Tips, Tricks, and What to Expect at Your Newborn Photo Session

Credit: Maddie Blecha Photography

Tiny toes, sleepy smiles, and a time when you can cradle them safely in one arm. The newborn phase is a fleeting moment. There will never be another day, week, or month during which your child is so small and so fresh to the world. A blur of high emotions and new beginnings for so many of us, we often long to capture these moments before they slip away. And yet, for some, the thought of a newborn photo session, when so much else has recently changed, can be overwhelming. 

What will I be comfortable wearing? Will the baby be fussy? Is it worth the cost? Is it safe?! Being unsure of what to expect at a newborn session is common. To get some of your questions answered, we spoke with the highly talented Maddie Blecha. A Chicago-based newborn photographer with over ten years in her field, Maddie is a natural for setting people at ease and capturing the beautiful new beginnings of each families' story.

Maddie Blecha

Newborn and wedding photographer currently residing in Chicago, IL. With a background in fine art photography, Maddie has been shooting for over ten years. She specializes in capturing new beginnings (newborns + weddings + engagements) from an artistic and documentary approach.

WM: What can a family expect to happen at a newborn session? 

MB: My typical newborn sessions last between 2-3 hours. I start each one by walking around the client's home and seeing which rooms have the best natural light. Each home comes with unique architectural and decor aspects, so I love being able to take everything in and see what might make for an interesting composition. From there, I'll chat with my clients and see trends they've noticed from their baby so far - whether they prefer laying on one side versus the other, want their parents to hold them more consistently, or if they're a little more comfortable laying down on their own. Basically, I try to understand what will help make the baby feel most comfortable and structure the session from there. I've always found that communication is key and more info about your home and family is always better than less!

Credit: Maddie Blecha Photography

WM: What do you recommend a family wear for their shoot?

MB: When I'm photographing families in their own homes, I've always believed they should wear clothing they might normally wear while in said homes! There aren't any colors that photograph worse than others. However, when it comes down to photos of your newborn, I usually recommend that keeping outfits simple is always best. Plain white onesies are often a perfect blank canvas to capture their features and new personalities! Busy patterns and loose/baggy fitting clothing can sometimes distract from this. You can, of course, put them in whatever you like, but sometimes, simply adding contrast with a few fun, cozy blankets will do the trick.

Credit: Maddie Blecha Photography

WM: What are your tips for shooting with an older sibling?

MB: What I've found most helpful is to cater the timing of the session around the older sibling. As parents, you can communicate to your photographer when that child is in their best moods because siblings can often be trickier to work with than the newborn. Once we get family and sibling photos in, the sibling can often take a break or do something else while we grab individual portraits of your newborn. Thinking in advance of what might be a nice distracting or relaxing activity for them to do during that time can be helpful!

Credit: Maddie Blecha Photography

WM: What are your thoughts on multiple outfit changes and props for newborn sessions?

MB: Simplicity is key. I usually advise staying away from too many outfit changes. In my experience, more than 1-2 outfit changes, and you're destined for a cranky babe as well as a lengthier photoshoot. If certain outfits or props have significant personal meaning, I think they are definitely are worth including. In general, if you keep your list of "must-haves" simple, that lets your photographer really focus on being creative - this ultimately will lead to better photos!

WM: What advice do you give to new moms who may not be comfortable with photographs so soon after birth, but still want to capture the newborn stage?

MB: First, not every family needs to have their newborn photos taken right after birth. Yes, you'll get shots of your babe at their tiniest and capture the time after you bring them home, which can often be so amazing. But sometimes, life can be challenging right after having a baby. You may want to focus on rest, recovery, and adjusting to your new lifestyle for a bit. Just be patient with yourself, and when in doubt, ask your photographer what their thoughts are! 

I also believe body change is all a part of the story. Lifestyle newborn photography is meant to tell the story of where you are at this moment in your life. And right now, your amazing body just finished a nine-month marathon. You are probably exhausted! Be proud of your body for accomplishing all that it has, but follow your gut in what you are feeling up for! I encourage you to be completely open with your photographer about anything you're worried about, as every newborn session we do is a customized experience. And know that while some newborn family photos may be full-length shots, most of them tend to be cropped from the waist up. Your photographer should always support you wearing leggings or anything that keeps you comfy and feeling your best!

WM: Newborn photos can be a significant investment, especially for new parents; what would you tell new parents who are hesitant about the cost?

MB: It's completely normal to question the pricing. Ensure you have a good understanding of everything included in the session cost and whether any additional fees could pop up later. If you are struggling with a photographer's pricing, it is definitely fair to shop around a bit and do your research to assess the best fit for you! Sometimes you may find one photographer charges more, but their sessions allow for enough time so that you don't feel rushed if you need to take feeding or diaper changing breaks! Have a good understanding of each photographer's process and know that in the end, you aren't just paying for the photoshoot. A lot of time and customization are put forward both before and especially after your session takes place! 

WM: What alternatives are available to families navigating the newborn phase through the pandemic? 

MB:  The pandemic has made indoor newborn sessions a confusing territory. I'd first evaluate your comfort levels and communicate openly with your photographer. It is fair to inquire how much contact your photographer has had with other people indoors, how often they get tested for COVID-19, whether they'll wear a mask the entire session, and what their sanitizing habits are. If you're at all uncomfortable with any of their answers, then keep looking! Some photographers (including myself!) also offer FaceTime newborn sessions. I know it sounds crazy, but all you need is a newer iPhone and internet connection. This is often a great way to get some simple, artistic photos with your newborn baby while continuing to remain safe!

Credit: Maddie Blecha Photography

WM: After 10+ years of photographing newborns and their families, what do you love most about these sessions?

MB: I love that newborns remind us of how fragile and beautiful life is. They grow so quickly, so every minute with them counts. The relationship between parents and their newborn babies is quite amazing to see and capture. When I send a family their final newborn gallery, I love thinking about the many different meanings those photos can hold for them down the road. It really is, in my opinion, an honor to be a part of so many beginnings. 

Credit: Maddie Blecha Photography