How to Have a Picture-Perfect Newborn Photography Session

Thank you to Sally Cavanaugh Photography for sponsoring this post and for beautifully capturing life’s most memorable moments for Wichita area families.


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This time is simply euphoric. Your bundle of joy has arrived and those little fingers and toes have your heart melting!

If you’re first time parents or have never had newborn pictures taken, your mind might be swirling with questions. Sally Cavanaugh Photography is here to help! Below are some newborn photography tips you’ll want to keep in mind.

Newborn Photography Basics

  • Newborn photographers book quickly! You’ll want to schedule your newborn session before the baby arrives. Most photographers will hold your due date on their calendar to save time for you.
  • Sessions with newborns are typically scheduled 5-10 days after birth. Once this window passes babies tend to be more awake and the curly, bendy, womb-like poses start to become uncomfortable for them.
  • There are a variety of options for newborn sessions. Find the session that best fits your family’s style. Research newborn images and see which images you’re most drawn to. Are you wanting lifestyle portraits in your home or more posed portraits in a studio?

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Lifestyle Sessions

Lifestyle sessions are simple and organic, focused on capturing your newborn naturally at home. This session is great if you’re focusing on pictures with siblings and family or wanting images in the baby’s nursery. Don’t worry about the state of your home. Dishes piled up in the sink and piles of laundry won’t offend your photographer. I’ve often moved piles of clutter off of night stands during a session –  you just had a baby, and we will work around the mess!

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Studio Sessions

Studio sessions involve lots of posing and props. This session will capture your baby in the sweet curly, cuddly poses we all love! Naked babies are full of surprises! But, don’t worry, newborn photographers are ready for them. There’s no need to feel embarrassed if something gets soiled, it seriously happens all the time.

View More: http://jennifermillerphoto.pass.us/sally-cavanaugh

Photo credit: Jennifer Miller Photography

Newborn Photography Tips

  • Newborn sessions are typically very relaxed, but can take several hours. Make sure to block off a chunk of time so that you don’t feel rushed or overwhelmed with how long it takes. My average newborn session is two to three hours.
  • Find someone with experience you can trust. While the photographer works with your baby, this is your time to relax. I know it’s hard not to be right beside your brand new baby, but newborn photographers are very careful and have spent lots of time with little ones. They will take good care of your baby.
  • Don’t let scheduling a newborn session overwhelm you. While this is a lot of information, it’s just here to help you. Newborn images are some of the most incredible images to keep for a lifetime. You’ve been dreaming about these moments for months, years, possibly since you were young, capture it.

Sally Cavanaugh Photography is a lifestyle and studio photographer specializing in newborn, children and family photography in Wichita, Kansas.

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Sally Cavanaugh
Sally is a native Wichitan and the mother of Caroline (September 2012) and Harrison (January 2015). She lives on the east side of Wichita with her hubby of six years, Matt. After teaching first grade for six years, she left the classroom to work from home. Sally is a professional photographer. She owns, Sally Cavanaugh Films and Photos., specializing in family films and newborn/family photography. Passionate about capturing those precious, simple, fleeting moments in life, Sally truly loves her job. Sally is also a trunk keeper for Matilda Jane Clothing., an unpredictable clothing company known for their darling girls clothing. When she’s not behind the camera or styling little ones, Sally enjoys being surrounded by family. Whether they are at home or on a frequent trip to the lake, she tries to soak up every moment she can.