Most newborn photography will have to deal with the delicate moments interacting with the newborn baby’s parents. Some clients are very anxious and worried about their child’s safety, which is completely normal and understandable. However, if the parents are not made comfortable regarding all their concerns prior to the session, it can compromise the entire photo shoot.
The best way to avoid this is to reassure the couple before the session, preferably at the meeting before signing the session contract. In this way, you are guaranteed that they will be more prepared for the day.
See in this post how to make parents comfortable about their newborn photography session and make your job easier as a photographer. The newborn sessions are the hardest of all. Guess what? The last thing you want during a session is a crying baby and stressed-out parents. Check out these simple tips below to prepare yourself and the parents for a perfect outcome.
Reassure of baby’s safety and comfort
This is one of the biggest fears of parents when it comes to newborn photography, especially for those with their first child. It is normal for them to want to protect the child from everything, including the photographer they just met.
So they will want to make sure you really know what you’re doing, you are experienced, and won’t do any harm to the baby. So, to gain their trust, share your portfolio with them, share testaments and reviews from the existing clients that you did newborn sessions with, and pass on their contacts if needed.
It is important to inform the parents that you and your associates are fully vaccinated, and the studio is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before every session. Also try to prepare them in advance that the temperature and environment in the studio will be appropriate for a newborn baby. Also talk about the types of clothing and wraps the baby will wear and most importantly the safe newborn poses you practise. Make it clear that the entire session is designed to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of the little one. Thus, the parents’ mind will be at ease, and you will be more comfortable doing your job.
Include parents in choosing photo props and themes
All parents imagine photos they want to include in their newborn album. Often, they search for inspiration on the internet, they like photos from another shoot of yours, or simply want to differentiate their photos from others. They are likely to come up with some ideas for you, so make the most of it.
Include the parents in choosing the props that will be used in the images, the clothes, poses and other aspects of the shoot. Make them actively participate in this photo session. This way, they will feel more comfortable and calm throughout the process.
If the parents want to include any personal belongings of the family or the baby, allow it. Talk to them about some ideas on how to include the desired item in the photograph and be open to their suggestions. Remember that it’s their moment and you need to respect that!
Discuss ideas for poses and photos
Complementing the previous topic, be sure to talk to parents about the images. It is very important that they like the types of photos before capturing. Otherwise, they may leave dissatisfied with your service.
The birth of a child is a very special moment and you are not only dealing with photographs, but with memories that will be treasured forever. Therefore, ensure that your captures include ideas suggested by parents and that parents have approved your suggestions before you start shooting. Some parents may just leave everything up to you and that is ok, as long as, you got the approval.
Make the parents aware of the session length
The timing and duration of a newborn session are very important for the parents to understand. Generally it can last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the baby and the amount of photos, of course. In addition, ask the parents to choose the session time according to baby’s routine. Mornings generally work the best for most of the babies sleep schedule but keep in mind that every baby is different.
Align expectations with results
Again, the conversation with the baby’s parents is very important. Your clients are great parents, but chances are they don’t know anything about photography. Therefore, it is important that you, as an expert, guide them about the possibilities.
Through your experience with newborn photography you will be able to understand what can be done in one session and what is simply not possible. Sometimes babies are older than 2 weeks at their session and some poses are just not safe or comfortable for the baby.
Exactly for this reason you should sit down and talk about the photos beforehand. See what the couple expects and let them know exactly what you will do. Make it clear what they will receive at the end of the session so that it doesn’t create confusion later.
On the other hand, don’t be that annoying photographer who says no to everything. Instead, bring solutions and other alternatives that make it possible to do what the parents want, or at least get as close to their request.
Pass some important guidelines before shooting
As you gain experience with newborn photography, sessions will get easier. You begin to understand the behavior of newborns and learn some methods that can help the session progress smoothly.
Use this practical knowledge to help the baby’s parents and give them peace of mind during the session. Some examples: suggest type of clothing for the baby, advise on a bath or play time before the session, talk about baby’s feeding time, etc. Also advise the mom to avoid certain food for 48-72 hrs if she is breastfeeding.
All these help baby to be calmer during photoshoot and the parents are more relaxed. It’s all about talking to understand each other, isn’t it? It may be your clients’ first session, but you have more experience with this. So, share some tips with them to make everything peaceful.
 For Parents, newborn photos are a fantastic way to capture the beauty and joy of your baby’s first days. Professional photographers have the skills, equipment, and knowledge to take stunning photos that will serve as cherished memories for years to come. By investing in professional newborn photos, parents can rest assured that their baby’s unique beauty is being captured in a meaningful and artistic way. Even if it feels like a luxury expense, the value of having lasting memories of your child’s infancy is priceless.
