What Every Newborn Photographer Wishes You Knew: Insights from Snips and Snails Newborn Photography

Introduction: Welcome to the world of newborn photography, where every yawn, stretch, and tiny toe is a moment waiting to be captured. At Snips and Snails Newborn Photography, we specialize in turning these fleeting moments into everlasting memories. But, as much as we love what we do, there are a few things every newborn photographer wishes their clients understood before stepping into the studio. This blog aims to shed light on those unspoken truths, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Newborn baby boy is posed on a table on blue fabric and swaddled in blue fabric with a matching rustic fabric bonnet. The newborn is laying peacefully asleep on his belly.

1. The Importance of Timing: The ideal window for newborn photography is within the first 5-15 days of life. During this time, babies are usually more sleepy and curly like in the womb, making it easier to capture those dreamy, serene poses. We understand that the postpartum period can be overwhelming, but scheduling your session within this timeframe can make a significant difference in the variety and quality of images we can achieve. In fact, we prefer to get to know you prior to delivery and have your session prebooked if possible several weeks (or months!) in advance.

2. The Magic of Preparation: Before your session, we’ll provide a detailed guide on how to prepare. This might include keeping your little one awake for a bit before the shoot, ensuring they’re well-fed, what to wear and bringing along any special items you’d like included. Following these steps can help in minimizing fussiness and maximizing those picture-perfect moments.

3. Keeping the Focus on Your Baby: In our approach to newborn photography at Snips and Snails Newborn Photography, we believe in the beauty of simplicity. Our philosophy is to keep the focus on your baby, ensuring that they are the star of every shot. While props and accessories can add a lovely touch when used judiciously, we’re careful not to let them overshadow the natural beauty of your newborn. We strive to select props that complement rather than compete, ensuring that nothing in the frame detracts from the purity and innocence of your little one. This careful selection process means avoiding overly elaborate or visually busy props that might muddy the image, keeping the attention firmly on your baby’s delicate features, soft expressions, and the tender emotions of this special time. 

This may not fit your vision for your newborn session and that is ok! If you prefer images that include lots of themed props and backdrops we probably aren’t the best choice for you. You won’t see spa themed newborn sessions, sports memorabilia or large floral headbands in any of our shared images. Items we do like to incorporate are heirloom quilts, small knitted bonnets, or personalized swaddle blankets.

4. The Need for Patience: Newborn photography is an art that cannot be rushed. Feedings, diaper changes, and comforting cuddles are all part of the process. Sessions can last anywhere from 2-4 hours, allowing us ample time to ensure your baby is comfortable and to capture those perfect shots. Your patience and trust in our expertise are greatly appreciated. We encourage you to bring along a magazine, food (especially for dads!) or even catch up on some much needed rest! Your newborn is in good hands!

5. The Significance of Safety: Above all, your baby’s safety is our top priority at Snips and Snails Photography. Every pose, prop, and setup is chosen with the utmost care and consideration for your little one’s well-being. I am trained in newborn safety and handling, ensuring a safe environment throughout your session and have completed state background checks, health requirements/vaccines and child safety training as mandated by our local school district since I often volunteer in our Greencastle-Antrim school district with my children. 

There is no license other than financial/tax reporting for newborn photographers so in your search for a newborn photographer, be sure to consider someone that has extensive experience with newborns and puts their safety above all else. We have captured several hundred newborns since beginning in 2008, including those of several obstetricians, pediatricians. midwives, and labor and delivery nurses from our local hospitals in Chambersburg and Hagerstown and the local premier women’s provider – Capital Women’s Care (Hagerstown). We have some of our newborn art in their offices so please ask them about their experience!

6. The Value of Communication: We love when parents share their vision and preferences with us! Whether you have specific poses in mind, color schemes, or themes, communicating these desires ahead of time helps us tailor the session to your liking and ensure we are a good fit. However, keep in mind -flexibility is key, as not every baby will cooperate with every pose or setup. 

7. The Reality Behind Editing: Each image you receive is carefully edited to ensure the highest quality. This process is time-consuming, as it involves correcting colors, removing blemishes, and sometimes even compositing images for those intricate poses such as the froggy/head on hands. Understanding that this post-processing takes time will help manage expectations regarding delivery timelines. Raw unedited files are not provided because they are just not flattering. Often several hundred images are taken during a session to get the angle just right and ensure you and your baby are captured in a way that you will be proud to show off! We work hard to have consistency and excellence in our final product and want you to leave all the editing to us!

8. Understanding the Investment: Newborn photography is a specialized craft that requires not just skill and patience, but also a significant investment in high-quality equipment, props, and ongoing training to ensure the safety and comfort of your newborn. The cost reflects not only the time spent during the photo session but also the hours of post-processing, time to setup and clean after your session, the use of specialized equipment, and the experience of the photographer. Investing in professional newborn photography ensures that these once-in-a-lifetime moments are captured beautifully and safely. Your time in our studio is only one piece of newborn photography.  It is often reported that for every hour in studio, there is on average 8 hours of work that goes on behind the scenes.

9. The Importance of Quality Prints and Products: Snips and Snails Photography provides clients with edited digital images from every type of session we offer. We even encourage you to take some images of your own on your phone for those behind the scenes snapshots! While digital images are wonderful and provide a great way to share memories quickly, there’s something irreplaceable about holding a tangible piece of art in your hands. Quality print items like albums and large framed prints are crafted to last a lifetime, allowing you and future generations to relive these precious moments. Investing in professionally printed products ensures that the color, detail, and texture of your images are preserved at the highest quality, far surpassing what a standard home printer could achieve. Additionally, displaying these artworks in your home adds a personal touch and keeps those precious early days alive in your daily life. With receipt of your digital files, you will be offered a discount on the many fine art items we offer. Take advantage of this discount and leave the printing and album design to us! Having a newborn is time consuming and there never seems to be downtime to get to this on your own!

Conclusion: At Snips and Snails Newborn Photography, our mission is to provide you with a collection of classic fine art newborn photography that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Understanding these aspects of newborn photography ensures a smoother session for both you and your photographer, leading to stunning images that capture the essence of your newborn’s first days. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and can’t wait to capture these precious moments for your family. If you are expecting, please reach out to us at www.SnipsAndSnailsPhotography.com or 703-855-5979. Also be sure to check the promotions area of our website for current discounts on newborn photography sessions!