How Long Does a Newborn Session Take?

How Long Does a Newborn Session Take?

If you’re planning your newborn session and wondering how long to block off on the calendar, I’ve got you. This is one of the most common questions I get from new parents, and it’s such a good one to ask.

So… how long does a newborn session take? The honest answer is: it depends!

I know that might sound a little wild, but hear me out. Newborns are tiny, unpredictable humans. They eat when they’re hungry, they fuss when they need to, and they do absolutely nothing on a schedule. So neither do I. Your session will take as long as it needs to, and that’s exactly how it should be.

But If You Need a Ballpark…

On average, newborn sessions run anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours. We’re usually actively photographing for about an hour of that, but there’s so much more that goes into a session than just clicking the shutter.

Here’s a peek at what that time actually looks like:

Getting Everyone Ready

Before we even pick up the camera, mama needs a minute. I bring wardrobe with me that you’ll have had a chance to browse ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling around your house trying to find something that fits postpartum (been there, not fun). You just show up and we figure it out together. Easy.

Settling Baby

I also take time before we start to swaddle and calm your little one so they’re in the perfect sleepy, snuggly state for photos. Don’t worry, I’m a pro at this. I have three kids of my own, and one of them had colic, so I have genuinely seen it all. I will get your baby settled.

During the Session

Throughout our time together, we stop whenever we need to. Baby hungry? We pause. Need a top-off feed? No problem. Big brother or sister needs a snack break? Absolutely, grab the goldfish crackers, we’ll wait.

My goal is to capture your whole family, so we’ll work through portraits of:

• The full family together
• Each parent one-on-one with baby
• Baby all on their own
• Baby with any older siblings
• And yes, the furry siblings too, if your pup is up for it!

So How Long Does a Newborn Session Take, Really?

It depends on your baby, your family, and what you need that day. I’ll never rush you out the door. The whole point is for this to feel easy and special, not stressful.

A Little Extra Magic: The Full-Service Experience

Speaking of easy… did I mention I’ve thought of pretty much everything?

Your session includes access to professional hair and makeup so you feel like yourself again (or better, honestly). I bring wardrobe options so you’re not stressing about what to wear. And after your session, your images are printed as fine art pieces, not just digital files floating around on a hard drive. We’re talking heirloom albums and custom framed wall art that you’ll actually hang and love for decades.

You just show up. I handle the rest.

New parenthood is a lot. Your photos shouldn’t add to that. My job is to make sure not only your images are beautiful, but that your whole experience is, too.

Ready to book your session? Let’s talk!

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