Outdoor Socially Distanced Newborn Session!

For those that are having a baby this year an outdoor, socially-distanced newborn session is an option! Mom and dad stayed quite far away and I used a long lens and shouted directions to them (through my mask). The heat we get in Houston is actually great for undressed newborns as they won’t get cold and sleep most of the time!

I did bring a couple of props that I set down (after sanitizing my hands) and then backed away and then directed mom and dad with how to “pose” him. I use very simple poses for things like this since most parents have never tried to pose a newborn and some poses can be dangerous if not done correctly. We did this session at 8 am so we had beautiful light!

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What is the Best Age for a Newborn Session? Covid-19 Edition

Covid-19 has turned everything upside down and people with new babies are wondering if they can still get a newborn session scheduled even if their baby is older, whether the baby has already been born or the due date is later this year. The answer, of course, is yes! This post is discussing studio sessions only, but lifestyle and outdoor photo shoots are certainly possible! They’re just a different style and may be more family centered.

Traditionally, newborn sessions are done when babies are around 5-14 days old, but of course in the current climate that’s not always possible or a good idea. I will attempt a newborn-style photo shoot with a baby up to about 8-10 weeks for a full term infant, or even later with a preemie. With preemies I wait until they are at minimum 6 lbs, regardless of age, but I have often photographed them up to about 10 lbs. The oldest preemies I ever photographed in the newborn style were  5-month-old twins that were micro-preemies! They were amazing. 

Once a full term baby is around 2-4 months great photos are still possible, but we may not be able to do typical sleeping, swaddled photos you often see with newborns. I’ll post some examples below! 

Regarding health and safety during your session, I always wear an anti-viral or n-95 face mask for newborn sessions and will of course continue to do so! A currently policy change for now is that I’m now wearing a mask for ALL sessions, studio or outdoors. Upon entering the studio (which is in the living space of my apartment, see a video here: https://youtu.be/pHIjl75GcWY) everyone will remove their shoes, wash their hands, and anyone not being photographed will wear a mask. Items are sanitized before and after use as well as the space in general (light switches, chairs, door handles, etc). I am not a high-volume studio so I generally only have 2-3 studio sessions per week. 

Below are some examples of photos at different ages.

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Once they get a little older the style of photos changes since you can’t usually swaddle them up into a little ball, but we do a lot more interaction and cute outfits! I have many adorable outfits in studio to choose from or you can bring your own! Most of the outfits below were provided in studio!

Three to four months old
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Long story short, great photos are possible at any age! Certain poses and setups may not be possible or may take some extra time and patience, but it’s never too late to get started with professional photos of your little one!