If you're wondering about the process and how to prepare, don’t worry! I’ll explain everything here to ensure this moment is unique, calm, and special.
How Does a Newborn Session Work?
Newborn sessions are carefully planned to respect the baby’s rhythm and well-being. The duration varies from 1 to 3 hours, ensuring time for feeding, soothing, and posing the baby, all while capturing each shot with patience and care.
Depending on the package selected, the session can be divided into up to three stages:
- Family Photos: if included in the package.
- Bean Bag Photos: classic and delicate poses, usually with the baby nude on a soft blanket, highlighting their purity and tenderness.
- Props Photos: the baby is wrapped or semi-wrapped in soft, comfortable wraps and placed in baskets, little beds, or other accessories, creating enchanting and personalized images.
In the wrapped session, the entire session is done in one stage, with the baby swaddled throughout, which often keeps them calm as it mimics the comforting sensation of the womb.
The poses are performed with care, never forcing any position and always prioritizing the baby’s comfort. It’s ideal to schedule the session within the first 3 weeks of life to take advantage of the newborn’s natural flexibility. After this period, babies lose this flexibility and develop greater muscle tone, which may limit poses. Premature babies have a wider window and can be photographed up to 6 weeks to ensure their comfort.
How Do We Ensure the Baby's Comfort?
The baby’s safety and comfort are our top priority. The studio is kept at a warm, cozy temperature, perfect for them. All props, blankets, and wraps are sanitized and carefully selected for softness and comfort.
It’s important to remember that babies cry—it’s their only way of communicating. Don’t worry if this happens. I’m experienced in handling such situations, addressing potential discomforts, and ensuring the baby’s well-being. The studio environment is designed to mimic the womb, with the perfect sound and temperature. I also use comfortable poses, gentle massages, and other techniques to soothe the baby. If they need a break, we’ll take the necessary time to make them feel calm and secure.
Sessions are always scheduled between late morning and early afternoon when babies tend to sleep better. We avoid scheduling after 3 PM since, as evening approaches, changes in cortisol and melatonin levels—hormones related to growth—may make babies more restless, according to studies on circadian rhythms.
What to Bring to the Session?
For the baby, you don’t need to worry about anything! I provide everything the baby needs: outfits, blankets, headbands, and props. To make the experience more personalized, you can fill out the **Session Briefing**, indicating your preferences for colors and style.
If your package includes family photos, I suggest minimalist and neutral looks, like clothing in shades of white, black, beige, or nude. These tones create a harmonious look and highlight your connection. I always provide an exclusive guide with tips for selecting the perfect outfits for everyone.
How to Prepare for the Day?
Here are a few tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Feed the baby before leaving home. This helps start the session with them calm and content.
- Dress them in a zip-up or magnetic pajama with only a diaper underneath. This makes it easier to change them without disturbing their sleep.
- Keep the baby in the car seat when you arrive at the studio. The car’s motion often lulls them to sleep, facilitating a seamless start to the session.
For Moms
If you don’t feel confident or beautiful enough to appear in the photos, know that this is completely normal during the postpartum period when hormones and self-perception are constantly changing. However, my goal is for you to see yourself in these photos and feel beautiful.
After the session, all photos undergo special retouching. If desired, I can smooth skin, reduce dark circles, adjust body contours, and minimize areas like double chin, arms, and tummy. I also offer natural digital makeup options, understanding how challenging it can be to get ready during this new phase.
You deserve to be part of these memories, and I’m here to ensure you feel incredible when you see yourself in them.
Our Commitment to You
Every photo I capture is a precious piece of your story. My commitment is to create timeless images that reflect all the love and delicacy of this unique phase in your baby’s life.
I want you to feel welcomed and comfortable throughout the process, knowing that every detail was planned with care. If you have any questions or need further guidance, I’m here to help.
I look forward to capturing this special moment for your family! 💕
With love,
Paloma Schell.