There’s only one time in life when your precious baby will be this tiny, and that’s why newborn photos are such important family keepsakes. You want to remember every single moment as they grow! From day one, little ones start learning and growing and changing, so it’s ideal to plan their very first photo shoot within those first weeks to get heartwarming newborn photos that reflect their very first expressions and poses.
SWADDLED & SLEEPING TIGHT
In a pretty (and oh-so-soft!) swaddle, baby Jessica snoozes soundly on top of a coordinating fluffy blanket in a white basket. Her adorable headband made of pastel flowers makes her look just like a tiny princess sleeping the day away!
It’s always fun to play with props! In fact, they’re one of the things that turn your baby’s portraits into creative keepsakes you’ll treasure for years. Clients at Andrea Sollenberger Photography never have to worry though, because my studio is stocked to the brim with soft and adorable accessories that are intentionally selected for the safety and comfort of your baby. We’ll talk through your all ideas and collaborate to create the perfect photo collection for your family.
SLEEPING BEAUTY ALL BUNDLED UP
For my tiniest clients, wardrobe changes often consist of a change of accessories or props. Below, baby Jessica is still swaddled snugly, but I swapped out her headband for a soft and cozy knit hat. Peacefully dreaming, she is the epitome of the saying ‘snug as a bug in a rug’!
A quick accessory change often goes completely unnoticed by infants who are sound asleep. You’ve probably noticed that most newborn portraits feature sleeping babies, and there’s a reason for that! When babies are sleeping, they are more relaxed, less likely to wiggle, and more easily positioned into all the adorable poses you see.
DREAMY ANGEL DRESSED IN WHITE
This beautiful portrait of sweet Jessica is precious in so many ways! Dressed in neutrals with a neutral wide-plank floor backdrop, she looks so serene and tranquil. And just look at those tiny fingers peeking over the top of her wrap. Jessica’s delicate features, soft skin, and head full of hair stand out in this photo because of the lovely neutral color scheme that helps to draw focus to her features.
BRAND-NEW ARRIVAL…PROFESSIONAL NEWBORN PORTRAITS IN GAINESVILLE, FL
So many emotions and feelings swirl before the arrival of a new little one. Mom’s mind is full of things to do, supplies to purchase, updates to make around the house, and more. And then, once baby is here, there’s the tiredness and lack of sleep, the happy task of notifying relatives of your precious arrival, doctor’s appointments, and more that keep you on the move.
It’s so easy for time to get away from you when you’re a new parent! You spend baby’s awake time in awe of their sweet perfection, and you’re in wonder as they coo and wiggle and do all their adorable baby things. Those are the moments you want to remember forever, and newborn portraits help you do just that!
Photos are tangible reminders of your little one’s milestones and cherished moments you never want to forget—so don’t let this stage slip by without capturing every adorable detail in portraits. If you’re in the Gainesville, Florida, area and are ready to plan a professional and creative photo session for your little one, contact me and we’ll plan the session you’re dreaming about!
TOP 5 TIPS TO PLAN THE PERFECT NEWBORN PHOTO SESSION
There are lots of things you can do ahead of time to plan for your baby’s newborn session—and when you plan ahead, you can avoid the stress of adding one more thing to your schedule after baby’s arrival! Want a dream session with zero stress? That’s exactly what you’ll get at Andrea Sollenberger Photography. Here’s what you can do to plan a relaxing session for baby and your family:
- Start thinking about your photo budget during your third trimester. Save money early and think about talking to grandparents who may want to contribute to the cost of their newest grandbaby’s photos.
- Research local photographers. Look for a professional who fits your style and has a portfolio of images you love. Remember, you’re creating photo memories that are likely to become art in your home, so it’s worth it to spend some time looking for the perfect infant photographer for you!
- Make a list of your priorities. Which photos are most important to you? Do you want to include photos with mom and dad? Grandparents? Are there any siblings to include? Once you’ve researched photographers and found your favorite styles and images, you’ll have a wish list of all the poses, props, and styles you want for your baby’s session. Whether you want lots of props, blanket poses, or baby-in-a-basket poses, when you make a priority list, you’ll be better able to communicate your dream session to your photographer.
- Ask questions and talk to prospective photographers—about ALL THE THINGS! It’s important to know if they will accommodate you and work with you to create a fabulous photo collection for your new arrival. If you have special requests or needs, mention them and be sure to ask how the photographer will facilitate your experience. Remember, the more you put into your photo session, the more you’ll get out of it. It’s important to feel comfortable with the professional you choose to hold, handle, and position your baby, so ask all the questions you need to in order to feel confident in your decision.
- Book your session and start working with your photographer before your baby arrives. Schedules are a funny thing with newborns…in fact, the little ones are the ones calling the shots when it comes to timing! Professional photographers’ calendars fill up quickly, so when you book in advance, you’re more likely to get a great spot on their calendar. Working with your photographer before baby arrives gives you a chance to plan your session before the frenzied days of parenting a newborn get here.
After you’ve done all that, it’s time to rest and wait for your precious little one to arrive!
GIRLY GIRL WRAPPED IN PINK
Jessica is pretty as a princess wrapped in this pastel pink swaddle that’s adorned with tiny pearls. Lying on layers of soft blankets and a knit baby pillow, she’s peacefully dreaming the dreams of angels. A pink flower headband tops off the look and shows off a head full of dark hair!
BASKET FULL OF BEAUTIFUL
In this lovely tone-on-tone setting full of earthy hues, precious Jessica wears a coordinating off-white wrap and a dainty headband with lace and pearls. Photos like this one will be sweet reminders of those earliest sleepy days, of that sweet baby smell, and that soft-as-a-cloud baby hair.
Renowned photographer of cityscapes and urban settings, Aaron Siskind once said,
“Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…It remembers little things long after you have forgotten everything.”
It’s true! While you’ll certainly never forget those first early days with your baby, photos can bring back every tiny detail and remind you of all the precious sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of those first few weeks.
If you want to read more about how photos help preserve memories and capture moments in time, check out Capturing Moments in Time, an article by Nashville event photographer Canaan Kagay.
LOVE GROWS HERE
Flowers symbolize so many things like love, innocence, new beginnings, hope, and so much more. So it’s fitting that darling Jessica is resting in the center of a beautiful wreath filled with a variety of blooms.
In a partial wrap, her little arms and legs are free to move around, encouraging her to adopt a sweet pose that looks just how she rested in mom’s tummy. Her tiny headband even has coordinating flowers to complete the look. What a lovely photo to hang in a bedroom, the family room…or to share with loving family members!
BRIGHT-EYED & BEAUTIFUL
She’s wide awake, and just look at those gorgeous peepers! Jessica’s dark brown eyes are open and observing all the things going on around her. She’s bundled into a comfy newborn pose with her feet and legs tucked in close, and resting on the softest pink surface, she’s comfy and content.
TINY PRINCESS TUCKED IN TIGHT
Tucked into a pastel pink swaddle and lying on a mini bed covered with a soft and furry blanket, sweet Jessica makes eye contact with the camera and shows off a beautiful, bright, and curious expression.
This little sweetie rocks her headbands, too! Perfectly coordinated with every outfit, Jessica is a true girlie girl in every way and is already the apple of mom’s eye.
DRIFTING OFF TO DREAMLAND
Newborns sleep more than they’re awake for the first few weeks of life. In fact, according to Kids Health, ideally they’ll sleep 14-17 hours a day. That made it easy to capture a wide variety of shots and poses—all while Jessica dreamed the day away!
Covered with a pastel pink wrap, baby Jessica modestly shows off everything from baby fingers to toes to tummy. And it’s adorable how she’s curled up with her tiny hand tucked underneath her cheek. She’s the picture of sweet dreams and tranquil moments. What a great memory of Jessica in her earliest, tiniest days!
It was such a joy to work with sweet Jessica and her mom! Every photo in their collection represents love, joy, and sweetness that the family can look back on and treasure as she grows.
If you’re ready to plan a newborn or milestone session for your baby, contact me and we’ll get started planning the perfect session for you! For inspiration and great ideas, you can browse my blog where all my tiny clients and their sessions are highlighted. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to get the latest studio updates!
Kelleen Hite says
These newborn photos are so divine! The skin, the wraps, it’s all perfection! And the list of 5 things to plan the perfect newborn session is perfect for moms who are about to have a baby, and have so much going on!
Andrea Sollenberger says
I am so glad you enjoyed this newborn blog Kelleen, both the photos and the helpful tips for perfect newborn photos. Thank you for your kind words!
Nadia Angerhofer says
These newborn pictures are so precious. This little girl has quite some beautiful hair. What a great idea to book the newborn session during the third trimester of pregnancy. Newborn pictures are such an important milestone and will be family treasures.
Andrea Sollenberger says
Thanks for your helpful feedback Nadia! Yes Jessica has amazing newborn hair and I am glad you noticed! Capturing all of these details will lock in the memories of mom and dad’s first weeks with their newborn!
Marty Varnedoe says
How helpful to new parents to include the tips in planning a newborn session, especially during the busy time of getting ready for the arrival of baby! I love the quote about photography, so true that photos help you remember those special moments. Jessica’s photos are precious!! Love all the different headbands! Awesome work, Andrea.
Andrea Sollenberger says
Thank you so much Marty! I always love your comments and I am so glad to hear you loved this newborn photo blog!
Brandi says
These are stunning newborn images! I am so thankful that I had newborn photos for both of my boys! They are only that little and snuggly for such a short period of time. I love to go back and look at them and just relive those first precious moments over and over! Your planning tips are just what a new mama needs!
Andrea Sollenberger says
You are so right about the fleeting time we have with newborn babies. Time passes so quickly and babies change constantly. I’m glad you love your newborn photos and continue to enjoy them! Thank you for your helpful feedback Brandi!
Michelle Robertson says
Awwww, these newborn portraits are just absolutely gorgeous, Andrea! I love that you take each image and make it the very best, so that every photo is perfect for the family. Great tips to help families prepare for their photo shoot with the new baby too!
Andrea Sollenberger says
Thank you Michelle for taking the time to stop and leave this high praise. I absolutely love working with my newborn’s parents to fill each photo with the emotions and the details that mom and dad desire. Perfect newborn photos make moms and dads forever happy!
Susan says
Wow, baby Jessica’s parents have some beautiful photos to choose from. I so love the so still sleeping newborn shots, but really love the pictures with her eyes open. She is saying “Hello World”.
It takes a skilled photographer to know how to work with children, and babies, especially. Andrea is so creative with using her huge variety of props, and her skills at swaddling cannot be beat. It is such a rewarding experience to visit Andrea Sollenberger Photography Studio.
Andrea Sollenberger says
Babies sleep for so many hours of their first days. This makes it very special when we are able to still time in photos with newborn eyes open! Somehow you can see into their personality a little and they seem to share a bit of wonder and connection with the world. Eyes open newbonr photos are a special treat. I’m glad Jessica gave them to us! Her photo session was a delight! Thank you for your feedback Susie!
Carolina says
Wonderful newborn photos of baby Jessica in a wide range of outfits, props, and poses. Such treasures for the family and someday for Jessica to enjoy.
Andrea Sollenberger says
Carolina, I’m glad you enjoyed these girl newborn pictures! Her photos are loved and valued already by her parents and big sister and they will be a newborn photo keepsake collection for years. Thanks for your comments!
Jody says
How precious! These photos are so subtly sweet. Love the tips you included. As a newborn mom, those are very helpful in choosing the right photographer. Great job!
Andrea Sollenberger says
Hi Jody! Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you both enjoyed and found helpful newborn photo tips to choose the right newborn photographer. Finding the best fit makes a photo session more satisfying and the photos delightful! I appreciate your feedback!
Jodi says
These are beautiful newborn photos. I love the flower ring basket she’s in. And oh, my. All that hair. So precious!
Andrea Sollenberger says
Isn’t it funny that some babies have such different hair patterns. I was glad to capture Jessica’s beautiful head with so much hair in newborn photos! Glad you loved this newborn photo blog!
Christine says
There really is so much that goes into making the actual photo salon day successful! Andrea has thought of everything! I love the colors and flowers that were chosen to gently highlight the features of little Jessica. Her headbands are beautiful and she wears them well! Such special memories that will last a lifetime!