Many of my clients return to me with baby #2 and there is no better compliment then when they return to me because they were so happy with my work. Sibling photos are important... I know because my son was 2 and refused to take a photo with his new baby sister, I got something less than ideal but I love it anyway. My son was exactly 2 at the time since his 2nd birthday was 7 days after his sister was born. 2 year olds, especially those who recently turned 2 are probably the most challenging as they don't talk a whole lot yet but they sure do know what they want and are not easily persuaded if they aren't into something.
There are certain poses that work best for a newborn and their 2 year old sibling. Children get a little more cooperative as they grow older, older children can still be unpredictable but for the most part it all works out. Here are some sibling shots...
Contact us to learn more and book your newborn session.
When I use the term "set up" I am referring to that which your baby will be surrounded by in the photo. You will see many photographs with babies posed and they are usually done in either props, on a fluffy rug, or on a seamless blanket. In my sessions I like to mix it up and do a bit of all three. The blanket poses are the baby posed on a seamless soft blanket in the color palette of your choice. Here are some examples:
Poses are slightly different but all were done on our big posing bed.
Props are where I can get a little more creative, sometimes I keep them simple and sometimes I add a little more to them... Props include baskets, buckets, beds, boxes, chairs, anything used to put the baby inside of would be a prop... Here are some examples of babies in buckets, baskets, and wooden boxes / bowls.
Here are some other props... you will see how I use them differently, I add other elements to make them a little more interesting and sometimes I keep it very simple... it just depends on the other set ups I'm planning for a babies session.
Flokati rugs are thick wool rugs that have an exaggerated shag look that really add a lot of texture to a set up. The baby is surrounded by the fluff and the beauty is in the contrast of the soft newborn baby skin and the thick textures.
Props can sometimes be found in stores but most newborn photography props are made specifically for newborn photo shoots and are designed to hold newborn babies safely. These props are sold by vendors who source or sometimes design and manufacture them. It can be hard to resist buying every cute new prop that comes out.
Styling my newborn set ups is probably my favorite part of the newborn photography session besides actually snuggling the tiny new babies. The layers of fabrics, rugs, fluff, and stuffers all have to come together to make something beautiful for the baby to be the star of. There is a fine line of over doing it, sometimes less is more and my goal is always to have a classic timeless feel to my images. I would hope that the styling is a reason that clients choose me for their newborn photography session. I go into the studio and I really enjoy putting together my set ups, everything I have collected over 10 years is right at my fingertips and I truly love the process. Learn more about booking your newborn photography session in Los Angeles or Orange County here.
One of the most common questions I get is if I have a studio. The answer is yes, every newborn photographer needs to have a designated place to photograph whether it is in their home or in a commercial space. There are also outdoor sessions which are great for maternity and family sessions and even newborn sessions can be done outside here in sunny Southern California. I offer all of the above. More recently since covid hit us I have started to shoot in a commercial space. The studio offers everything needed to make your experience complete and comfortable. When you arrive you will enter the parents waiting room where you can relax on the couch and enjoy the television and stream netflix, hulu, prime, and more if you choose. We have a small dining table set up incase you want to bring your breakfast or need to catch up on work with your laptop. Free wifi is ready to go of course. The baby changing table is also here so that we can get baby undressed and ready to go into the studio for the session. We have a restroom with any supplies mommy might find herself in need of and a kitchenette where you can help yourself to coffee, tea, water, heat up your babies bottle or grab a snack if you like. Entering the studio you will see props props and more props! Our stations are ready to go and everything is prepared and customized to your preferences you noted in the questionnaire you filled out. My home studio is located in Los Angeles, Whittier to be exact, close to La Habra while the studio is in Orange county, Brea to be exact. I shoot lots of outdoor sessions all year throughout both counties. Photos coming soon of the studio. In the meantime visit the contact page to get in touch and discuss your photography session!