If you are expecting a new addition to your family, we are sure you want to capture all those special moments with your bundle of joy. We met with award-winning Toronto photographer Alicia Ho from Precious Ones Photography to learn more about newborn photography and everything you need to know before booking a newborn session.
As new parent-to-be, you may have heard that newborn photography is a must-have and a must-do once baby arrives. But, what exactly is Toronto newborn photography? When should you book a Toronto newborn photography session? What is the best time to photograph baby? How long does a Toronto newborn photography session typically take? What outfits and props do you need for Toronto newborn photography? Is the session for the infant only or can sibling and family be included? What should you wear to a Toronto newborn photography session? What type of poses are used in Toronto newborn photography? What do I need to prepare for a Toronto newborn photography session?
What exactly is a Toronto newborn photography?
Well, let’s start from the very basics. Toronto newborn photography is just that – photographs of your precious little bundle of joy. Or is it? While it sounds simple, it is so much more than that. Why? Because in a matter of 9 months, you become a family of two, to a family of three. In a matter of minutes, you transformed from being pregnant to being a mother. In a matter of seconds, your life’s priorities, and your entire world has changed.
Toronto newborn photography is more than just photos of your baby. Your baby’s portraits are a testament to new beginnings. Their little perfect features, their tininess, their miraculous arrival is all captured in beautiful portraits you will love and cherish for a lifetime. The right Toronto baby photographer will help you tell your story with their creativity in preserving and celebrating this amazing milestone for your family.
When should you book a Toronto newborn photography session?
The best time to book your Toronto newborn photography session is before baby arrives. Ideally during your second trimester so you have plenty of time to look for the best Toronto baby photographer that you love. You will want to ask them questions and discuss how they can best capture this beautiful time for your family. When you book during second trimester, that is also when many mom-to-be is thinking about buying baby essentials and thinking of how to decorate a nursery. Coordinating the colour of your nursery and home décor with your baby photographer is an excellent way to ensure your newborn photographs can be tailored to suit your home beautifully when you hang Heirloom wall art in your home.
What is the best time to photograph baby?
If you are looking for adorable sleepy, curled-up, precious portraits of newborns, the best time to photograph them is typically 5-14 days old. They are usually the most sleepy and flexible within the first 2 weeks of life. However, that is not to say Toronto newborn photography cannot be done for older newborns. Depending on the baby, Toronto newborn photography is still an option up to 6 weeks old. The older the newborns get, the more awake they will be as they get more curious and need slightly less hours of snooze. While older newborns tend to be more sensitive to their environment and most will enjoy a good swaddle, they can still find many poses comfortable and beautiful portraits can be captured of them.
And of course, regardless of the age of the newborn, keeping them safe and comfortable is of utmost important in a Toronto newborn photography session.
How long does a Toronto newborn photography session typically take?
Photographing a full newborn session can take anywhere from 2-4 hours. This amount of time is suggested to ensure parents and baby are never rushed in order to achieve a pose or to rush a feeding. Some cuddling and sufficient feeding time is allotted so baby can be as comfortable as possible during the session.
What types of outfits and props do you need for Toronto newborn photography?
This is a question that gets asked all the time! At Precious Ones Photography, we have curated a beautiful collection of outfits, wraps, head accessories, props and backdrops in our Toronto newborn photography studio for your newborn. Whether you have a baby boy or baby girl, we have an array of colours and props to best compliment their set up. We understand having a newborn can be a bit chaotic for the first few weeks, so once we have designed your session thoroughly together, you will be all set for your Toronto newborn photography session once baby arrives! So when you come in for your Toronto newborn photography session, you just have to bring baby’s diaper bag and you’re all set!
Is the session for the infant only or can sibling and family be included?
While your Toronto newborn photography session is primarily for baby, your first professionally taken family portrait is absolutely included! And of course, this includes siblings as well. Many of our clients will tell us they fall in love first with the sibling and family portraits because it is incredible to see the bond and emotions between mom, dad and sibling– all captured forever from the moment baby joined the family.
Some of our favourite portraits of newborns include mom and dad’s hands as it really shows how tiny and precious your baby is. It is amazing, even just a in a matter of weeks, your little baby will outgrown those curled-up poses in your arms. The beauty of a Toronto newborn photography session is, we will have captured all of that for you to relive and treasure how incredibly special they were.
What should you wear to a Toronto newborn photography session?
So this brings us to the next question for parents and siblings. What should you wear to your Toronto newborn photography session? For a timeless, simple and classic family portrait, we always recommend solid and neutral of coloured-clothing. Moms are welcome to wear our beautiful in-studio gowns to look and feel extra special and elegant. These gorgeous gowns are also available when you book your Toronto Maternity photography session with us.
What type of poses are used in Toronto newborn photography?
At Precious Ones Photography, we are strong believers in safe and comfortable posing during your Toronto newborn photography session. This means while we adjust baby into adorable poses in buckets, props and beanbag, we always let them lead the session. If they become unsettled in a certain pose, we will move on and attempt another pose where they are more comfortable in. For this reason, we never guarantee a certain pose because safety and comfort always comes first.
Typically poses during a Toronto newborn photography session includes what we call “head on hands”, “bum-up” pose, “side-lying”, “potato”, and etc. All of these poses utilize safe baby posing practices and techniques.
What do I need to prepare for a Toronto newborn photography session?
If you have other children, it is good to have them get used to the idea of being gentle around baby brother or sister. Practicing hugging and kissing between newborn with sibling will also allow us to capture their beautiful bond during your Toronto newborn photography session.
Beyond selecting your family’s wardrobe, and bringing baby’s diaper bag with extra milk - we want you to expect to have a wonderful time at your Toronto newborn photography session. Imagine how beautiful these portraits will look on your family portrait wall or in an Heirloom album that you will love flipping through!
Now that we’ve answered some of the most common questions about Toronto newborn photography, we hope you feel prepared in looking for the perfect Toronto baby photographer that will capture this momentous time for your family.
Be sure to mention Progenics Cord Blood Cryobank when you book at Precious Ones Photography to receive $150 off your session fee!