Natural Newborn Photography Sessions
I’ve always enjoyed baby-led newborn sessions, and my training and sessions created a simple workflow to use. However, in recent months, and in particular since I rebranded my business, that’s changed a little. To be more alligned with me as a person – I have found that I want to offer a more relaxed, natural photography session. Working WITH baby to capture beautiful moments. No fuss. No crazy poses. And no ‘Froggy’ pose. Or crazy wrapping. Just natural baby.
Because baby is beautiful enough!
“Why less props?” I hear you ask… Well, because baby is beautiful enough. Although there are some very talented and creative, imaginative photographers out there – to me, there’s just no need for lots of props and fuss. Sure, I have a couple of small props to give some variety and to emphasise your baby’s size and curl. But overall, I love searching for light – natural window light where and when possible. And all the more so since creating a gorgeous studio space just for this purpose. And if baby wants to cry – then that’s part of there session. That’s part of baby being baby. If baby won’t sleep, then we take shots of baby being awake. Of their beautiful eyes exploring and searching for light and their parents. Because I am almost a hundred percent certain that if we are all relaxed around baby, if we are calm and at ease, then baby is more likely to be too.
Whilst they’re tiny…
So I usually aim to have my newborn’s visit me during the latter half of their second week. Just simply so we can get some milk drunk sleepy moments. But I’m happy to work with babies of any age – check out my other baby sessions here. To me newborn is new born… so personally, newborn is in the first few weeks. And even then there are some really clear changes in baby and their physical development. But if you do miss out on the ‘fresh’ newborn stage and want to still capture your baby at a young stage, then I think go for it. Because they’ll change and grow again, and they’ll do so every few weeks and then every few months.
Cosy and sweet!
Much like babies, I’ve created a studio that’s cosy and sweet! It’s almost like a home from home – just with some added extras! Like huge floor to ceiling windows and doors to prioritise lighting. Underfloor heating to keep a constant spread of warmth and other practicalities of photographing babies of all ages. I’ve back-up studio lighting too, just in case we have one of those super dark days! And not forgetting some of the magic features, such as extra mobile heating to keep baby’s area warm. A shusher! A large comfortable beanbag. Soft blankets and clothing. And of course – a coffee machine!! All of this helps everyone to enjoy their natural newborn photography experience. And so then the flow of my sessions ultimately depends on baby. They lead the session. I just simply help to guide them and I adjust to suit their mood!
It’s all about your little family…
I always encourage a family portrait and often start with this. If siblings come along too, I’ve a few ways to make this work, depending on their age/s. I include lots of useful tips in your Newborn Welcome Pack, which you receive once you’ve booked your session. We will create a little plan when it comes to sibling shots too – and here’s a blog post to find out more – just to help prepare so your session can be super relaxed and worry-free. Again, with ‘poses’ for family and sibling shots – I simply guide you. I’ll encourage the odd sneaky kiss between parents. I’ll position you to stand towards the light in a flattering manner. We might sit or stand, depending on what’s comfortable for mum. It might be that you simply cuddle and I search for moments to capture as you do. Either way, it will be natural and enjoyable and there’ll be absolutely no need to be camera shy!! Your baby – your child – will one day want to see their mummy and daddy in these photographs when they look back too.
Even more relaxed than before…
My natural newborn photography sessions are even more relaxed than before. Before, I would work to a ‘posed’ workflow, whereas now, I have a workflow, but I am far more flexible and adapt to suit baby. It’s a much more natural and relaxed way of working for me. There’s less ‘particular’ positioning, just a little encouraging to stop them hiding their face and making the lighting work to give us beautiful photographs. In terms of props – I just work with less. A simple baby grow and blanket. Maybe a little teddy or toy. A wrap if baby loves the feeling of extra security. A ‘prop’ if need be, to accomodate a young sibling to get in on the action. And the whole reason behind this more natural approach? It feels right. It feels natural and enjoyable and I love it! And it makes the whole experience of my natural newborn photography sessions much more enjoyable for everyone – fo baby, for parents, for siblings – and for me!
Smile, Jeni x
Jeni Lowe Photography
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