I have been photographing a lot of sweet tiny babies lately and thought I would blog why I love these sessions.

There's a bit of shopping that goes into finding a photographer for your newborn.  It is best to tentatively book a date while you are still pregnant as the best time for a session is between 7 and 10 days.  There are different styles for newborn photography-put some thought into the style you want.  I feel it is very important to offer my clients monthly payment options.  It costs a lot of money to bring baby home and there shouldn't be any additional financial stress over the photos.

I remember people coming up to me when I took Ronin out commenting on how little he was.  Other mothers would tell me they couldn't remember their children being so small.  'How could that be?' I thought, 'How could you not remember?'.  Three years later as I'm rushing out the door with a lunchbox in one hand and my son's hand in the other, his hair orange and blue for wacky hair day at school, and I understood exactly what those mothers were telling me.

A friend of mine did photos for Ronin when he was four days old.  As a mother, I understand how fast this time goes and how important it is to capture these memories.

When I first started in newborn photography, I bought a backdrop and props and headbands.  I found that sticking babies in baskets and putting them in poses found on pinterest was not my style.  I fell in love with 'lifestyle' images.  I discovered that both parents and babies where much more relaxed in their own space.  While I do still offer studio settings, I keep the images sweet and simple.  I want the photos to reflect the details and love babies bring to our lives.

Each of my sessions are unique.  I talk to my clients to understand what they want to capture before I get started.  I include an announcement design as a gift to each of my clients.  Here's the 'how to prepare' list I send out:

Here's your checklist:

Have any hats, bows, headbands, blankets, props, family heirlooms or other items you may want in the shots ready 

Make sure the room or rooms are warm.  Your baby will usually have their clothes off for most of the session so it needs to be extra warm.

Have room or rooms where the baby will be photographed tidy and clutter free please.

You should wear lightweight breathable clothing since it will be very warm where we are shooting. If you would like to be in some of the photographs we will shoot those first before you get disheveled or sweaty due to the warmth in the room for your little one. Your hands may be shown in some photos. Please have nails trimmed and clean.

Try to have at least one other person there with you during the shoot to help.Sessions can often get long and tiring for all involved.

Have water on hand…newborn sessions make you thirsty!! Before feeding baby, remove all clothes and socks. Unfasten diaper so it can be easily removed and wrap baby in blanket. This will help eliminate any creases or red marks on the baby’s body.

Feed baby approximately a half-hour before session is scheduled to begin (if possible)

After your session

Relax and dream about all the beautiful images that will soon be yours. I go through the images from your session and select the best. Once I have the “final cut” selected I meticulously edit each individual picture to correct any blemishes. I will provide a usage license so that you can print your images at the lab of your choice without any hassle. Your images will be ready for delivery within two weeks. You now have wonderful, precious images to remind you of the innocence of your newborn, and you have documented in a beautiful, meaningful way what those first few days of life were like. BLISS!

I have included a few of my favorite photos from my most recent newborn session with 6 day old Abigail.  She was an absolute doll for our first session together!

I thought I would also post a few of my photos of my little Ronin at 4 days old.  Photos by Sandra Pezzente