organic newborn photography

You have just found out your pregnant, now what? After contacting your doctor, one of the next top priorities is to secure a newborn photographer! This early? YES! The best newborn photographers are booked several months in advance so don’t wait until your baby arrives or the last tri-mester! While the newborn photography has exploded within the past few years, do you really want to hand over your precious baby to an unexperienced person whom you have possibly never met?

As a photographer, we all start somewhere and I am thankful for those that trusted me so many years ago when I first began my photography studio in 2008. Looking back, I am happy that my career did not start with newborns, but instead focused on child and family photography. This gave me the opportunity to refine my photography skills without the added stress of keeping a newborn safe, content and comfortable! After several hundred newborns and now only photographing these beautiful newborn blessings, the mechanics of photography (lighting/camera settings/posing) have become second nature so I can focus 100% on the newborns needs. I do not claim to know all there is to photography and am always continuing to learn new techniques but I am confident in my skills with newborn baby photography and the experience I have in photography from being in the industry for over 15 years.

So, what questions should you ask when booking a newborn photographer?

• What qualifies you as a newborn photographer?

How many babies have you photographed? Have you taken any newborn photography specific training? Is this a hobby or full time profession? The photography industry does not regulate photographers and there is no required formal qualification. At a minimum, your photographer should be licensed with the state and pay state sales tax and federal income tax and have business insurance. Additionally, your photographer should have several years of professional newborn training to include posing safety! Over the past 15 years, I have taken several in-person and on-line courses with the best newborn photographers in the industry to learn how to composite difficult posing, swaddle babies and just keep them comfortable in their surroundings! Newborn photographers must be patient and calm when working with your baby and sessions should always be led by baby cues and parent input. If a newborn photographer has been recommended to you, look at their social media sites, website, and testimonials. Even schedule a session to meet with them prior to the session!

Newborn photography for the Hagerstown MD to Chambersburg PA tri-state area.

• What is their style of newborn photography?

Lifestyle, posed, organic, natural, rustic, fresh-48, in-home, studio, bold, classic, family. These are just some of the types of newborn photography. In my Greencastle PA studio, I focus on a combination of posed and lifestyle-like captures (less posed/interactive) with lots of shadows and soft muted colors. I like to use organic, rustic simple props such as baskets and bowls and my reclaimed barnwood flooring with simple hats and headbands but nothing that overpowers the baby! They are perfect just as they are! My edit style is minimal with a shallow depth of field (blurred out backgrounds) which is achieve primarily in camera. Over the years, I have come to terms with the fact that I am not the right newborn photographer for everyone. I do not offer bold colors and splashy props and now only use props that have been tested for baby safety and comfort in my studio. I do offer a few in hospital fresh-48 sessions; however the majority of my sessions are done in my Greencastle studio. I do offer packages that include family and siblings and those type of sessions can even be broken into two days so it is not as long for anxious toddlers and the baby.

• When is the best time to photograph a newborn?

This depends on what style of newborn photography you are looking for. There is birth photography, fresh-48 photography, studio posed and lifestyle. For the posed newborn studio sessions, I work with newborns age 5-15 days. This assumes all went well with delivery and baby has no health concerns. If babies are premature, they can be photographed several weeks after birth. Babies are most sleepy and curly in those first two weeks; however, babies after this point may be photographed as well but would do best with swaddled type poses. Lifestyle photography can bit a bit past two weeks as the newborn is less posed and photographed more in their natural surroundings.

newborn photography with mother

• What should I wear/bring to my newborn session?

Your newborn photographer should go over this prior to your session. I like my clients to wear simple, solid neutral colors. It is helpful for parents to bring a soothie pacifier, lots of milk/be prepared to nurse, and extra diapers. At my studio, I provide clients with a prep guide to make the process easy! New parents have enough to worry about and in a sleep deprived state! And, I always have extra on hand just incase anything is forgotten.

• What is the cost of newborn photography?

This varies wildly based on several factors such as – size of studio/number of employees, years of experience, their equipment/prop costs/cost of business, location, style of photography, quality of products and what is offered in their packages. Does your photographer include physical products such as prints and albums or only the digital files (and are they downsized or full resolution with a print release?) For my newborn clients, I offer several packages that include full size high resolution digital files they may print/use on their own and some more extensive packages with the digital files and products. Additional items are available for purchase once the gallery is digital gallery is delivered. I have poured my heart and soul into my business and the investment in education, equipment and final product are reflected in my price structure. Payment is accepted by cash, check or credit. And, while not required, tipping your photographer is ALWAYS appreciated, especially if you are happy with your experience! No extra funds? I get it – newborn photography is a luxury item and I appreciate all my clients, especially those that value my service when finances are tight. Another way to show your appreciation for a great experience is to leave a kind review. Clients who have used my services, may leave your review here: https://g.page/r/CasGdDZqcHFGEBM/review

Finally, be sure to confirm the turnaround time for when you will receive your images! While in my own studio delivery is 3 weeks for less, many studios have a much longer lead-time!

Newborn photography for the Hagerstown MD to Chambersburg PA tri-state area.

Newborn photography is not for everyone. I am not a wedding photographer, senior photographer, etc. for a reason. I am a newborn photographer and I love it! I love the tiny fresh details that only last for a little while. I love not having to illicit forced smiles. I love the slow, calm pace of working with babies. I love the adorable expressions, the flaky skin, the new emotions and interactions that surface as a new baby unites with a family. If my style of photography matches what you are looking for, I’m here for you and would love to work with you and capture your growing family! Our work may be seen throughout the community to include Hagerstown Magazine, The Child Guide, Hagerstown Capital Women’s Care, Baby to be Boutique and Antrim Honda!

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Who is ready for the nice spring weather? This newborn baby girl sure was happy to be surrounded by fresh spring daffodils in here newborn photography session at Snips and Snails Photography! Newborn smiles during a photo session are usually luck, but you can follow a few of their cues and sometimes predict when one might occur! Sometimes, they roll their eyes when they are dreaming and their mouth will quiver a bit and then BANG! a big smile! The real trick is getting it in focus, especially when you shoot with camera settings to achieve that creamy, blurry background!

We broke out all the spring colors – yellow, pinks, soft teals and lavender! While yellow is not a top choice for parents when they choose their newborn session colors, I sometimes sneak it in and it is a big hit! Often parents choose their personal favorite colors but the color doesn’t really complement the babies underlying skin tones. In fashion and makeup, a person’s skin tone, eye color, and hair color are used to determine whether they are a “winter,” “summer,” “fall,” or “spring.” This system, known as seasonal color analysis, helps individuals identify the most flattering colors for their clothing, accessories, and makeup.

Winter: People with a winter color palette typically have cool undertones in their skin, dark or bright eyes, and dark hair. Their skin has a blue or pinkish undertone, and they tend to look best in cool, deep, and vibrant colors, such as black, navy, bright red, and jewel tones.

Summer: People with a summer color palette usually have cool undertones in their skin, light eyes, and light to medium hair with ashy or cool undertones. They look best in soft, muted, and cool colors, such as lavender, pale pink, and pastels.

Fall: People with a fall color palette typically have warm undertones in their skin, dark or warm eyes, and dark hair with reddish or golden highlights. Their skin has a yellow or peachy undertone, and they look best in warm, earthy, and rich colors, such as olive green, burnt orange, and rust.

Spring: People with a spring color palette usually have warm undertones in their skin, light or bright eyes, and light to medium hair with golden or warm undertones. They look best in warm and bright colors, such as coral, peach, and light blue.

I recommend parents look over these “seasons” and choose colors to best compliment their baby’s features (as well as their own for family and sibling newborn sessions!)

Here are a few more images from this beautiful newborn session in my studio!

Chambersburg newborn photography on peach blanket in newborn studio session.

What is a wrapped newborn photography session? In my studio, it is the most basic newborn session I offer and I call it the “hello world session.” It is very popular for parents looking for just a few simple swaddled images to remember their precious newborn baby without a large expense. One of the most common questions I receive is, what is included in a wrapped newborn session? Here is a recent session that shows exactly what that type of newborn photography session looks like in my studio.

First, a big more details about these type of sessions….

An all wrapped newborn photography session typically involves posing and photographing a newborn baby while they are swaddled or wrapped in a variety of different fabrics and materials. This style of newborn photography is popular because it allows for the focus to be on the baby’s features, rather than on their clothing or props. Parents choose one-three colors to be incorporated throughout the session.

During the session, I will usually start by preparing a warm and cozy space for the baby to rest, such as a soft blanket or a specially designed newborn posing pillow. I then carefully wrap the baby in a variety of different fabrics, including soft blankets, wraps, and swaddles. I often also start swaddling baby right away on my lap if they are fully relaxed and ready to go!

Once wrapped or swaddled, babies can be posed in such positions as lying on their back, curled up on their side, or nestled in a prop like a basket or a bucket. Lighting and backgrounds are also setup to facilitate a soft, dreamy atmosphere that emphasizes the baby’s delicate features. For me, this is done in camera, not post processing and can not be removed.

Throughout the session, my main priority is to keep the baby calm and comfortable, and take breaks as needed for feeding, diaper changes, or other needs. The resulting photographs will showcase the baby’s sweet expressions, tiny fingers and toes, and other details that make newborns so special. Remember these features fade quickly so contact the studio to schedule your newborn session today! Recommended up to 3 weeks of age from birth!

http://www.snipsandsnailsphotography.com

nicole@snispandsnailsphotography.com

717-597-0952

As a proud parent, there’s nothing more important than capturing the memories of your newborn baby. Newborn photography is a special type of photography that focuses on capturing the beauty, innocence, and vulnerability of babies during their first few weeks of life. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to document this fleeting moment in your baby’s life, and the results can be stunning.

Why Newborn Photography is Important

Newborn photography is a great way to preserve the memories of your baby’s first days, weeks, and months. The newborn stage is a magical time, filled with wonder and excitement, but it also passes quickly. With the help of a professional newborn photographer, you can capture the innocence, beauty, and unique personality of your baby, which you can look back on and cherish for years to come.

Additionally, newborn photography provides a way for parents to showcase their new family member to friends, family, and loved ones. The images can also be used for announcements, birth announcements, and baby books, making it a meaningful and lasting keepsake.

Tips for Choosing the Right Newborn Photographer

When it comes to selecting a newborn photographer, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the right photographer for your newborn photo session:

1. Look for Experience and Training: Look for a photographer who specializes in newborn photography and has received specialized training in this field. A photographer who has experience handling and posing newborns will be better equipped to produce beautiful and safe images.
2. Check Portfolios: Review the photographer’s portfolio to see if their style and techniques match what you’re looking for.
3. Ask About Safety Measures: A professional photographer should have safety measures in place to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe during the photo shoot. Make sure to ask about the photographer’s safety protocols, such as how they handle and pose the baby.
4. Look for a Good Personality Fit: Your photographer should be someone you feel comfortable working with and who is able to capture the essence of your baby’s personality.
5. Consider Price and Availability: Look for a photographer whose prices and availability align with your needs. Make sure to ask about any additional costs, such as print and digital packages, as well as the photographer’s turnaround time for delivering the final images.

Schedule your newborn session to occur during the month of February and receive a FREE set of 3 Accordion mini books! A $57 value! New sessions only. Must mention special at time of booking. Share and tag friends that are expecting! Current clients – message me to receive 20% off accordions and place an order! Offer ends Feb 28 at midnight.

Our studio price menu may be viewed here: http://snipsandsnailsphotography.com/main.php…

PS – we offer gift certificates in any amount!!!

Expecting families

We are excited to team up with Baby To Be Boutique in Greencastle, PA to offer you a special discount on each of our services! Baby To Be Boutique offers elective, non-medical prenatal imaging services including early first look ultrasounds, early gender ultrasounds, early gender dna blood work, and 3D/4D ultrasounds! AND, mention we sent you and receive 10% off your service with them! THEN, come to Snips and Snails Photography and show us your ultrasound image to receive 10% off your newborn photo session! https://babytobe4d.com/ Offer good through Dec 31, 2023. New bookings only

There is nothing more exciting than getting a first look at your beautiful baby! Often, this type of service isn’t offered until later in pregnancy at a doctor’s office, if at all!

Being a photographer for 15+ years has taught me it is important to foster relationships with other businesses in our community. This is a perfect fit! Capture those little details in the womb and then, here at our studio at Snips and Snails Photography once they are born! We look forward to hearing about your experience with this amazing opportunity!

The image below is from their facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/babytobe4d

It has been a whirlwind past few months! Fall was busy with the arrival of Santa and then a ton of newborns October-January (and January is usually our quiet month!) I love meeting all these fresh faces with the arrival of their first baby blessing and catching up with past clients who are now welcoming more beautiful babies into their family – some even 13 years later! I can relate as the difference between my middle and last is 11 years!

I have been busy shopping for new items for the studio that compliment our simple, rustic style. I want all focus on the sweet baby, not the accenting props so small dainty headbands and hats and the ever popular teddy bears are now available in even more color choices!

If you are expecting, drop us a message on email (nicole@snipsandsnailsphotography.com) or our facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/snipsandsnailsphotos) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/snipsandsnailsphotography/) as we would love to get to know more about you and your coming delivery and hope to work with your growing family!

For now, here are some of the recent sweet newborn babies that our studio had the pleasure of photographing!

AND last but not least SANTA!

As summer is winding down and we are enjoying the last sweet moments of summer, Snips and Snails Photography is gearing up for a whirlwind of new babies to photograph! Whether it is classic baby portraiture or capturing siblings or families with their new baby blessing, we are here for you! We offer several styles of newborn portraits to include posed, studio setups or a more lifestyle like approach. Interested in a fresh-48 in-hospital newborn session? We offer those too!

hagerstown newborn photography; chambersburg baby photography

So what age is considered “newborn photography?” Usually, it refers to babies captured in the first two weeks of life. That newborn, fresh from the womb look, starts to change after this timeframe and the baby begins be less curly and more alert. You don’t want to miss all those tiny details either such as angel kisses, soft downy skin and especially those adorable eyelashes, lips and toes!

Parents often are nervous and wonder “what if my baby doesn’t cooperate?” My advice – don’t worry! As a specialist in newborn photography, we are prepared for and attentive to your newborn’s needs and go with the flow letting them guide the session!

Hagerstown baby photos

Newborn photographers do book several months in advance so don’t wait until your baby arrives to contact us! We would love the chance to work with you and your growing family!

www.snipsandsnailsphotography.com

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Hello, hello? Anyone there? Is this thing on? Well, 2021, here we are. With the ousting of 2020 we all hoped to be in a better place. But, the pandemic of covid-19 still rages on. Thankfully, our lives are still blessed and our days still brightened by the arrival of many precious newborns who have no idea what is going on in the world around them.

hagerstown newborn photography; chambersburg baby photography

I can’t imagine being a new parent at this time! After all, being a first time parent has enough challenges of its own, let alone becoming one in the heart of a pandemic! As a parent of 3 wonderful children of my own, it has taught me to slow down and enjoy both the ups and downs life throws at us and embrace the time together.

Yes, the studio was forced to shut down for several months in 2020 under the Governor’s color coded mandate for businesses; however, we are now open and very excited to photograph all those newborn blessings with their sweet features and wonderful connections with loved ones. It certainly is different in 2021, masks are worn during the entire session and temperatures are taken before entry! Props and any items in the studio were always sanitized between clients but now we even introduce uv lighting into our cleaning protocols.

We look forward to welcoming and photographing those fleeting first moments of newborn life with their perfect little features and connections to loved ones. It’s never to early to plan your newborn session. Please contact Nicole at nicole@snipsandsnailsphotography.com or 717.597.0952 for more information!

Spring is just around the corner or so the saying goes….after such a cold, wet winter we can only hope!  And, Spring brings to mind new life and we certainly have lots of newborn babies we look forward to photographing in the coming weeks!  BUT, besides newborn photography, we have lots of other exciting things in store at Snips and Snails Photography!

First, our in-studio Spring Mini (Easter) sessions are scheduled for March 30 and 31st from 10-3 by appointment only.  These are 30 minute sessions on a simple white backdrop setup sprinkled with Peter Rabbit themed props and garden flowers.  There are two package options and for details please see the image below.  This setup is recommended for up to 3 children.

Next, Snips and Snails Photography is introducing its first ever Star Wars themed sessions!  These are great for all Star Wars enthusiasts, young and old!  These sessions include prints as well as an animated GIF to share!  Don’t miss out – these are a one day only event!  Bring your kids to stage an epic battle or include mom and dad in the fun!  May the 4th be with you!!!