How to style and photograph a Neutral Newborn Session by SugaShoc Photography
Have you ever wondered how a newborn photographer decides how to style and photograph a session? I have photographed hundreds of newborn babies. Some are great and spend the entire Newborn session sleeping, never making a peep. Then there are those who just want to check out the world, and take a lot of soothing. As a mother to 3 kids myself, I know that all babies are different. What one kid loves, another hates and vice versa. This is also true for babies as young as newborns. Awake or asleep, I am always able to capture some gorgeous moments, and beautiful photos. Here's a little peek into how I style a neutral newborn session.
For all my newborn sessions, I always ask parents for a photo of baby's nursery, thoughts on favorite colors for the session, or colors they love to decorate their home with. I always try to design a session according to parents' tastes, because I want these photos to be printed large, and displayed for everyone to enjoy. If the colors don't mesh well with how they decorate their home, they will not want these images hung on their walls.
This baby's parents decided on a mostly neutral color pallet for her set-ups. I was excited because color combinations go in and out of style all the time. A few years ago, pink and green was the go to for newborn girls. But now, it is "out of style". I am sure that color combination will come back just like plaid comes in and out of style.
Cream, brown, gray, and white are my go to colors for a neutral setup. My favorite color cream looked beautiful against all her gorgeous, dark hair. Even though she was 5 weeks old, she was so snuggly and easy to pose. Usually, I like to schedule my Newborn Sessions when babies are under 2 weeks old, because it is easier to pose and soothe them. But she slept so well during her session, so I was able to do so many different set-ups.
A sleepy newborn is a dream for any newborn photographer because when they sleep, I am able to put pose the baby with ease. It is not always easy to design a neutral setup and make it look different from frame to frame and that is why I collect all sorts of antique neutral props and backdrops so I can create a magical setting for all my Newborn Sessions. An extensive newborn wardrobe custom designed for each session is also important to complete the look.
I loved using my little white antique bed with this baby. Because I wanted an all cream setup, I used about 5-6 different textured blankets and wraps to create depth and interest in the photo. The cute baby also helped.....
When little ones decide they don't want to sleep or pose, it makes our lives as newborn photographers A LOT harder!!! Newborns can't control their faces or limbs so well so getting them to pose while awake can be a challenge. When babies are fussy and don't want to sleep, I try to swaddle the baby first, as many times this will soothe them to sleep. Once asleep I can then pose them. Just look at the little smile I captured on her face when she was wrapped and asleep in my antique wooden little bed. For some beautiful posing ideas check out my Newborn Gallery .
There are occurrences when no matter what I try, the baby just wants to stay awake. When this happens I just go with the flow and try to get some great shots of them awake. Usually when baby is awake, it's because they are hungry or uncomfortable. But not this little lady. While she was awake, she was in a great mood and I got some amazing shots showing off her beautiful brown eyes. She even gave me a wide open mouth "laugh" while she laid on the pink sheepskin fur while wearing the light pink onesie and headband with the fresh water pearls. She was a girl and her parents decorated her nursery with pink and gray so I had to sneak a little touch of pink into her session.
Newborn Photography is such a rewarding job, because I get to help capture these first precious first moments for my clients in Bucks County, PA. For more of my work, please see my blog - SugaShoc Photography.