FAQ Newborn Shooting: Your most frequently asked questions about newborn photography
Do you have questions about newborn photography or are you interested in a newborn shoot? Would you like to know what questions other parents have about newborn shoots?
Here you will find a collection of frequently asked questions on the most important issues relating to newborn photoshoots.
FAQ Newborn Shooting: Frequently asked questions about newborn photography
Do you have questions about newborn photography or are you interested in a newborn shoot? Would you like to know what questions other parents have about newborn shoots?
Here you will find a collection of frequently asked questions on the most important issues relating to newborn photoshoots.
For a better overview, I have grouped the questions into the following categories: Finding a newborn photographer; Preparing for the shoot; Day of the shoot; After the shoot. You can find a brief overview below.
- Finding the right newborn photographer
- Go into your newborn shoot well prepared
- Enjoy the newborn shoot and stay relaxed
- Image editing and image selection after the newborn shoot
- My offer for newborn photography
- You can find more tips on newborn photography in my blog
- Discover your newborn shoot in Munich
Finding the right newborn photographer
Can I contribute wishes and ideas for the newborn shoot and how do we implement them?
Yes, with pleasure! I am happy for parents to get involved with the shoot and contribute their own ideas, be it specific outfits, special accessories or poses that you would like. I will take the time to discuss your ideas and wishes in a preliminary phone call and work out together how we can implement them.
Not all photographers respond flexibly to customer requests. Some have a very clearly defined style of their own with standardized processes and work with a fixed repertoire of sets, poses and props. This is a different approach to the shoot.
My tip: Talk openly about your wishes during the preliminary talk. This way you can clarify directly how much creative leeway is possible and whether you can realize your ideas with the newborn photographer.
Can the newborn shoot also take place at home, and what are the advantages of a home story?
Yes, most customers actually opt for a newborn shoot at home, a so-called home story. The biggest advantage for you: You stay in your familiar surroundings and have everything you need to hand. No packing, no driving with a few days old baby, no stress.
Your home and personal items give the pictures a very individual touch. Perhaps we will photograph your baby in the nursery that you have lovingly decorated, or on the sofa where you spent your first moments together. These memories are often particularly precious.
A home story is also ideal for the flow of the shoot: you can breastfeed, change or take a break at any time. Siblings and pets feel safer and more relaxed at home, which results in more authentic pictures.
You can find more details about preparing a home story in my article Newborn shoot at home.
Will the newborn pictures look authentic and natural? How can I ensure that the newborn photos are not over-processed?
Many parents want natural and authentic newborn photos that focus on their baby. The pictures should not be overloaded with eye-catching accessories and should not appear artificial due to excessive post-processing. You can assess the image and editing style of your newborn photographer by looking at the photographer’s portfolio. If you like the pictures, that’s a very good sign.
In the preliminary talk, talk about the style of picture you have in mind. An experienced newborn photographer will explain to you exactly how he edits his pictures and what retouching is included.
Gentle image editing is a matter of course for me: I optimize light and colors, retouch small blemishes on the baby’s skin and remove distracting elements in the background. The aim is for your baby to look natural and appear in the best light.
Which poses are particularly popular for newborn photoshoots?
There are some classics that have proven their worth in newborn shoots, especially because they show the baby in its natural newborn position. The frog pose, for example, with the little hands under the chin, or gentle wrapping techniques with soft cloths are popular. Lying on your side and on your back with your legs drawn up are also typical newborn poses. Some parents also prefer the basket or nest pose, in which the baby is gently placed in a small basket or nest with cuddly blankets.
The pictures become particularly emotional when the parents or siblings are also photographed. A baby sleeping on mom or dad’s chest or an older sibling carefully holding their new sibling in their arms are particularly touching.
Detail shots should also be included: the tiny fingers, the little feet, the delicate face. These details are quickly forgotten as the baby grows, which is exactly why they are so valuable.
At the end of the day, however, I’m always guided by you and your baby. Not every pose suits every family and every baby, and that’s perfectly fine. The most beautiful pictures are created when your baby is comfortable and relaxed.
Go into your newborn shoot well prepared
Where can I find good ideas for motifs and accessories for newborn shoots?
You can find countless inspirations for your newborn shoot online, especially on Instagram and Pinterest. Save your favorite pictures and show them to me in the preliminary talk or during the shoot.
Photographers’ websites and portfolios are also a great source. Not only do you get ideas for poses and setups, but you can also see directly which style appeals to you.
If you have friends or family who have already done a newborn shoot, ask them about their experiences. You’ll often get practical tips that you wouldn’t have thought of yourself.
What tips do you have for choosing clothes and accessories for the newborn shoot?
When it comes to clothing for newborns, less is often more. Choose soft, comfortable materials such as cotton or linen for your baby and avoid constricting or scratchy items of clothing. Neutral colors and pastel shades are very suitable because they draw the focus to the baby and are timeless. Avoid eye-catching patterns or large prints that distract from the essentials.
For you as parents, I recommend clothes that you feel comfortable in. Coordinate the colors, I don’t mean a partner look, but a harmonious overall picture. Take several outfits with you, then you can see what suits you best on site. You can find more information on outfits for parents in the article Outfits for a family shoot.
Small accessories such as hats, hairbands or a special blanket can add a nice touch to the picture. But the same applies here: your baby should play the main role, so you shouldn’t use too many or too eye-catching accessories.
Personal items are always a great idea: perhaps a family heirloom, a birth gift or something that is emotionally important to you. Such details make the pictures special and tell your story.
What is the best way to prepare our home for the home story?
First of all, the most important thing: please don’t stress! I understand the special situation directly after the birth and don’t need perfect conditions to take beautiful newborn photos. However, a few simple preparations will help you get the best out of the shoot.
Tidy up the rooms in which we will be photographing a little so that there are no distracting objects in the picture. Open the curtains and shutters to let in as much natural light as possible. This soft daylight creates the beautiful, warm atmosphere in the photos.
Set up a few cozy corners where you can cuddle up with the baby, perhaps the sofa with a comfy blanket, an armchair by the window or your bedroom. For an individual touch, have personal items ready that you would like to see in the pictures.
Please make sure that the rooms are well heated, especially if your baby is to be photographed without clothes. Prepare the outfits and accessories you want to use in advance. Prepare a quiet area for changing and breastfeeding where you will be undisturbed.
Have snacks and drinks ready to refresh your baby and yourself during breaks in the shoot. You can play soft music or light candles to create a relaxed atmosphere. And very important: be flexible and open to spontaneous ideas. The most beautiful pictures are often spontaneous and unplanned.
Can we bring cuddly toys and other personal items to the newborn shoot?
Yes, with pleasure! Personal items make the pictures special and tell your story. Whether it’s your favorite cuddly toy, a special baby blanket or a birth gift: details like these give the photos an emotional depth.
It is best to discuss with me in advance which items you would like to bring with you. That way I can assess how they will fit in with the planned sets in terms of color and how we can best integrate them into the picture. The more ideas you have, the more time we should allow so that we can work in peace.
Is it possible to carry out a newborn shoot after the 14th day of life?
Yes, that is definitely possible. There are many good reasons why a shoot might take place later: health reasons after the birth, you were looking for a photographer too late, your preferred photographer didn’t have any earlier appointments available, or you simply wanted to take more time to settle in as a family first.
However, you should know that a few things change after the first two weeks. Babies become more alert, no longer sleep quite as deeply and find it harder to get into the typical newborn poses. The completely curled up, sleeping positions often no longer work so well. This does not mean that the pictures become less beautiful, they just have a different character.
A baby shoot after the first two weeks is a wonderful opportunity to capture your family happiness. You can find more information on the right time in my articles When to do a newborn shoot and When to do a baby shoot.
How do we include siblings in the newborn shoot and what motifs are there for sibling pictures?
Sibling pictures are some of the most beautiful and emotional shots in a newborn shoot. They show cautious curiosity and often a tenderness that is incredibly touching.
There are many picture ideas: The older sibling holds the baby lovingly in their arms or lies on a blanket with them. A kiss on the forehead is an absolute classic and always touching. Pictures of both siblings “sleeping together” or at least pretending to do so also work great. Little hands intertwined or intense eye contact between the siblings show the bond in a special way.
If the older sibling is already a little older, we can also photograph playful scenes, perhaps they are playing with their favorite toy next to the baby. Quite natural, unposed moments in which the children simply interact with each other often produce the most beautiful pictures. And of course, family photos in which everyone can be seen together are a must.
It is important that you prepare the older sibling well for the shoot. Explain to them what is happening and why we are taking photos. This will reduce uncertainty and prevent jealousy. Allow enough time so that we can take the sibling photos in a relaxed and relaxed manner. If everyone involved remains calm and relaxed, the most beautiful photos will be taken.
Enjoy the newborn shoot and stay relaxed
How long does a newborn photo shoot usually take?
In my experience, the length of a newborn shoot varies considerably. In my experience, a short shoot takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, a normal one around 3 hours, and sometimes we even need 4 hours.
The duration depends on many factors: How often does your baby need breaks to breastfeed or feed? Does it fall asleep at the right times or is it awake and restless? How many people are we photographing, just the baby or together with siblings and the whole family? And of course the number of sets, poses, outfits and accessories also plays a role.
My tip: Plan more time so that we can work in a relaxed manner. It’s better to have some time left over at the end than to be under time pressure. If the baby needs more breaks or is restless, I recommend avoiding planned sets rather than working in a rush. The most beautiful pictures are created when everyone is relaxed, and sometimes that just takes time.
How can I prepare our newborn for the newborn shoot?
Good preparation really helps to ensure that your baby is relaxed and happy during the shoot. Here are my most important practical tips:
Make sure your baby is well fed before the shoot. A full baby is usually calmer and falls asleep more easily.
Keep the room nice and warm. Newborns get cold quickly and a cozy warmth helps them to relax. If we are taking photos in your home, turn the heating up a little early on.
Some babies react very positively to calming background noises such as white noise or soft music. Try this out if you know that your baby responds to it. Gentle touching, stroking and holding your baby in your arms can also work wonders.
Dress your baby in comfortable clothes that are easy to take off without waking them up. Have familiar objects such as your favorite blanket or cuddly toy nearby, as familiar smells and textures are soothing.
And very important: allow enough time and be patient. Every baby has its own pace and sometimes it simply takes longer to fall asleep. This is completely normal and we are in no rush.
You can find more tips in the blog post Preparing for your newborn shoot.
Should I keep our baby awake before the newborn shoot? How can we make sure he sleeps during the shoot?
Yes, it can help to keep your baby awake a little before the shoot. If the baby comes to the shoot tired, it usually falls asleep faster and deeper. This is ideal for the typical newborn poses.
However, it is important that you don’t overdo it. An overstimulated or overtired baby will be cranky and difficult to calm down. So keep your baby gently awake for an hour before the shoot, but remain flexible and relaxed when they fall asleep.
What should I bring to the newborn photo shoot to create a pleasant atmosphere for my baby?
In the previous answers I have already mentioned many things that you should bring to the newborn shoot, so here is a compact checklist:
Favorite blanket or cuddly toy
Change of clothes for your baby
Nappies and wipes
Snacks and drinks for you
Nursing pillow or bottle
Pacifier (if you use one)
Personal items that you would like to have in the pictures
Possibly music or an app with soothing sounds
And above all: patience and calmness
If you are relaxed, this will be transferred to your baby and the most beautiful moments will come naturally. Take a look at my checklist for a newborn shoot.
What can we do to calm the baby during the shoot?
It’s completely normal for your baby to get restless during the shoot. There are tried and tested strategies that almost always help:
Use the breaks for breastfeeding or feeding. A full baby is usually happier and more relaxed. Take time for extensive cuddles and gentle touches. Cuddles and being held in your arms often work wonders. You can also gently rock or cradle your baby, as this is familiar to them from the womb and calms them down.
Soothing sounds or melodies help many babies, especially those that remind them of the sounds they heard in the womb. Familiar objects such as a favorite blanket or a cuddly toy can also help your baby feel safe.
But the most important thing is your own calm. Babies can sense very clearly when their parents are stressed. Try to stay relaxed yourself and be patient. It’s perfectly okay if the baby needs a longer break. We have time, and the most beautiful pictures are taken when everyone is relaxed.
You can find some more tips in my article How to calm your baby during a baby photo shoot.
How can I transport our baby safely to the photo shoot?
The safety of your baby has absolute priority during transportation. Here are the most important points:
Use an approved infant car seat that is securely and correctly fastened in the car. Make sure that your baby is safe and comfortable in it, not strapped in too tightly, but not too loosely either.
Dress the baby in warm, comfortable clothes so that it does not freeze, but avoid thick jackets under the harnesses.
Change your baby’s nappy again just before you set off so that it doesn’t become uncomfortable during the journey. Take soothing objects with you, such as a cuddly toy or pacifier, in case your baby gets restless during the journey.
Create a calm atmosphere in the car, perhaps with soft music or your soothing voice.
Plan your departure so that you arrive without stress and hectic. If you are relaxed, your baby will also be calmer. And if your baby does cry: pull over if necessary and calm them down instead of driving through stressed out.
How can I ensure the safety of our baby during the newborn shoot?
The safety of your baby in the newborn shoot is paramount, both for you and for me. Here’s what you should look out for:
Choose a photographer with experience in newborn photography. An experienced photographer knows exactly how to handle babies safely, which poses are safe and when it is better to refrain from doing something.
Look around on site: The shooting area should be safe and baby-friendly, no sharp edges, no wobbly structures, everything stable and well thought out.
Your baby should be supervised during the entire shoot. In some poses I am right next to the baby, in others you as parents are in the immediate vicinity. Nobody takes their eyes off the baby for even a second. I only choose poses that are comfortable and safe for your baby, nothing that strains the little body or twists it unnaturally.
You should be present during the entire shoot and be able to intervene at any time if something seems strange. Never hesitate to address your concerns. A good photographer will take your concerns seriously and explain to you exactly what she is doing and why it is safe.
How do we deal with it if a sibling doesn’t want to be in the newborn photos?
It can happen that a sibling does not want to be photographed during the newborn shoot with siblings. It is important that you deal with this calmly and patiently. I recommend accepting your child’s wishes, because forced pictures are no fun for anyone, and you can make up for the sibling photos later.
Here are a few tips to prevent this from happening in the first place:
Involve the sibling at an early stage. Ask them what ideas they have for the photos, how they imagine the pictures or what poses they would like to see. Children are much more motivated when they are allowed to help shape the photo. Integrate their favorite toy or cuddly toy into the photo shoot, this gives them a sense of security and is fun.
Make the shoot playful. I always try to inspire the children with little games or fun accessories. It shouldn’t be a compulsory event, but fun. But don’t put any pressure on your child: if they feel they have to, they are more likely to block it.
Give your child time and space to get used to the situation. Some children take a few minutes to warm up. Also offer to take a photo of just the sibling, without the baby. This can help them feel special and gain confidence.
Praise the child for their cooperation and show them the pictures on the display from time to time. Children love to see themselves and are then often even more motivated. Remain flexible and open to spontaneous changes so that we can respond to the child’s needs.
What tips are there for parents who usually feel uncomfortable in front of the camera to still get beautiful newborn pictures?
It’s not unusual for parents to feel uncomfortable in front of the camera, it happens all the time and it’s not a problem. I have a few tips on how you can still get relaxed and natural pictures:
The most important thing is the choice of photographer. Find someone you feel comfortable with and trust. The human touch is much more important than perfect technique or the most artistic style. If the chemistry is right, you will see it in the pictures. Pay attention to this point, as it is also very relevant for children.
Talk openly about your concerns in the preliminary talk. As a photographer, I can then address them specifically and guide you through the poses. I’ll show you where to look, how to pose and what looks natural.
Choose natural, comfortable poses that make you feel good. And most importantly: just be yourself. The best pictures are taken when you are authentic. You don’t have to laugh in every picture. A calm, loving look at your baby is often much more touching.
Wear clothes in which you feel comfortable and confident. Avoid clothes that are uncomfortable, unfamiliar or too tight. If you feel good in your clothes, you will radiate this.
Create a relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps your favorite music will help you loosen up. If you feel uncomfortable looking directly at the camera, simply look at your baby or your partner. This looks more natural and emotional anyway.
Leave room for spontaneous moments. It’s often the unplanned situations that produce the best pictures: a genuine laugh, a tender look, a little kiss. If you like, a little make-up and hair styling can also help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
And remember: this is not about passport photos or business portraits. It’s about the most beautiful moments with your newborn. This focus often takes a lot of pressure off 😉.
Image editing and image selection after the newborn shoot
How are the pictures edited after the shoot, and what retouching is included?
Post-processing is an important part of my work and is a natural part of every newborn shoot. Here are the image processing steps that I usually carry out:
I optimize colors and light so that the pictures have a harmonious, warm atmosphere and your baby’s natural beauty comes into its own.
I work carefully when retouching the skin: I gently remove small skin blemishes, redness or dandruff on the baby so that the skin looks even and soft, but natural. I also remove distracting small elements in the background so that the focus is fully on your baby.
If you have any special requests for editing, perhaps a particular look, please feel free to contact me.
This does not include extensive beauty retouching by you parents or the siblings. In most cases, this is not even necessary. If you would like a more extensive retouching, we will discuss this individually.
What tips do you have for selecting the best pictures from the newborn shoot?
Choosing a photo is a challenge for many parents. Every photo of your little treasure is special and the decision is difficult. Here are my tried and tested tips:
Pay attention to your emotional connection to the pictures. Which photos touch you the most? It’s often the spontaneous, natural moments that move you the most: a small smile while you sleep, a tiny hand that closes around your finger.
Also take a look at the technical quality: Is the picture sharp? Is the exposure right? Does the composition look harmonious? With professional photos, of course, everything should be right, but sometimes there are subtle differences.
Pay attention to your baby’s expression and pose. Photos in which your baby looks relaxed and content usually have a special charisma. Don’t forget the detail shots, the little hands, the tender feet, the peaceful face.
Choose a variety: different perspectives, different settings, sometimes close-ups, sometimes wide-angle, sometimes with the family, sometimes just the baby alone. This will give you a versatile memory.
Think about how you want to use the pictures. Do you want to create a photo book? A large mural for the children’s room? Pictures for the grandparents? This can influence your choice. Different motifs are suitable for a wall picture than for an album.
If siblings or you as parents are in the pictures, make sure that all family members are well represented.
And very important: take your time. The image selection should not be done on the fly, but in peace and quiet. In the end, trust your gut feeling. Choose the pictures that you simply like best and that make you happy when you look at them.
My offer for newborn photography
On my website you will find lots of information about newborn photography, such as a checklist for your preparation.
Here you can find more information about my newborn shoots in Munich and the surrounding area and find out more about me as a photographer.
Here you will find a detailed and comprehensive checklist for parents that you can use to prepare for your newborn shoot.
Information about newborn shootings
You can find more tips on newborn photography in my blog
Newborn shooting poses: the best ideas for your newborn shoot
Baby shooting poses: the best ideas for every stage of development
Newborn shooting outfit: tips for wonderful newborn pictures
How do we calm our baby in a newborn shoot?
Safety during a newborn shoot: tips for the process
Family photos with a baby: ideas and tips for your shoot
Newborn shoot at home: home story for authentic newborn photos
Perfect preparation for your newborn shoot
Newborn shoot with siblings: Heartfelt moments with the family
Newborn shoot with a dog: preparation and tips
Newborn shoot with twins: Tips for the perfect shoot
Baby photo shoot in the first year of life: when is the best time?
When is the best time for a newborn shoot?
Discover your newborn shoot in Munich
If you would like to find out more, you can find further information on my website under “Newborn“.
If you would prefer to contact me directly, you can find my contact details under “Contact“.