The newborn stage is fleeting. One day they’re so small they can easily curl up on our chest and then before we know it they awake from their sleepy, milk-drunk state and they’ve doubled in size.
Capturing those first few weeks with a newborn photography session helps us to hold on to the excitement and emotion of welcoming a new member to the family. Traditional studio photography is beautiful, but for those who aren’t into posed shots or the formality of a studio environment, there are other options available.
Outdoor newborn photography, offers a more relaxed and affordable style of photography, with plenty of natural interaction and of course a gallery full of precious moments.
planning for an outdoor newborn photography session
Mild days are the best for outdoor newborn photography sessions. Babies can feel the heat and cold more dramatically than children and adults, so this type of session is best for Spring, cooler days in Summer and early to mid-August.
Although this is a more relaxed style of session, you can still bring wraps and small props like a teddy to include in the session. You may also like to bring booties or a hat so you can have some variety in your photos and also in case the weather turns cold.
Newborns aren’t known for their routines, but if you can plan for a morning session (before the sun is high in the sky) or a sunset session (on warmer days) you’ll have beautiful light in your photos. You also won’t need to worry about the heat or the cool of the day.
where to have your outdoor newborn session
The choice is yours when it comes to location.
During Spring, when the weather can be windy, locations such as walled gardens offer protection from the elements. Rocky beaches are perfect for those with older children who may want to play and interact during the session.
It’s amazing how a change of outfit, a new wrap or a different angle and pose can create a gallery full of unique images, even if they are taken in a similar environment. Newborn photography is all about capturing your newborn as well as the new dynamic of your family, so you may like to think of a location that holds meaning for you.
what length of session should I book?
If you’re just after a few images, a 30-minute (Sapling) session is perfect. If you’d like more images and would like to include more children (or other family members) then a 60-minute (Acacia, Banksia or Ironbark) session is ideal.
If you need help selecting a package, we can discuss this prior to booking and if you feel like you need a little more time on the day, I can arrange for that too.
how to prepare for your newborn photos
It’s a good idea to feed bub prior to your session. This will help them to feel sleepy and relaxed. A spare outfit for baby (and spare tops for parents) is also a good idea. That way if during our outdoor newborn photography session, there is a nappy leak or reflux, you’ve got some options – I will always pause the session in the case of this happening and we can resume once you’re all sorted.
Bring a few different bunny rugs or any other accessories you’d like in the photos. Headbands, hats and booties look great in newborn sessions. I have a number of neutral-coloured rugs that I can bring along for you to sit on as a family or to place baby on. You’re also welcome to bring your own rugs too.
If you have older children, consider how you’ll entertain them during the shoot. A small reward such as a post-session lolly pop can be a great incentive and choosing a location where other children can run around and let off some energy between photos is also a good idea.
what age to have baby photos
Outdoor newborn photography is a bit more flexible than studio newborn sessions as we won’t be posing or wrapping your baby into poses that require their bodies to still be as flexible as the early newborn days. You can hold your newborn family photography session from as early as a few days old, all the way up to older newborns.
If you’ve had a baby in hospital, haven’t felt ready to have photos taken or have wanted some time to settle into parenthood, and suddenly feel like you’ve left getting newborn photos too long, please don’t worry. Whether brand new and snoozy or that little bit older, magical memories are still there for the making. It’s well worth capturing baby photos, even in older babies – even if they’d much rather be awake than sleep serenely in your arms!
CAN YOU DO NEWBORN PHOTOS OUTSIDE?
Absolutely! Outdoor newborn photography is the perfect way to capture natural, relaxed photos with your newborn – whether they be your first child or the youngest member of your family!
how do you take pictures of babies outside?
We’ll use a range of poses. I’ll bring a rug so we can get some of you sitting down with your newborn baby (and other children, if you have them). We’ll also do some standing shots and photos of the baby alone. This can include capturing small details such as eyelashes, their hands, their toes or them snuggling a toy.
how do you take pictures of babies outside
The same way as a traditional family portrait session, but with a slightly slower pace. I’ll be there supporting you to feel comfortable in front of the camera, happy to press pause for a nappy change or in case there’s a little spit up.
I’m a mum of two and although the newborn days are behind me, I still remember how it felt to have a new baby in my arms and how welcoming it was to come across people who showed a little extra grace, care and love during those early days.
considering outdoor newborn photography?
I’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to email me with any questions about outdoor newborn photography or to book in your session.
