What is a newborn session
A first time parent may have never heard about a newborn session, and that’s not surprising! If you are wondering, “What is a newborn session?”, I’ve got you. Let’s talk about the why, what and how of newborn sessions when it comes to me, your Chicago newborn photographer. Join me with a cup of hydration and relax!
Why consider a newborn session
Let’s start with the very reason for this type of portrait session. Why consider a newborn session? To put it simply, the newborn stage is incredibly fleeting, merely a handful of weeks, and a time in which the greatest changes take place in the shortest timeframe. Trust me when I say you are going to be too tired to recall so many of the precious details of your sweet baby during their first weeks earthside. There is literally no other time in your child’s life during which they will look remotely similar to this newborn stage. For these reasons and more, it is a session which is very time sensitive. I strongly encourage you to find your newborn photographer and lock in a session BEFORE baby arrives to ensure availability with your preferred newborn photographer.
What is a newborn session
Now that you know the why, you may be wondering, “What is a newborn session and how is it different from any other portrait session?”. Different photographers create different types of newborn sessions, whether they be studio, posed, lifestyle or outdoors. I’ll take time to elaborate on this topic with regard to my style of newborn photography – timeless, authentic, studio, posed newborn photography.
Your newborn session will most likely take place during your baby’s first two weeks of age. My sessions begin with any older siblings loving on their baby. We will then move on to the entire immediate family, followed by baby and parents. This portion of the session is typically done within thirty minutes, ensuring everyone is comfortable and safe. Once we have completed the family portion of the session, it is time for solo images of baby. I’ll being with baby in props, followed by unwrapped images on the posing table. The posing table is a structure created specifically for this use and can hold up to 250 pounds. It also has raised edges on all sides to ensure baby is safe! Once I have completed working with your love bug, you are all set to head out and enjoy the rest of your day. The entire experience should be relaxing and enjoyable, and my twelve year record is squeaky clean to date! Here are some incredible reviews which speak to session experience AND results: Google Reviews. Less popular but just as special, here are some reviews on Yelp.
How do I schedule a newborn session
The first step in the session process is securing your newborn session with Lillybelle Rose Photography. It is *highly recommended* you secure a newborn session during your second trimester to ensure availability. You will book a date which falls 5-10 days after your expected due date, which will be adjusted if needed once baby arrives. I’ve made this as easy as can be, with many available dates open to the public for scheduling online when it is convenient for you! The online booking process includes a short survey which affords you the opportunity to truly customize your session. You will share your general information and finish by selecting your session colors. Once I receive your booking notification, I will send you a detailed welcome email, including tips to prepare for a successful newborn session together. Clients rave about this guide!
What do I get with my newborn session
When my babies were born, digital cameras and cell phones with cameras were not a thing. When Lillybelle Rose Photography began, I decided to look into offering photo jewelry (Hey, it was a huge thing for a minute!). I realized I could not make photo jewelry of my girls as babies, or any print products for that matter, because we didn’t have any negatives! That is when I decided I would ALWAYS provide digital files for my clients. And so, once you have selected/purchased your favorite gallery images, you will receive beautifully edited, high resolution digital downloads of the images along with a print release. You will also have access to an online store of gorgeous print products. You will also receive instructions to back. up. your. files. Believe me, accidents happen. I’ve experienced this personally and professionally. I’ve written a post regarding organizing and storing your digital images HERE. Please do take a moment to read through this important information!
What is your style
Choosing your newborn photographer can feel overwhelming with thousands in the Chicago area alone. Many newborn photographers offer heavily stylized portraits, including over the top props and accessories. If you adore that style, I am NOT your newborn photographer, and that’s okay! At Lillybelle Rose Photography, I strive to create timeless, authentic newborn images which realistically capture your beautiful family. While images are fully edited, my goal is to keep you looking like you, but better. For example, baby’s skin will be smoothed and parents’ eye bags will be softened (I got you! ;D). You can see how much goes in to editing an image in the below before & after, yet the after is still authentic, realistic, and not topped off with some heavy, trendy layer.
You will find endless posts on this blog, showcasing hundreds of sessions captured over my 12+ years in business. Take a moment to browse around HERE and make sure my style is right for your portrait goals. You can also head over to the newborn portfolio where you will see a smaller assortment of images from some of my favorite galleries. Finally, I’ll share some images of a precious little soul named Kyler. This beautiful boy and his loving family were a joy to capture!
