What to Expect at your Studio Newborn Session // Crystal Lake Studio Newborn Photographer // Tamara Jaros Photography

Welcoming a newborn into the world is an incredibly special time, and what better way to cherish those precious moments than with a professional newborn photography session? If you’ve scheduled a studio session for your little one, it’s natural to have some questions about what to expect. No need to worry—whether it’s your first time or you’ve done this before, I’ve got you covered! Here’s a step-by-step guide to what to expect at your studio newborn session with me, so you can feel at ease and ready to enjoy the experience!

1) Get Settled In

When you arrive at the studio, I’ll greet you at the door, more than likely sporting my yoga pants and t-shirt (I dress comfy so I don’t feel restricted when moving around the studio during your session). Once you enter the studio, you’ll be shown to a designated area where you can settle in. Newborn sessions typically take place within the first two to three weeks of life, so you can expect a slower pace to accommodate your baby’s needs. 

We’ll chat while I get the studio ready, and you can take a moment to nurse or change your baby, and feel free to bring any snacks, drinks, or items you might need during the session. If you’re nervous about the session, take a deep breath—this time is all about capturing memories, and there’s no need to rush!

2) Wrap Baby

If you don’t have a special outfit for baby to be photographed in first, then we’ll go straight into wrapping. I suggest bringing a simple white onesie or sleeper (footless) that baby can wear under the swaddles. I will help with this process, making sure your newborn is comfortable and safely swaddled. Wrapping the baby not only helps to keep them warm and secure but also adds an aesthetic touch to the photos. 

During this time, your baby may be gently rocked or soothed to ensure they’re calm and content. If baby uses a paci or is bottle fed, we may use those to soothe baby as well during the wrapping process to help them settle. Keep in mind that newborn sessions are typically slower-paced, as I will take the time to ensure your baby’s comfort while getting them swaddled for your session.

3) Start with Family Photos

Once your baby is wrapped, it’s time for family portraits! This is usually a relaxed part of the session where everyone gets involved. I will guide you and your partner to pose together with your newborn, ensuring natural, loving moments are captured. These images will likely include a combination of close-up shots and wider shots, allowing you to create beautiful memories as a family.

Family photos usually take place at the beginning of the session to ensure your baby is calm and content while being held by parents. This is when I will also get a few individual shots of parents with the baby. It’s a beautiful opportunity to capture the deep connection and bond you share with your newborn during their first days.

4) Photograph Sibling Photos

If you have older children, the next step is to include them in some sibling photos. Sibling shots are incredibly special, capturing that first bond between brothers and sisters. We will carefully position the older siblings with the newborn to ensure everyone is comfortable.

Depending on your older child’s age and temperament, we might use props or fun cues to help them feel at ease during the shoot. It’s not uncommon for the session to include a bit of playfulness to help your older children stay engaged and relaxed. Whether your older kids are gentle with their baby sibling or playful and curious, these images will help preserve that first sibling connection for years to come.

5) Capture Images of Baby by Themself

After the family and sibling photos are complete, it’s time to focus solely on your newborn. This is the part of the session where I will take stunning portraits of your baby by themselves. With the baby wrapped in cozy blankets, or sometimes dressed in adorable outfits, these images will capture your little one’s delicate features—tiny hands, soft skin, and sweet expressions.

I’ll capture various angles, from close-up portraits to wide shots, allowing you to have a variety of beautiful images to treasure. At this time we can change baby’s wraps/blankets, outfits and how they’re posed to get the most variety for your gallery.

Final Thoughts

A studio newborn photography session is a wonderful way to preserve the first few days of your baby’s life in stunning, timeless photos. By following this step-by-step approach that ensures your baby’s comfort and safety, I will help create an experience that’s as relaxed as possible for your whole family.

From settling in to capturing those adorable solo shots of your baby, the session is all about creating memories that will last a lifetime. So take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the process of celebrating your little one’s arrival with a professional photoshoot. You’ll leave with beautiful photographs that will forever remind you of this magical time in your life.

I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about your upcoming newborn session. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to me beforehand—I’m here to make sure the experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Hi there! I’m Tamara, a maternity and newborn photographer serving Crystal Lake and surrounding areas. I’d love to be considered when it comes to photographing this special time for your growing family! For more information on maternity and newborn collections with me, visit my newborn portfolio here.

I want to give a special shout out to my dear friend Cadence for capturing the behind the scene photos of my newborn session with baby Evan. Thank you Cadence!