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Preparing for a new baby can take up most of your time and attention, and it’s totally understandable if newborn photos are the last thing on your mind! So consider this your gentle reminder that taking them is absolutely worth it. Trust me, I know between the feeding, the diapers, the laundry, the naps and probably more laundry, it’s hard to see the moments you’ll never have back from behind heavy eyelids. That’s why it’s important to capture them from behind the lens! And while I’m sure your iPhone’s camera roll will see hundreds of baby photos in those first weeks (and months… and years…), there’s something to be said for taking the time to do it right, with a real camera and a professional photographer. It all goes by so quickly. Newborn photos make the moments last forever!
Why should I take professional newborn photos?
I know it feels like another thing you need to handle and deal with, but in my experience, I’ve been hard-pressed to find a parent who regrets taking newborn photos. Hiring a professional guarantees that your baby is in qualified, well-trained hands, can be posed gently with your guidance, and that all the necessary backdrops and props are completely safe and baby approved.
And while it might feel like an inconvenience (you’re dealing with enough right now, right?), a professional photo session might actually give you a chance to relax, let someone else take charge, and spend some time feeling human again. Plus, at the end of the day, you’ll have professionally lit, professionally edited and professionally composed photos of your precious baby that will last so much longer than the sleepless nights. Hard to find a downside to that!
When should I schedule newborn photos?
In a perfect world, try and schedule your newborn photos sometime during your third trimester. Why? Most professional photographers book up quickly, or only reserve a day or two each week (or month) for baby sessions. But let’s face it—babies are as unpredictable as that final trimester itself! If baby is already here, that’s okay, too. Just try and get on a schedule sometime within that very first week with your bundle of joy.
If you want to capture your baby in their tiniest, squishiest state, I recommend taking professional newborn photos between 5 and 10 days old. Be sure to give yourself enough time to be home from the hospital and as settled as you can, then schedule your shoot. If getting settled takes a bit longer, no worries! Anywhere from one to three weeks works just fine. Babies are their sleepiest and snuggliest up to two weeks old while they adjust to life outside their cozy wombs.
If your newborn photos are scheduled between two and four weeks, baby is more awake and alert, which can pose some challenges for both you and your photographer. But don’t let that give you stress! You can still have an amazing session with these happy baby tips:
1. Feed your baby
I’ve known so many clients who try to power through a fussy photoshoot because they don’t want to pause and inconvenience the photographer. But guess what! We want to get those happy, sleepy, perfect shots just as much as you do. Plan to bring your baby to the session with a full tummy, but if hunger strikes, don’t be afraid to ask for a few minutes for bottles or feeding.
2. Keep it warm
If you’re shooting in a studio, your photographer likely already knows this one. But if you’re taking newborn photos in the comfort of your home (which I actually recommend!), resist the urge to crank the A/C—even in the summer, and even when your postpartum hormones are working overtime. Remember, babies are used to feeling safe inside a body, chilling at a steady 98.6 degrees. I’m not saying to bump your furnace up to 100 degrees, but just keep in mind that babies are happiest when warm. (And you can get everything back to normal temps as soon as your session is over!)
3. Plan for the worst
I know, it’s hard to imagine your baby as anything less than perfect. But newborns aren’t exactly masters of bodily functions just yet. In addition to any bottles and binkies, be sure to have back-up clothes and blankets picked out and handy when you take your newborn photos. Then be sure to have a backup for your backup. When something gets stained, stay calm. It’s all handled and expected!
Are you bringing the whole family along for the shoot? Pictures with older siblings and family pets are timeless additions to your albums and frames. And they don’t have to take years off your life! Check out my top tips for a stress-free family photo session here.
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When it comes to photo destinations, there are few locations, if any, that are better than Colorado. This Rocky Mountain state is home to some iconic destinations that are very popular with photographers, and there are plenty of unique, hidden gems to discover, as well. As a photographer, I feel so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the country! Over the last 6.5 years, I’ve been lucky enough to explore some of the most beautiful places—places that serve as perfect backdrops for unforgettable photographs. There are so many to choose from, but here are just a few of my favorite Colorado photo destinations for portrait, family, engagement and wedding photography!
Sapphire Point Overlook
This picturesque spot sits right between Keystone and Breckenridge on Swan Mountain Road, at an elevation of 9,500 feet. The overlook offers a stunning view of Dillon Reservoir, hemmed in by the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. Sapphire Point is a day-use area that can be reserved for two-hour blocks for private gatherings. It’s the only designated site where wedding ceremonies are permitted in the Dillon Ranger District! Interested? Reserve a block for your gathering and inquire about rates and session packages here.
The Donovan Pavilion (Vail, CO)
The Donovan Pavilion is such a special place to capture the moment! For weddings large and small, for meetings, gatherings, or celebrations, anything where you want beautiful views, exceptional service, and memories to last a lifetime.
The space is absolutely beautiful, and perfect to be able to make what you want. The staff is prompt at answering questions and they allow brides and grooms to tour the venue several times to ensure they feel comfortable with all the details. It’s a perfect space for anyone looking for a rustic wedding (at a good value) in Vail.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the 10 most visited national parks by National Geographic — and for good reason. This breathtaking space features 415 square miles of natural beauty. It features more than 300 miles of hiking trails to let you explore the sprawling protected area, so you could point your camera in any direction and get a good picture — the park is that amazing!
To get to RMNP, you’ll want to head north through Boulder and Lyons before heading into the mountains. Once you pass through Estes Park, you’re almost there… It’s just a short drive from there to the entrance of this beautiful park. For a price of $35 per vehicle or $20 per person, this awe-inspiring park is worth the small fee!
Boreas Pass Overlook
Perfect for any season, day or night, Boreas Pass is a beautiful drive along the Continental Divide. Stop at the overlook for gorgeous views of Breckenridge, with the resort standing tall behind it. Wildflowers line this road in the summer, fall offers the vibrant colors of the Aspen trees, and photos taken at night above the town are simply magic. (Check for road closures during the winter, or plan to hike if needed!)
Maroon Bells
If you’ve seen a picture of Colorado on Pinterest, there’s a good chance it was of Maroon Bells. And with good reason! It’s a quintessential spot for any list of Colorado Photo Destinations. The peaks tower over the surrounding landscape. and at 14,000 feet, it’s easy to view their magnificence from anywhere. The Maroon Bells are one of Colorado’s most iconic landscapes, and host around 300,000 visitors every year.
To get to Maroon Bells, I recommend taking a bus from Aspen, as there is very limited private vehicle access. The bus picks up at the Aspen Highlands and drops you off right at the Bells. It’ll cost you $5 on weekdays, and $10 on weekends, but the price is worth it for the view of these iconic Colorado Mountains!
Garden of the Gods Park
Garden of the Gods is a natural landmark in the heart of Colorado Springs (and it happens to be a photographer’s dream). These towering, free-standing red sandstone features grab your attention and refuse to let it go. Outside the park, you can spot birds and trees dotted along the rocks, and even rock climbers from time to time. Inside the park, the north end of Juniper Way Loop gives you a perfect view of the Garden in its full glory.
Paint Mines
Stepping into Paint Mines Interpretive Park feels like stepping into an alien landscape. It’s full of colorful clay originally collected by Native Americans in the area to paint. The small, shallow canyons provide unique backgrounds for every photo you take. It’s a textural dream unique to Colorado without classic mountain background! Enjoy your time hiking through the mines as you think about the rich history that this land holds.
Traveling within my own state is something I’ve definitely taken advantage of over my time in this beautiful place. Just passing through? Be sure to capture your time in this amazing landscape. You’ll be glad you did! Colorado Native? Sometimes getting out of our comfort zone (and trying out new locations) forces us to get creative… that’s why I love exploring this state so much!
