Newborn photo shoot

The safety of babies always comes first. We make sure that the space where the photos will be taken is safe, clean and suitable for the baby. We ensure that the props we are going to photograph the baby with are safely prepared so that the little one cannot fall off a surface or get hurt in any other way.

Preparing for the newborn photo shoot

The overall preparation, such as changing, breastfeeding, getting the baby to sleep and styling, usually takes longer than the photo shoot itself. Since babies at this age do not yet have a settled routine, it is very difficult to plan the time of the shoot around their sleep. You also need to bear in mind that we will be handling the baby on arrival – taking them out of the car seat or pram, changing them, getting them to sleep. As babies are sensitive to temperature, we always make sure beforehand that they are warm enough and feel comfortable. To keep them warm we use clean, soft blankets, and for padding and supporting the little head, gentle cushions or soft cuddly toys. All props and accessories are freshly washed and hygienically safe.

Props and styling for the newborn photo shoot

For newborn photo shoots we provide the complete styling with props such as an egg bowl, a basket, a suitcase or a baby cot where we lay the baby. Parents choose accessories such as little hats, headbands, wraps, furs and lace rompers. We also offer stylish knitted hats and little trousers to cover the nappy.

Posing

When photographing babies, it is important to choose a suitable pose and position that is comfortable and safe for the child. Many babies feel best on their back or on their tummy, so we experiment with different positions to find the right one.

Besides photos of the baby alone, we take shots of the baby in your arms, as well as other details with the parents. If you have a specific idea of a memory you would like to capture, we do our best to make it happen.

Natural light

With newborns it is best to use natural light, which is soft and pleasant. The light should be sufficient, but not too bright, so as not to disturb the little one. Whether we also use artificial lighting depends on the place where we are shooting.

We include the family in the newborn photo shoot

Family photos with a baby are exceptionally special and emotional. Parents, siblings or other family members present at the shoot take part in it. When photographing babies, we are patient and adapt to their needs and moods. These tiny beings are not always willing to cooperate the way we would like. With love and patience, however, we always manage to capture beautiful, authentic photographs that will serve you as precious memories of these first moments of their life.

Newborn photo shoot and siblings

A newborn photo shoot with a sibling can be fun and is an opportunity to capture beautiful moments of shared love and the bond between siblings. During the shoot we encourage the sibling to feel part of the process. We involve them in the decision-making and, depending on their age, in joint poses as well.

Photographing a crying baby

Photographing a baby while they are crying is a challenge for both the parents and the photographer, but there are ways to handle this situation and conjure up beautiful, emotional photographs. We can focus on capturing the tiny details of their face, such as tears, scrunched-up cheeks, or their little back. These details also add tenderness and authenticity. Besides that, there are many other ways of working with the little one and options to make use of – but that is every photographer's little secret.

Wriggly models

We try to arrange the baby into perfect poses, but if they are not yet asleep, they decide all on their own to move about and change positions. This “wriggly” model can keep us nicely entertained, but we know how to handle it! Swaddling them into the egg bowl, where we neatly tuck in their little hands, solves this problem for us. The baby must be kept warm; we use a “baby shusher” to soothe them and gradually wrap them into beautiful shapes.

Swaddling the baby in a wrap

Swaddling a baby in a wrap is common practice in newborn photography. Besides allowing us to photograph the newborn better, these positions also give them a sense of security and comfort. To swaddle the baby, we use a suitable material designed for this purpose. The wrap is always freshly washed and ready to use. We lay the baby on a stable, soft surface and make sure they are in a comfortable position with their arms and legs resting loosely beside their body. We start with one end of the wrap and carefully tuck it under the baby so that it lies beneath their back. The end of the wrap stays away from the baby's body so that we can wrap. Gradually we wind the wrap over the legs, feet and little hands so that they are well secured and fully wrapped. Finally, we check that the swaddle is firm enough to keep the baby in a safe position, while at the same time making sure the baby feels comfortable and safe in it. The tips of the little feet can be left peeking out.

Where we photograph babies

For a photo shoot with your baby, you can come to us at one of our studios, but most often parents take the option of having their newborn photographed at home. After all, this is a tiny being for whom the parents are only just beginning to create a home that they are gradually getting used to, so it is most comfortable when the photographer comes with all the necessary equipment straight to the family.

Special props

Newborn photo shoots often use special props that add something personal to the photograph. A football, a tennis racket or a helmet are an interesting choice, as they usually symbolise the family's hobby or interest in a particular sport. Crowns and tiaras are an elegant and fun choice for photographing baby girls. Delicate crowns or tiaras decorated with flowers, pearls or gems are wonderful accessories for little girls. Accessories like these help create dynamic and playful compositions.

What we avoid when photographing babies

We do not handle the baby too much, nor do we leave them in an uncomfortable position for long. It is important to respect their comfort and follow their natural movements. We avoid using overly harsh lights, strong flashes or direct sunlight, which could dazzle or disturb the baby. The light should be soft, gentle and evenly distributed to prevent unpleasant reactions or distress. We do not use props or accessories that could endanger the baby's safety. We avoid sharp objects, heavy objects or small parts that could be dangerous for the baby.

Video recording of the shoot

At your request, we will film the entire course of the newborn photo shoot, whether of the baby alone or with the family and siblings. These recordings are particularly unique, because many activities are part of the shoot. Besides swaddling, settling to sleep and styling, they include funny moments as well as the moments when we are soothing the newborn. You get a mix of everything that happened, including the photography itself. Please book this service in advance, as we need to arrange an assistant for it.

Newborn photo shoot information

A newborn photo shoot is very intimate and must not be rushed, so it is necessary to set aside several hours for it. The ideal “shaping” into the longed-for poses happens while the baby sleeps. We recommend that mums come with a fed and “tired” baby at the time when they usually sleep. If something goes wrong, or the baby wakes up or cries, it is possible to feed them, settle them to sleep or provide any other necessary care right at the shoot location in our studio. That is why you need to set aside more time for a newborn photo shoot – roughly from 90 minutes up to 3 – 4 hours.

We deliver the final photographs electronically or, on request, also in printed form. The price of a newborn photo shoot depends on the total length of the shoot and the number of edited images delivered.

Conclusion

A newborn photo shoot is a beautiful way to capture the first priceless moments of their life. We are extremely careful when handling them and pay extra attention to hygiene to ensure their safety and comfort. A newborn photo shoot is a delicate process that requires consideration, patience and love for these fragile little beings.