Getting the Best Newborn Photos

To begin with, let me offer my heartfelt congratulations! This is a genuinely unique period in life, and the year ahead promises to be full of amazing experiences and treasured memories as you prepare to welcome a new addition to your family.

Having a baby transforms your entire world. The saying "moments are fleeting" takes on a whole new meaning when you realize how quickly time passes with your newborn. Babies change and grow rapidly — especially in those first few weeks. One day they're curled up in a tiny swaddle; before you know it, they've outgrown the newborn clothes entirely.

Scheduling a newborn session allows you to preserve these fleeting moments — moments that won't come again. These aren't merely photographs; they are cherished memories captured in time, which you can revisit to recall how truly special those early days were.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR NEWBORN SESSION

Anticipate a smooth, calm, and relaxed experience. My goal for every session is to make the process as easy as possible for your whole family — including tired, brand-new parents. Sessions are paced entirely around the baby. If they need to eat, we pause. If they need to be soothed, we take our time. There's no rushing.

I keep the studio warm and cozy — newborns sleep best in a warm environment — and I use soft, gentle posing techniques to keep your baby comfortable and content throughout. Most sessions last about 2 hours to allow plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and capturing a variety of beautiful setups.

I also love including family portraits during the session — those tender moments of a parent cradling their newborn, siblings together in a photo for the first time, or the whole family together are often the images families treasure most.

WHEN TO BOOK YOUR NEWBORN SESSION

Timing matters more than most new parents realize. The most iconic newborn photos — featuring deeply sleeping, curled-up babies — are best captured when your baby is between 5 and 14 days old. During this window, newborns are still very sleepy and flexible, making it much easier to achieve those classic curled poses.

Around the 3-week mark, babies become more alert and wakeful, making deep sleep poses trickier. They also begin to outgrow the tiny wraps, headbands, and baskets that make newborn photos so special.

My recommendation: Book your session while you're still pregnant, ideally in your second or third trimester. We'll target the 1–2 week window after your due date, and adjust once your baby actually arrives, if need be. Babies have their own schedules, and we're always flexible!

A few important booking notes:

• Saturdays fill up fast — sometimes two months in advance. If a weekend session is important to you, book early.

• Weekday sessions offer much more flexibility and are a great option if your partner can take time off.

• You don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out — a quick conversation is all it takes to get you on the calendar.

WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING

For the best results, keep it simple. Neutral tones — creams, whites, soft grays, taupes — photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby. Avoid busy patterns or bold logos.

For parents who want to be included in portraits, I recommend:

• Simple, form-fitting tops in neutral or muted tones

• Comfortable bottoms (you'll likely be seated or kneeling)

• Removing bulky jewelry for a timeless look

Bring whatever your baby needs to feel comfortable — a pacifier if they use one, their favorite swaddle blanket, and extra formula or pump if you're bottle feeding. I have everything else in the studio.

WHY CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHER?

Newborn photography is a specialized skill. It requires patience, experience with infant safety, and an eye for the subtle details that make each baby unique. I've had the privilege of photographing hundreds of newborns in the Kansas City and Overland Park area, and every single session reminds me why this work matters.

These photos will hang on your walls, be shared with grandparents, and be pulled out on first birthdays and graduation days. They deserve to be done beautifully.

If you have any questions or are ready to reserve your spot, please reach out — I'd love to chat about your growing family and how we can capture this precious time together. You can also find more info by visiting our newborn page.