5 Ways to Guarantee a Successful Newborn Session

Some little angels are born amazing sleepers, but that is not usually the case for most newborns. The parents I work with here in Jacksonville, FL often wonder how I am able to keep their new baby asleep and content while transitioning from one squishy pose to the next. While many of my newborn clients call me a baby whisperer, I do have a few simple tried and true secrets that I am happy to fill you in on!

5 Things That I Do During EVERY Newborn Session to Ensure Success and a Full Gallery

Prepare My Clients

The very FIRST thing that I do to guarantee a great start to every newborn portrait session happens well before I even arrive for the photoshoot! Providing my families with ample communication and a session prep guide in advance, ensures that everyone is on the same page. This means that there are no added stresses or surprises the morning of photos. Phew!!! The guide not only reminds exhausted new parents of what to expect during and after the session, but also details how to prepare both themselves and baby for pictures. By knowing ahead of time how the day will go and what needs to get done before we can begin, everyone is able to relax and enjoy the experience.

Warm It Up

We keep it hot. I’m talking, like 78-80 degrees, this is my version of hot yoga, HOT! This may seem crazy, but it ensures baby is kept warm and comfortable during naked shots. Remember, newborns are used to being warm and cozy in the womb, so they LOVE it! Are you sweating just thinking about bumping the thermostat up? Not to worry, I always bring a small space heater so that the entire house does need to be quite so balmy and I will adjust the temperature as needed when baby is wrapped so that they do not overheat.

Use White Noise

I use a handy dandy tool called a Shusher, that quite literally, shushes them. Throughout pregnancy, babies are surrounded by the constant sounds of mom’s working organs, like her heart and even her stomach. This white noise is their norm and is, therefore, extremely comforting to them.

Start Swaddled

Some babies are not ready for naked posing immediately and need to fall into a deep deep sleep first. By starting newborn session off with wrapped posing, not only does baby have time to settle into a very drowsy and cozy state, but we also get to add some beautiful variety to your gallery. And who doesn’t want that?!

Keep It Baby Led

Most importantly, sessions are always baby led! This means that if they need to eat, they eat. If they need time to settle into a pose and get comfortable, they get that time, too. Patience is ALWAYS the name of the game and I am happy to wait and take my time when it means keeping your newborn safe and happy.

Erin of Erin Elyse Photography is a Jacksonville in-home studio Newborn Photographer in Northeast Florida. Erin specializes in beautifully capturing your timeless memories and turning them into luxurious works of art. Also serving the families of Ponte Vedra, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Riverside, San Marco, Nocatee, Mandarin, Fleming Island and the surrounding areas of Northeast Florida.