What To Expect - Newborn Sessions


Welcoming a newborn is such a magical, fleeting time—and capturing these early days in a professional newborn session is an experience many families treasure forever. As a Chicagoland family photographer specializing in newborns, I want to make sure you feel prepared so the session is smooth, relaxed, and enjoyable for everyone.


When to Book


The best time for a newborn session is 7–10 days after birth. At this stage, babies are:


  • Still very sleepy and “squishy,” making them easier to pose
  • Less likely to have peely skin or baby acne, giving you those smooth, newborn images


Booking early ensures we can capture these tiny details while your little one is still in that perfect newborn stage.


Preparing Baby Before the Session


A little planning before you arrive can make a huge difference:


  • Keep baby awake for 1–2 hours before the shoot to help them arrive sleepy
  • Give a full feeding before getting in the car, so baby arrives content and ready for cozy poses
  • Pack extras: diapers, wipes, pacifier, formula or bottles if needed, and an extra set of clothes for going home
  • Bring special blankets or hats you’d like incorporated—they make the images even more personal


The Studio Environment


The studio will be warm and toasty to keep baby comfortable and sleepy. This cozy environment allows us to safely wrap, pose, and capture those peaceful newborn moments.


Session Flow


Newborn sessions are typically 2–3 hours. While we won’t be photographing the entire time, this allows for:


  • Feeding and soothing breaks as needed
  • Gentle rocking, diaper changes, or extra cuddles


Parents are encouraged to relax when they’re not in the shot—trust me, as a mom, I know how quickly “mama and dada mode” kicks in when your baby cries. I will always ensure your little one is safe and comfortable, whether I am soothing, rocking, or helping with feeding.


Poses and Safety


Babies will be gently wrapped in a variety of soft wraps and photographed both on their own and with parents and/or siblings. Safety is always the top priority—every pose is done with care, and no unsafe positions are attempted.


Final Tips


  • Take the time to rest, hydrate, and bring a snack for yourself—newborn sessions take patience, but they’re worth every minute
  • Trust the process—I’ll guide every step, ensuring your newborn is comfortable, safe, and captured beautifully


With a little preparation, your newborn session can feel calm, relaxed, and full of memories you’ll cherish forever.