Why shoot in a studio (instead of clients’ homes)

Though “lifestyle” newborn sessions in clients’ homes are absolutely lovely (and there are some amazing lifestyle newborn photographers in San Antonio!), my favorite way to capture a newborn is by creating a beautiful classic and timeless portrait of their precious face- the face that will all-too-quickly grow and change.  I LOVE the details that you can only capture with a thoughtfully composed traditional portrait- both beautiful close-ups and peaceful, story-like pulled-back shots. Photos of their tiny little fingernails, pudgy little toes, squishy little rolls. Some with sweet little baskets, props, or lovely soft textures. Some just simple and minimal, with nothing but beautiful light. In my newborn photography studio, I have all of the posing and lighting equipment I need to create all of these kinds of images with ease.

MY studio has all the professional equipment I need for beautiful portraits!

 I have every piece of equipment that I need in my studio to create a gorgeous portrait of your newest addition and your growing family: Professional studio lighting and modifiers; a backdrop system with dozens of backdrops and floor drops; multiple lenses; countless curated fabrics, outfits, props, and wraps.  In short, I have EVERYTHING I need to create a beautiful gallery for my clients here in my home studio.  

I would never be able to bring along all of these things to a client’s home- (my vehicle simply isn’t big enough!) Shooting in a private studio space is the perfect way to create consistently beautiful galleries for each and every one of my sweet clients. You don’t have to worry about de-cluttering your house, and if it’s gloomy outside, the dim light won’t affect your session. My studio is my always-ready-and-perfectly-consistent place for making beautiful art for my families!  

Furthermore, having a studio in my home allows me time- even in my off hours- to begin prepping for your session (which I often excitedly do days before you arrive!)  I love custom styling beautiful sets for my clients- it’s when I get to be creative with colors and textures and design elements. And I often will think of an idea for styling a session at strange times (before I go to bed, or first thing in the morning) and I can pop into my studio whenever I want to, to try things out!

MY studio sessions are relaaaaaaxing… 

I get that leaving the house with a newborn can be a challenge!  (I’ve been there, too! In fact, 8 years later, and I still struggle to get out of house on time.) That’s why I’ve made certain that the studio is a perfect place for moms and dads (and siblings) to relax, put their feet up, and have a lovely morning of down time.  So, the only work you really have to do is get in your car to drive here.  Once you arrive, just relax! I’ll take care of the rest.

There is a private client lounge in the studio- complete with recliners, a changing table, a TV with Netflix and Disney!) and a little spot for brothers and sisters to read, play with toys, draw, or color. Moms can also use the lounge if they’d like to nurse or pump in private- or just take a well-deserved nap!  

And in the shooting space, there is a couch to relax on if you’d like to watch your baby in his or her photo debut.  And I didn’t forget about the most important part of every morning: COFFEE.  I have a Keurig for fresh coffee and tea, along with snacks- like granola bars, fruit leather, crackers, instant oatmeal- and a fridge with water, juice, and lunch-y snacks like cheese and nuts. Everything is here for you to enjoy! 

An SLP Newborn Session is not only a way to create heirloom portraits of this fleeting time, it’s a well-deserved break for you! Enjoy it! Get details on our newborn sessions on our pricing page and to see a virtual tour of our studio, click here! 

I see a phrase in the newborn photography industry that keeps popping up more and more frequently, and that is of “unposed newborn photos.”  I’m glad to see that either parents or artists are leaning in a direction that doesn’t necessarily follow trends. Because, after all, Newborn portraits are NOT about the pose- they’re about the newborn! 

However, “posing” newborns can mean a lot of different things depending on the person. And it can mean different things to different photographers that work with newborn clients!

And so therefore, there are some important distinctions to make in regards to whether posing newborns is safe and approrpriate. So, let’s talk about them!

First of all, is posing newborns dangerous? 

Positioning baby in a way to create a properly lit and well-composed image (AND most importantly) that baby is comfortable and supported in a natural way at all times is not dangerous. It might be turning baby’s cheek toward the light. Tucking their hands gently under their chin or on their tummies. Laying them on their back or side.

This gentle moving and guiding is what “posing” newborns means to me, and how I do it in my sessions!

HOWEVER, “posing” newborns in a manner in which they can’t naturally support themselves IS POTENTIALLY dangerous. And even POTENTIAL danger should be enough reason to avoid these poses.

“Poses” I don’t do in my newborn sessions and why

FROGGY POSE

The ever-popular “froggy” pose is, unfortunately, a good example of posing baby in a way in which their body isn’t naturally supported. Creating the image involves taking two different photos that must be later composited in photoshop. The first shot involves lifting baby’s head upright in the air by holding the crown of their head. For the second shot, baby’s hands are placed on their cheeks, and the adult then grips their wrists together- again attempting to balance their head upright. (Some photographers will even do this with their left hand while shooting with their right- in my opinion something that should NEVER be done!)

Now don’t get me wrong…I personally know a lot of photographers that love doing this pose for their tiny clients, and they do so with great care and caution. Most are aware of the risks and take great responsibility in doing this pose in the “safe” manner described above.

However, even if a photographer creates this image safely (and thankfully most do) there is STILL A POTENTIAL RISK FOR INJURY to baby any time they’re held in an unnatural position. If baby’s head isn’t properly supported, they can have head or neck injuries. If their hands put too much pressure on their throat (under their chins) it can restrict their airway. True, these things are unlikely to happen, but still could happen if the utmost care isn’t taken. So why even do this pose at all?

I mean, aren’t babies cute enough without making them sit like frogs?

That’s why, I believe, we need to challenge what has always been done by asking what SHOULD be done.

POTATO SACK POSE

Another “pose” that isn’t necessary to do in the popular way is what’s known as the “potato sack” pose.  Also done by composite, it involves wrapping baby with multiple layers of fabric, and sometimes even thick padding, in order to keep their body rigid enough to sit upright- sort of like a sack of potatoes on the floor.

The problem is, though, that there are multiple ways that baby can be put at risk of injury. First of all, babies wrapped with multiple layers- especially in studios that are kept warm already- can easily get overheated. And if the layers are too tight, baby’s breathing can be impeded. Furthermore, if their heads are resting on their hands in such a way that puts pressure under their chins/necks- this risk increases further.

Now, the “safe’ way to create this image is to have an adult hold baby’s head upright in a way that lifts its weight up slightly- to support it- and then for the second shot, hold their body upright. But again, I can’t help but think: MUST that little baby be sitting vertically in order to make an adorable portrait of them while they’re swaddled? Of course not.

Now, I love a baby swaddled like a little baby burrito- and I do it for nearly every one of my sessions! Most babies love it, and it allows me to easily capture their sweet face while they’re safe and secure. There’s just no reason to position baby upright while they’re swaddled, in my opinion.

Instead, we can simply lay baby on a soft surface that supports their entire body and head- just like when we hold them in our arms- and capture them in nearly the exact same adorable way! 

Safety is always priority #1

The safest way to photograph a newborn is: the SAFEST way. That means, if there are POTENTIAL risks of injury to a baby by attempting certain popular poses, those potential risks are reason enough to not attempt those poses at all! The SAFEST way is the safest way: so that means photographing baby where he or she is lying comfortably, with his or her head and neck supported naturally (i.e. NOT not being held upright by an adult’s hand or fingers), and if lying above the ground (like on a posing bean bag), within reach at all times. 

Resources dedicated to promoting safety in newborn photography

I am proud to be a member of the Accredited Professional Newborn Photographers International (APNPI). I learned about APNPI from one of the many continuing education workshops that I’ve particiapted in througout my career. They’re dedicated to educating newborn photographers about business, artistry, and most importantly, safety while giving recognition to photographers who excel at these in their work.

One thing that APNPI does so well is to strive to educate photographers and parents alike about the most important considerations when it comes to newborn safety. To view their resources and learn more details about safe newborn posing, visit them here!

Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of mentions of “unposed” or “naturally posed” newborn photos.  I think it’s great that the industry is going in a direction that doesn’t necessarily follow a common trend! After all, newborn portraits aren’t about the pose. They’re about the newborn! 

However, I feel like another trend toward favoring “unposed” newborn portraits could convey, somehow, that posing newborns in photos is a bad thing. Which isn’t the case. However, it’s very important to note that “posing” newborns can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people and photographers! So therefore, there are some VERY important distinctions to make in regards to whether “posing” newborns is safe and approrpriate. Let’s talk about them!

First of all, is posing newborns safe? 

Yes, posing newborns is safe AS LONG AS the “posing” means simply positioning baby in a way to create a properly lit and well-composed image! AND (most importantly) that baby is comfortable and supported in a natural way at all times! 

HOWEVER, “posing” newborns in an unnatural position in which they can’t naturally support themselves IS POTENTIALLY dangerous. (I previously wrote about a couple of these kinds of “poses” that are frequently done by photographers all over the world, yet I simply won’t do. To learn about them, read my post here.)

My approach to posing newborns

Natural Newborn Posing

Though I’ve never thought about what I’d call it, my approach to photographing newborns in my studio I’d describe more so as “natural posing.”  By natural posing, I mean that I only place baby in positions that they can naturally stay in on their own (without additional support of someone holding their head or limbs to prevent injury).

For example, babies can easily lie on their backs on their own. Or sleep on their tummies on their own. Or lay swaddled on a soft surface. These are basically the same ways moms and dads put baby down for a nap at home!
I’ll lay them in positions that allow me to create a beautiful, artful image and capture their face and tiny features, while gently guiding their hands and feet to enhance that composition.

So although I do “pose” babies in this simple manner, my philosophy is that baby’s safety is always my number one priority; NOT the pose or the shot. The safety of my tiny subjects is ALWAYS more important than any image I’m trying to make.

How I typically start a newborn session

The way I most often begin a newborn session is by wrapping a “wrap” (just a piece of fabric about as large as a scarf) around baby’s body.  This works so well so often because it gently holds their shoulders and hips close to their body and makes them feel “held” and secure- similar to how they’ve felt the last nine months in the womb.  Their startle reflex (the moro reflex) is far less likely to occur when they’re wrapped, which is why swaddling is so effective at soothing babies! (For more tips on soothing babies, check out this post!)

I love wrapping just their shoulders and hips this way, because then we can still see their pudgy little feet and fingers!  I can very easily place their hands on their tummies, cross their feet so we see their toes- and make a perfectly composed portrait of that tiny little person. It’s like a beautiful still-life painting… with a newborn!  😛 

Tummy time!

I find a LOT of babies seem to love being on their tummies. Like swaddling, being on their tummy limits babies’ startle reflex- keeping them calmer and more relaxed. Again, this is a position that they can naturally be in on their own without any additional support to their body. (And it’s almost always how babies sleep on Daddy’s chest!)
If you’re wondering- YES- back is still best for sleeping in cribs and at night to reduce the risk of SIDS. But for the short time baby is sleeping in the studio, placing them on their tummies makes them calm, sleepy, and adorably curled up.  Not all babies want to lie this way, but for those that do, I gently guide them into that position and make an adorable portrait.

(Note: though I position babies in ways that don’t require any additional support their head/body, I am still always close to baby at all times, and never leave any baby unattended!)

Each baby is unique!

The little subjects that I photograph are all sooooo different. Some are very “easy”- they’re really relaxed and do nothing but sleep. Others are very touchy and never sleep deeply at all. Some take pacifiers, some don’t. Some like to scrunch up in a ball, others like to stretch out. Some put their fists in the air like Rocky, and others might continually tuck their hands under their neck. They are all so adorably unique!

It’s so important to read baby’s cues and never to force baby into any position. Though I’ll plan for positioning baby in a certain way, I always ultimately follow baby’s lead. So If he or she clearly prefers being in one position over another, I go with it! I make sure to capture all those little quirks, while also guiding them into a beautiful, relaxed pose.

I can capture beautiful portraits of that little person just as they are.  

I’m truly blessed to be able to do what I do.  And I’m humbled by the trust my clients put in me to capture their precious tiny newborn.  It will always be my goal to create the most beautiful keepsakes for my families all while keeping baby happy, healthy, and safe.  

Having a newborn- whether it’s your first or your fifth- is always a wonderful (yet exhausting!) time. Your newborn’s portrait session, however, shouldn’t be. My goal is to make every one of my clients’ newborn sessions as easy, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible. So If you’re wondering what to expect at your Newborn’s session, here’s a little preview!

How long does a newborn session last?

A newborn photo session doesn’t only involve shooting. In fact, my pressing the shutter is only a fraction of the time spend creating the image. Not only does it take some time and patience to wrap a newborn and position them properly for a photo- it also takes time to feed them, change, them, or soothe them if they’re unsettled.

I make time for ALL of these things whenever they’re needed. I NEVER rush a session or rush baby, and never try to push them into a certain “pose”. Because of the relaxed nature of the session, I always allow for about 3 hours for your visit. It may seem like a long time, but remember- this is a morning of relaxation for you! All you have to do is relax, put your feet up and enjoy the coffee, snacks, and Netflix!

What we have in the studio:

You can enjoy the private client lounge- complete with recliners, a changing table, and a a kid-sized table and chairs for brothers and sisters to read, play with toys, draw, or color. Moms can also use the lounge if they’d like to nurse or pump in private.  And the coolest perk we recently added to the client lounge? A wall-mounted TV complete with Netflix and Disney+!  (Go ahead, Mom. Watch Bridgerton on your phone while big brother sings along with Mickey Mouse). 😉

You’ll also have access to the full client bathroom- with stepstools for little ones, and built-in potty seats for brothers and sisters that might be toilet training. And yep- everything is fully cleaned and sanitized between sessions.  

In the studio/shooting space, there is a small couch to watch all the action of the shoot, and a coffee nook with a Keurig for fresh coffee and tea, pre-wrapped snacks like granola bars, fruit leather, crackers, and instant oatmeal (if someone forgot to eat breakfast), and a fridge with water, juice, and cheese & crackers.  Of course, you’re welcome to bring along any favorite snack for your family, too.  (Just rememnber to stay away from messy things like Cheetos or colorful things like fruit punch!)

We are a FULL-service studio! Everything is designed so that exhausted moms and dads have a nice, relaxing morning!

So, hang out on the couch (or recliners) and catch up on Pinterest or IG.  Relish in some quiet time while the kiddos watch a little TV in the lounge…  Or even take a well-deserved nap. (And no, you won’t be the first!) I’m an experienced momma, so don’t worry- my priority is always that baby is safe and content. So when he or she needs momma, I’ll just wake you up! 😉   

What to bring:

When I say you could forget everything except baby and we’d still be fine, I mean it! All you need to truly bring is yourself, baby & family, and whatever baby needs for feedings- whether it be breast or bottle.  Even if you forget your diaper bag, I have extra diapers, wipes, clean burp cloths, blankets… You name it, I’ve got you covered.  

Though you don’t HAVE to bring anything else, here are a few things that come in extra handy:

1. A sleeper (with zippers or snaps) for baby to arrive in
   This is the easiest thing to get off of baby when they’re asleep and ready for photos! Then, I have lots of coordinated wraps to wrap/cover baby with, as well as some outfits specifically sized for photography sessions. 
2. Your phone or iPad
   The kiddos can enjoy Disney+ on the TV, so you might want your phone or iPad for yourself and catch up on your favorite shows!
3. Bottles/Formula/Pump
   There’s filtered water for you if you use formula, and any nursing/pumping mamas can do so comfortably in the private client lounge. (Or you can do it right in the studio if you want- won’t bother me a bit!)
4. A Pacifier
   If baby uses a pacifier, please bring it along! Oftentimes, when baby is slightly unsettled (yet still sleepy) a quick couple minutes on the pacifier is all they need to soothe themselves. If you don’t yet have one, but you’re fine with baby using one for a few minutes, I keep a couple brand-new (already sterilized and sealed) “Soothies” in my shooting space. And you’re welcome to take it home with you afterward!

Enjoy your session with your family!

This is not only how I create heirloom portraits for you of this amazing- yet fleeting- time, it’s also a well-deserved break for you! If you’d like to see a virtual tour of our studio, click here!