A Newborn Photographer's Blog
Helpful Tips for Newborn Photography Sessions and More!
Newborn
Should I book my newborn session before or after baby's arrival?
February 18, 2024
Congratulations! If you're reading this, you likely have a baby on the way or have just welcomed a new addition to your family. You'll want to schedule a newborn photography session to capture those precious first moments with your baby. Ideally, you want to schedule your newborn session early in your third trimester, around three months before baby's arrival. Why? Due to high demand, many newborn photographers have limited availability and require advance booking. Also, newborn sessions tend to take place within 14 days after birth. You want to make sure your photographer can get you scheduled in that time frame. If your little one is already here and you haven't scheduled his or her newborn session yet, don't panic. You just need to get scheduled as soon as possible.
When are newborn pictures taken?
February 20, 2024
Ideally, newborn pictures are taken within 2 weeks after baby is born. Photographers vary in their policies regarding the age range they accept for newborn photo sessions. Most do not work with babies older than a month. As with any rule, there are exceptions made when the baby born premature or with health concerns.
In terms of how early you can book a session, you can have a photographer present during the birth of your baby. Certain photographers provide a service known as "Fresh 48", where they visit the hospital to capture newborn moments within the first 48 hours after birth. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and comfort level.
What do I need to bring to my newborn session?
February 29, 2024
The arrival of a newborn inevitably brings a period of chaos and adjustment...not to mention a lack of sleep. With everything going on, it can be difficult to remember what to bring to your session. To help you out, here is a quick rundown of the essentials you will need.
If you are coming to my in-home studio, the main items you will need are what you would typically put in your diaper bag. You will need plenty of diapers, wipes, diaper cream, pacifier, baby blanket and an extra pair of clothes. Bring more milk than you think you'll need (if feeding pumped milk or formula). Newborn sessions tend to take awhile, so make sure you bring something to do (i.e. phone, tablet, book, etc.) along with any chargers you need. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks as well.
As far as outfits or props, I have a collection of outfits, headbands, wraps, baskets, and much more available. You are also welcome to bring any items or outfits you would like to use. I just ask that you let me know what you are planning to bring at least two days prior to the session.
Importance of Newborn Safety Training in Photography
March 18, 2024
Ensuring the safety of your newborn is my utmost priority. While personal experience as a parent can provide some insights, it does not necessarily mean that you have the skills required to handle and pose newborns safely for photography. Recognizing this, I have sought out specialized training focused on newborn safety for photographers.
These trainings provide education on techniques for handling, wrapping, and posing babies in a safe manner. They also include learning to identify signs of distress for quick intervention, understanding common complications or medical issues, and knowing how to pose the baby safely given their medical concerns.
I have completed newborn safety training workshops through reputable platforms such as the Milky Way Newborn Photography Retreat and Hello Little Education.
While I strive to be well-informed, I acknowledge that I may not be familiar with every medical condition or impairment that can occur with newborns. In such cases, or if it would provide reassurance to parents of a newborn with an impairment, I am more than willing to reach out to their OBGYN’s nurse to discuss any safety concerns. Your baby’s safety and comfort are always at the forefront of my practice.
Why 3-6 Hours for Newborn Sessions?
April 4, 2024
Newborn photography sessions often take hours due to the delicate and unpredictable nature of working with such young babies. I request 3-6 hours for newborn sessions to allow ample time for all the necessary breaks for feeding, changing and comforting the baby. I find that allowing for a longer time frame helps reduces parents' stress and anxiety about the baby being fussy or not wanting to be posed. We can give the baby the time he or she needs to adjust to this new situation and get the beautiful images that parents will love. I always tell parents that the baby is the boss and we will listen and respond to his or her cues throughout the session ensuring that the baby's needs are met.
Once the baby is asleep, we can begin posing. This process takes some time as well. If the baby is a heavy sleeper, posing can take no time at all. However, many newborns do not like to be moved, especially when they are asleep, and it can take time to get them settled into a certain pose. The goal is to capture those perfect moments when the baby is calm and content, which requires patience and flexibility from both the photographer and the parents.
In-Home Newborn Photography Session Requirements
April 28, 2024
An in-home newborn session provides a unique opportunity for parents to bring a photographer into their home to capture their little one's first moments. As a mother myself, I understand that after bringing your baby home and having some sleepless nights, the last thing you want to do is travel. This is why I decided to offer both in-home and home-studio sessions.
There are a few requirements for in-home sessions. In order to set up the equipment needed for posed photos, I need at least 13 square feet of open space. For safety reasons, I also ask that any siblings be supervised in another room or off site during the session. Pets also need to be closed off from the session space. I prefer a non-smoking home. If there are smokers in the home, there is no smoking allowed in the room during set up, the session or breakdown. Although it is not a requirement, there may be extra fees for in-home sessions farther than 25 miles from Jamestown, IN.
Infant Led Newborn Sessions
August 06, 2024
Newborn photographers have their own goals and priorities when it comes to getting a certain number of photos within a certain time limit. There is nothing wrong with setting a time limit, however, this can feel rushed and sometimes the infants cues are missed or responses delayed. This is why newborn photo sessions with Sweet Pea Photography are completely infant-led.
What does it mean to have an infant-led session? During an infant-led session, we can take as many breaks as the baby needs. This is the main reason we provide such a large time range for newborn sessions. We will stop the session if baby is hungry, in need of a diaper change, or if they just want a break for some mommy time. This also means that we might get 15 images...we might get 40, but the experience is so much more relaxed for parents and baby.
What Happens if Baby has Flaky Skin or Baby Acne? Can it be Edited out of Newborn Photos?
November 12, 2024
Your little one is finally here and it's time for their newborn photos. Inevitably, the day of the photo session, baby will break out or have dry, flakey patches on their face. Don't worry-- I have a variety of editing tools to ensure your baby looks their best in your images. If you prefer to keep your baby's skin as it is, just let me know, and I can accommodate that as well. These are your baby's newborn pictures, and I want them to be everything you've been dreaming of.
Maternity
When to Take Maternity Photos
March 23, 2024
Congratulations! You're going to be a mama. I'm here to ensure that your maternity photoshoot is an enjoyable and relaxing experience. It's a time to pamper yourself and celebrate the amazing journey your body is going through. That leads us to the question... when is the best time to have my maternity session?
The ideal time for maternity photos is between your 7th and 8th month of pregnancy (30-36 weeks). This is the best time as your baby bump is more prominent, giving that perfect silhouette for maternity photos. Additionally, you are still comfortable enough to move around and try different poses and settings. If you go beyond this time frame, you're likely to be more uncomfortable and could possibly face limited mobility. To ensure that you're able to schedule your maternity session in this window, you should contact your photographer and secure a date at the beginning of your second trimester.
What to Wear for Your Maternity Photoshoot
March 26, 2024
So you've got your maternity shoot all set, and now you're
left with the all-important and sometimes anxiety-provoking question: What should I wear? Here are some tips for choosing an outfit for your maternity photo shoot that is a perfect fit for you.
Dresses
If you decide to go with a dress, there are two common styles worn in maternity sessions: tight and fitted or flowy. A tight fitting
dress will show off all of your beautiful curves and really showcases that precious baby bump. Some women are uncomfortable showing every curve in a tight dress, which makes flowy dresses a popular option. With this kind of dress, you want something that fits right above your belly and then cascades into a flowy bottom. Whether you go with a form fitting or a flowy dress, you will want it to be floor length.
Other Options
Not a dress person...no problem. There are more options that look great in maternity photos. Something as simple as a white tank top with blue jeans is another cute option. You can also pair blue jeans with a crop top or sports bra.
Color
When choosing a color palette, you will want to avoid dark colors, like black or navy blue. Dark colors make it more difficult to see your baby bump. Light to medium colors will give you the best look for your photos.
Family
Dress mom first! Once mom-to-be has found an outfit that makes her feel confident and beautiful, then choose a simple color palette based on her outfit choice. Choose a few coordinating colors and vary those colors in your family's outfits. If everyone is wearing the exact same color, you blend into each other. If you're not sure what colors work together, you can google complimentary colors or ask your photographer for color suggestions.
Choosing a Location for your Maternity Session
May 10, 2024
Expecting a little one is a journey filled with anticipation, love, and moments worth capturing. A maternity photography session is a beautiful way to document this special time, but finding the perfect location can be a bit of a puzzle. Here are some tips to help you choose the ideal location.
Think about what kind of background you are looking for. Do you prefer a more natural landscapes (fields, meadows streams or beaches)? Is your style a little more rustic? You may consider a farm with a wooden barn. Do you prefer a more urban setting displaying the energy of the city with iconic structures or colorful street art?
The next step is to decide how far you are willing to travel to get the backdrop you want.
Once you have decided the type of location and distance, we can work together to find that perfect location.
Popular Sites for Photo Shoots in Indianapolis, Carmel, and beyond
May 13, 2024
Choosing the ideal location for your maternity photo shoot should be an exciting adventure, not a stressful task. If you're feeling swamped by the number of choices nearby, or if you're not sure what's out there, don't worry. To ease your search, I've created a list of popular photography sites, organized by city, to inspire and guide you in finding that picture-perfect setting for your session.
Indianapolis
Holcomb Gardens
Eagle Creek Park (additional park fees)
Holiday Park (additional park fees)
White River State Park
Fort Harrison State Park (additional park fees)
Carmel
Coxhall Gardens
Kawachinagano Japanese Garden
Danville
WS Gibbs Memorial Park
North Salem
McCloud Nature Park
Lebanon
Lebanon Memorial Park
Abner Longley Park
Lafayette
Happy Hollow Park
The Haan Sculpture Garden and Grounds
Purdue University Campus
Prophetstown State Park (additional park fees)
Popular Items Clients bring to their Maternity Sessions
November 30, 2024
Maternity photo shoots are a beautiful way to celebrate the journey of bringing new life into the world. To make these sessions even more special, many clients choose to include sentimental items that hold personal significance. These treasured keepsakes not only add a unique touch to the photos, but also tell a story of your growing family. Here are some of the most meaningful items clients bring to their maternity photo shoots:
- Ultrasound Photos
- One of the most popular items is the ultrasound photo. Displaying these images during the shoot symbolizes the bond between parents and their soon-to-arrive baby. It's a touching way to include your baby in the photos before they even enter the world.
- Baby's First Items
- Tiny shoes, a cozy blanket, a teddy bear or stuffed animal, or the first outfit you've bought for your baby can make for adorable and meaningful props. These items represent the anticipation and love you have for your little one.
- Personalized Keepsakes
- Customized items such as embroidered blankets or other handmade gifts from loved ones add a personal and heartfelt element to the shoot.
- Books or Letter Boards
- Including a favorite childhood book or a special message or name/due date announcement on a letter board is a great way to add a personal touch to your maternity photos.
Milestone
When do you take milestone photos?
March 28, 2024
Your child's journey will be filled with precious milestones, each one a fleeting moment that you will want to cherish for a lifetime. At Sweet Pea Photography, we understand that every milestone in your child's life is a story waiting to be told. While many associate milestone photos with a child's first year, we believe in celebrating each step of their journey. Our milestone sessions are designed to capture your child's growth and achievements, not just in the first year, but as they continue to learn and grow from year to year.
The first year of your child's life is full of developmental milestones that you will want to capture. To choose the best times for photos, think about what milestones you would like to capture. Many parents schedule sessions at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Alternatively, some prefer to mark just the 6 and 12 month milestones. For the 12-month photo session, a fun cake smash or a fruit bath is a popular choice.
Milestone sessions are perfect for a child's yearly photos. Unlike standard school photos, these sessions are tailored to your child's individual likes and interests. These sessions are ideal for capturing special moments like kindergarten graduation, formal dances, senior portraits, and high school graduation.
What Milestones Happen at 3, 6, 9 and 12 Months?
April 21, 2024
The first year of a baby's life is a whirlwind of changes and growth. They hit a parade of developmental milestones, some seem to appear overnight, while others take more time to practice and perfect. Milestone photos capture each new skill as your little one grows from a newborn to a toddler. Here are some of the milestones we capture at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
Around 3 to 4 months, babies start smiling on their own to get parent's attention and giving little chuckles (not quite a full laugh). They also respond to and turn their heads toward familiar voices. Baby can now hold their head steady without support when being held. They also start bringing their hands to their mouths and pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on their tummy.
At 6 months, babies can push themselves up with straight arms when on their tummy and lean on their hands to support themselves while sitting up. Babies at this age often like blowing raspberries and looking at themselves in the mirror. We also see more smiles and laughs at this stage.
At 9 months, babies can get themselves into a sitting position and sit without assistance. Babies show more facial expressions at this stage, like happy, sad, angry, surprised. They smile or laugh when you play peek-a-boo.
At 12 months, babies start to pull themselves up to stand. They start walking while holding on to furniture or your fingers for support. Some can already take steps without support. At this stage, babies start playing peek-a-boo or patty cake with you and wave "bye bye".
Popular First Birthday Photo Shoot Themes
June 10, 2024
Congratulations! Your baby's first birthday is just a couple of months away! It's time to decide what kind of photo shoot you want to book to celebrate your little one's first year. Here are some popular types of first birthday photo shoots.
- Cake Smash- Capturing your little one's joy as they dig into a birthday cake is always a messy...but fun option. The cake smash is a classic theme for a first birthday photoshoot.
- Themed photoshoot- Choosing a backdrop and props to fit a specific theme is another popular option. Some common themes include princess, Mickey or Minnie Mouse, Sesame Street, circus and jungle animals. If it is warm enough, a simple outdoor photoshoot is perfect for the occasion.
- Milk baths- If your little one's birthday is in the summer, you might consider doing a milk bath shoot. A little tub with the milk bath and maybe some fruit (strawberries, lemons, etc.) or fresh flowers in an outdoor setting is a unique and beautiful way to celebrate your baby's first year.
These themes are the most requested for first birthday photo shoots. This is not an all inclusive list. If you have an idea of what you would like to do for your little one's photo session, your photographer can help make your vision a reality.
Family
Tips for choosing coordinating outfits for family photos
April 1, 2024
Choosing outfits for family photos can be a fun yet daunting task. It's all about finding the perfect balance between coordinated and comfortable. Here are a few quick tips to help you look your best for your family portrait.
First, consider your settings and background. If you're doing an outdoor shoot, natural, earthy tones work well with greenery and sunlight. If you're opting for an in-home session, think about the colors of the room and try to compliment them. You don't want your outfits to clash with the environment.
Next, start with a base color palette. Choose two to three main colors and build your outfits around them. This doesn't mean everyone wears the same color; instead, mix different shades to add depth and interest. For example, if you choose blue, one person could wear navy, another in sky blue and someone else in a blue pattern. Patterns are not the enemy in coordinating outfits, you just have to choose them wisely. Patterns with lots of options, such as plaids or florals, can really pull a family's look together. If you decide to incorporate a pattern into your family's look, you want to avoid large, busy patterns as they take distract from your face. Instead, look for subtle, delicate patterns.
Lastly, comfort is key. If you're not comfortable in what you're wearing, it will show in your photos. Choose clothing that fits well and allows you to move freely. This is especially important for kids who might need to run around and play during the shoot.
Tips for getting memorable family photos with young children
April 15, 2024
Family photos are more than just pictures; they're special memories that capture your family as they are in that moment. When young children are involved, these photo sessions can turn into an unpredictable adventure. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your family photo experience with your little ones.
###Plan Ahead
Preparation is key when it comes to photo sessions with young children. Choose outfits that are not only photogenic but also comfortable. Consider the timing of the shoot to correspond with when your children are usually at their best-- well-rested, fed, and in a playful mood.
###Keep It Fun
Turn the photo session into a game. Don't stress if your little ones don't want to sit still. Encourage play and let the children's personality shine through. Candid shots often capture the most genuine expressions and interactions between family members.
###Go with the Flow
With young children, it's important to be flexible. If a child isn't in the mood to pose or smile, don't force it. We can take as many breaks as needed and use those opportunities to snap some candid, spontaneous shots.
###Not Above Bribery
If all else fails, I'm not above bribing to get the shot you want. Be sure to bring some of your child's favorite treats to the shoot. Often times a bag of fruit snacks, M&Ms, or little puffs in their favorite flavor, is enough to get them to sit just long enough to get that pose that you want.
Don't Forget These 3 Things When Booking Fall Family Photos
August 11, 2024
The colors of fall make for beautiful family photos. Here are three key things to consider to make the most of your fall family photos:
- Outfits: Fall temperatures often vary and cool down quickly in the evenings. To ensure everyone stays comfortable during your photo session, consider incorporating easily removable layers into your family's outfits. This way, you'll be prepared for any changes in temperatures while still looking stylish and coordinated.
- Weather: Fall weather can be quite unpredictable. Fall often brings more rain, wind, and overcast days. However, with a bit of flexibility, we can still capture stunning photos despite the unpredictable weather. I will keep a close eye on the weather leading up to your session. Since forecasts can change frequently, it's best to wait until the day of the session to decide on any rescheduling. There's no need to reschedule for cloudy days, as overcast skies offer beautiful, soft lighting for photos. However, we might need to adjust the session time to ensure we have enough light for the entire shoot.
- Location: Fall photo shoots are incredibly popular because of the stunning colors of the changing leaves. However, selecting the perfect location involves more than just finding a cluster of trees. I seek out spots with trees to filter light and provide shade if needed, open space that features interesting natural elements such as: pampas grass, rocks or logs large enough to sit on. These elements add variety to your photos, creating a more dynamic and visually appealing backdrop.
Seniors
Showcasing Hobbies and Interests in Senior Photos
August 7, 2024
Congratulations on reaching your senior year! Your hard work and determination have brought you to this exciting milestone. I'm here to help you celebrate your achievements and capture unforgettable memories along the way. Let's create senior pictures that truly reflect who you are right now--your interests, hobbies, and unique personality. Here are a few ways we can achieve this:
- Props and Accessories: Using props and accessories to showcase interests and hobbies in senior pictures is a fantastic way to personalize the session and make the photos uniquely yours. We can incorporate items like sports equipment, art supplies, books, and more to truly reflect who you are.
- Location: Personality and interests can also be displayed through your chosen location. You may choose a more natural location (farms, parks, gardens, forests, etc.) or maybe you prefer more urban settings (downtown areas, graffiti walls, modern architecture).
- Outfits: Clothing is a wonderful way to express yourself. Whether it's a flowing summer dresses, a sports jersey, or anything in between, the outfits you choose can beautifully reflect your personality and interests.
Levels of Retouching
October 05,2024
Senior year is an exciting milestone, and your senior pictures should capture who you are at this moment. You deserve to look your best, and I'm here to ensure your photos reflect your unique style and personality. I offer various levels of retouching to suit your preferences. From simple retouching to remove any major flaws or blemishes, to advanced retouching that includes skin softening, teeth whitening, brightening eyes, and evening out skin tone, I've got you covered.
Sweet Pea Photography is based in Jamestown, IN and serves clients from surrounding areas including:
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