Welcoming a newborn into your family is a cherished moment, and capturing these early days through photography can create memories that last a lifetime. As a maternity and newborn photographer in Parkersburg, WV, and the Mid-Ohio Valley Area, I’m here to guide you through everything you need to know about scheduling and preparing for your newborn photography session. Newborn photography is an art form that seeks to encapsulate the pure, delicate essence of your baby. Each session aims to tell a story, capturing those fleeting moments that pass by so quickly. From their tiny fingers and toes to their first yawns and stretches, every detail is worth preserving. Understanding the different types of newborn photography sessions available can help you choose the best one to suit your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the raw emotions of a Fresh48 session, the comfort of a lifestyle session, or the elegance of an in-studio wrap session, there is a perfect option for every family.
Newborn photography sessions are designed to capture the innocence and beauty of your baby’s earliest days. There are various styles of newborn photography, each offering a unique way to document this special time. Fresh48 sessions occur within the first 48 hours of your baby’s birth, often while you’re still in the hospital. These candid sessions capture those raw, emotional moments as you bond with your newborn for the very first time. Lifestyle newborn sessions take place in the comfort of your home. They emphasize natural interactions and family connections, providing a relaxed environment where genuine moments can unfold naturally. In-studio wrapped sessions focus on artistic, stylized poses using wraps, props, and various backdrops. These sessions allow for more controlled lighting and settings, resulting in timeless, elegant portraits of your newborn. Each style offers its own unique benefits and can be tailored to fit your family’s story and style.
The best time to have your newborn photography session is within the first two weeks of life. During this period, newborns are typically very sleepy and flexible, making it easier to capture those adorable curled-up poses. Scheduling your session within this timeframe ensures a smoother experience and results in beautiful, serene images. Babies in their first two weeks are generally more cooperative, allowing photographers to pose them in those sweet, curled positions reminiscent of their time in the womb. This stage also helps in achieving the soft, dreamy photographs that are characteristic of newborn photography. Additionally, early sessions can capture the fresh, new look of your baby, preserving those precious early moments before the rapid changes of growth begin. It’s a magical window of time that parents treasure forever. By understanding the timing, parents can plan effectively and ensure they don’t miss this important milestone.
It’s advisable to book your newborn session around your due date. This allows us to pencil in your session and adjust the schedule according to your baby’s actual arrival. By planning ahead, you can secure your spot and ensure that we are ready to capture your baby’s first days. Booking in advance provides peace of mind, knowing that you have reserved your session during that critical two-week window. Once your baby arrives, we’ll finalize the exact date and make any necessary adjustments. This flexibility is crucial since babies can arrive earlier or later than expected. Having a tentative booking ensures that you won’t miss out on capturing those fleeting newborn moments. By scheduling your session early, you also have ample time to discuss any specific ideas or themes you might have in mind, ensuring that the session reflects your vision and style perfectly. This proactive approach makes the entire process seamless and stress-free.
Preparing for your newborn session can help ensure that everything goes smoothly. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your photography experience. First, keep your baby comfortable. Ensure your baby is well-fed and has a clean diaper before the session starts. A sleepy, content baby makes for a smoother session. Next, have essentials ready. Bring along any special outfits, blankets, or props you would like to include in the photos. Personal items can add a unique touch to your session and make the photos even more meaningful. Also, stay relaxed. Your calm presence will help keep your baby relaxed. Take breaks as needed, and don’t worry if your baby needs to stop for feeding or changing. The session is meant to be a joyful, stress-free experience for both you and your baby. Lastly, communicate any specific requests or ideas you have with your photographer beforehand. This ensures that your session goes exactly as you envision it, resulting in beautiful, personalized photographs.
At my studio, I provide a comfortable environment equipped with a variety of backdrops, props, and wraps. I assist you in planning your session to reflect your personal style and preferences. My goal is to create a stress-free atmosphere where we can capture beautiful, timeless images of your newborn. The studio is designed to be a relaxing space where you can feel at ease while I work with your baby. Having a controlled environment allows me to regulate lighting and temperature, ensuring your baby remains comfortable throughout the session. With a wide selection of props and backdrops, we can create diverse and creative setups that highlight the beauty of your newborn. Additionally, my experience and expertise allow me to position and pose your baby safely, ensuring that each image is both beautiful and secure. The studio experience is tailored to meet your needs and provide you with stunning photographs that you will cherish forever.
At Lori Pickens Photography, I proudly serve Parkersburg, WV, and the Mid-Ohio Valley Area. From the moment you contact me, I’ll guide you through the entire process to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. First, we’ll start with a consultation to discuss your vision, preferences, and any specific ideas you have for your session. Once we have an idea of what you’d like, we’ll move on to booking your session. It’s best to schedule it around your due date, and we can always adjust the date if necessary once your baby arrives. After booking, I’ll provide you with tips and guidance on how to prepare for your session, including what to bring and how to ensure your baby is comfortable. On the day of the shoot, we’ll work together to capture beautiful, timeless images of your newborn. Following the session, I will carefully edit the photos and present you with a gallery of high-resolution images to choose from. For inspiration, be sure to check out my portfolio and follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Also, don’t forget to join our FREE Facebook community of local moms for support, tips, and more!
Experience the Lori Pickens Photography difference as we capture timeless memories for your family. Contact us today to book your session!
Lori Pickens is a Mother, Wife, Tech Geek from Parkersburg, WV, and the podcast host of Photo Goals. She is a true lifelong local and has been photographing in the area for over a decade. She serves families from Parkersburg, WV to Marietta, OH. Lori is also a Click Pro Elite and Click Community Mentor. When she’s not capturing pictures or spending time with her kids, she enjoys organizing her lists and spending time on her family farm.