to the depth of an image. As a natural newborn photographer who doesn’t use bright colors or props, I rely on my giant stack of blankets to help me add interest to each image.
Selecting the right textures involves a thoughtful process. I opt for materials that are not only visually appealing but also gentle on the baby’s delicate skin. Neutral tones work wonderfully, allowing the focus to remain on the little one while creating a creamy and timeless backdrop. Some of my favorite sources for these blankets are Ziggy Lou and Make Make Organics.
II. Cozy Studio Environment
Babies, especially newborns, thrive in warm and snug environments. This is where the magic of a space heater comes into play. Regulating the temperature of the studio is not merely about comfort—it’s about creating an atmosphere that allows the baby to relax into a peaceful slumber, enabling those heartwarming poses and allowing me to capture every little detail.
Positioning the space heater strategically is crucial. It should provide warmth without being intrusive or compromising safety. The aim is to replicate the snugness of the womb, allowing the newborn to feel secure and content. I often warn parents ahead of time that the studio will be slightly warmer than they’re probably used to at home. However, this is a crucial piece of my secret formula for getting baby to stay nice and sleepy.
III. A Well-Fed Newborn
The importance of a well-fed newborn cannot be overstated. A baby with a full belly is more likely to be calm and content, providing the opportunity for capturing those sweet sleepy photos. This is why I encourage parents to feed their little ones right before the session, as outlined in my session prep guide.
Feeding frequently happens throughout the session as well. Even if baby arrives fully fed, we follow baby’s lead throughout the session. If it appears that baby needs to eat again (or needs a diaper change or just to take 10 minute break), we stop and attend to these needs. This is the art of baby-led photography.
IV. Comforting Sounds
Once baby is fed and wrapped, and the studio is nice and warm, I pull out the final element of the sleepy baby formula – the shusher. This magical sound machine has a soothing effect on babies that puts them right to sleep. Literally just 30 seconds of rocking back and forth in the swaddler (with the shusher doing its thing) and babies are snoozing peacefully.
Parents often share how the combination of the shusher’s rhythmic sounds and the cozy ambiance makes them feel like they could literally fall over and take a nap. It’s quite effective!
V. Trust in the Process
The final item needed for a successful newborn session is trust. From the moment a family walks into the studio, my goal is to make them feel comfortable and confident. Providing detailed posing guidance helps parents understand the flow of the session and what to expect. While I give plenty of posing guidance, I also encourage them to be themselves, to interact naturally with their baby. This approach results in images that not only showcase the delicate features of the newborn but also the authentic bonds within the family. Trust in the process is not just a directive; it’s an invitation to be part of a collaborative and beautiful experience.
Newborn photography is about more than just capturing images; it’s about co-creating moments that reflect the genuine connections within the family.
In the world of natural newborn photography, these essentials are not mere items on a checklist; they are the tools that help craft an experience. Chunky blankets and stretchy wraps add visual depth, the cozy studio environment provides the warmth and security needed for delicate poses. A well-fed newborn, coupled with the trust of confident parents, sets the stage for capturing genuine connections. The process is not about perfection but about telling the story of each individual family.
Hey, thanks for scrolling to the end! I’m a Knoxville photographer offering family, maternity and newborn photography in a natural light studio or on location in Knoxville, TN and the surrounding area. Want to read more about what it looks like to experience a KFP session? Click here for more details or contact me to book your family or newborn photo session!
Knox Family Photo provides newborn photography in Knoxville, TN for busy moms who want a stress-free and luxury portrait experience. Also offering maternity, family, and baby photography, our studio is located in West Knoxville, between Kingston Pike and Parkside Drive. We serve families in Maryville, Farragut, Lenoir City, and all throughout the East Tennessee region.
We offer a high-end, full service experience including a pre-session wardrobe consultation, access to our curated studio wardrobe with outfits for the entire family, a cozy bright and airy studio space, a beautiful gallery of images that tell the story of your family, and an array of family heirlooms such as albums, prints, custom framing and more to pass down to your children. If you are searching for the perfect maternity, birth, newborn or family portrait photographer near Knoxville and are wanting to capture your family’s unique story, we can’t wait to serve you.
