i’ve photographed over 500 babies & counting…these are my top props for your newborn session
There are endless options when it comes to what to include in your baby’s newborn photos…I’ve seen it all! Here are my top 3 things I would prioritize packing in your hospital bag for your newborn photos:
1. A swaddle you love
As your photographer, this is absolutely at the top of my list for all those sweet, snuggly newborn poses. I love a muslin option for great structure & the ability to wrap baby up nice & snug. Be mindful of size when choosing your swaddle as some options marketed as receiving blankets might actually be too small.
For truly custom Fresh48 photos, I would actually bring TWO swaddles that coordinate. One to be a background for bassinet photos, and the other to be the one baby is actually wrapped in.
This “I love you” muslin swaddle from Cloud Island by Target is a favorite I see again & again. It is an inexpensive option that photographs beautifully and creates a timeless look.
2. A quality name sign
If you know your baby’s name, this is next on my list. I’ve seen probably as many name signs as I’ve seen newborns & I think a quality name sign wins every time. It is perfect for that first announcement photo to share with friends & family, and can be a sweet keepsake for your nursery gallery wall. A name sign can also be a great prop for capturing a “faceless” portrait - my favorite is baby’s hands gripping the edge of the sign!
Skip the signs that require you to write in a bunch of details. First, it is a lot of pressure to have perfect penmanship. Additionally depending upon the material of the sign & the marker you use, bleeding can become an issue. Dry erase signs can also be an issue if someone picks it up & just barely rubs off part of a letter or number. Second, these have a lot of personally identifying information on them & I actually advise many of my families to not use these for posts on social media.
Love this name sign that is timeless enough to be added to a nursery gallery wall.
3. Something to show SCALE
Your newborn baby is only this size for so long. Hands are great for poses to show scale, but so are stuffies or other nursery items. Your baby will grow but those will always stay the same size and will probably remain treasured items for years to come.
FAQ: When should i book my fresh48 or newborn session?
One of the top questions I hear from parents-to-be is when exactly should I book our Newborn session? I’m inclined to say “as soon as possible” so you can secure your preferred photographer on your preferred date. But if we’re being honest, that doesn’t really help much! Ultimately, I recommend you reach out as soon as you are ready, which for many families is typically around 12 weeks. Here are some additional factors to consider when booking:
Are you planning to have a maternity session or gender reveal party? Many photographers will bundle these offerings with a newborn session for a bonus savings.
Are you due over a major holiday? If yes, definitely reach out as soon as possible. Not all photographers are open to working these dates, but for those that are, the sooner they know the better!
When do newborn photography sessions typically take place? A Fresh48 session takes place, as it’s name implies, within 48 hours of birth at the place where the birth occurred (frequently a hospital). A newborn session varies on timing, but the sweet spot is really within 2 weeks when baby is still sleepy for all those beautiful swaddle portraits!
TOP 3 REASONS TO BOOK A Private PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR FRESH48 SESSION
It All Begins Here
Captured by EEBauer Photography at Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital in Chicago
1. Creative Alignment
When you receive a call to book your session in the hospital, you actually have no choice over the photographer and no idea of their style. You also are a lot more likely to receive almost an identical gallery as the next several rooms down the hall.
Booking a private photographer in advance allows for you to know exactly what to expect & receive a gallery that is unique to you.
2. Scheduling
The scheduling process & the appointment itself can feel high pressure. You are subject to fitting into that photographer's packed schedule for the day. It is not uncommon for each photographer to be booking 10 or more "sessions" each morning meaning very little flexibility for the needs of you & baby.
As a private photographer, I'm focused on just YOU. Baby needs to eat? Great, I can photograph this intimate moment, or if you prefer, step out for a bit & come back when you are ready.
Older siblings are coming? Awesome, I would love to capture that for you! When is a good time for them to arrive?
3. Connection
This is the BIG one. The reality is that the business model for the in hospital photographers is not set up to create genuine connection. It's one of the reasons I chose to leave.
How can I as a photographer truly capture your family if I don't have the time to get to know you?
Those early days are so, so special and you deserve to have them captured by someone whom you feel connected to.
And this one doesn't make the top 3, but it's another great reason to book a private photographer...Support a mom-owned business!