How to keep baby safe during newborn photos?
I'm a mom too - I well know the many fears that can course through a mom's mind as she worries about this wonderful, tiny baby that she is in charge of protecting and taking care of.
Honoring you as the parents, respecting your boundaries, and keeping your little one safe are priorities to me when I enter your home for a newborn baby photoshoot.
I see parents as my greatest asset during a newborn session and include you in helping pose your child
I truly believe that the bond between a mother and her baby is one of the most special and beautiful things, that child that grew within you came to know your smell, your heartbeat, they recognize you and know that they are home. It gives me goosebumps it's so beautiful. I don't want to do anything to disrupt that, I only want to be there to facilitate capturing beautiful photos to celebrate and honor this time. This means that, as parents, you are my greatest asset during a newborn session. I am never going to ask you to leave the room so, "you don't distract baby" - If your baby is wanting you, then I want you to be right there to be able to meet that need for them.
At a recent newborn session in Saint Cloud, mom had a special cradle that her grandpa had made for her when she was a baby - She wanted to get a photo of her new baby in that cradle. We pulled it out, mom rocked her little girl until she was calm and ready to be laid down, and then put her in the cradle. Babies have this tendency to want to look to one side or the other, instead of looking directly forward - I specifically wanted a photo of baby looking forward, so I asked mom to gently hold baby's head to encourage her to keep her head facing forward. Once I was in place to take the photo, I gave mom the signal and she took her hand quickly and gently away. This allowed me to capture that split second before baby turned her head, all while letting it be very natural and comfortable and safe.
I take a baby-led posing approach for gentle and natural newborn posing
Because I take a very natural and baby-led approach to posing, baby never has to do anything that they don't want to do. If baby is struggling, they never have to leave your arms. I can do the whole session with you holding your baby. When I do try other poses for baby, I observe to see how they are handling the pose, if it upsets them I won't force it - ever!
I build plenty of space into sessions so that newborn babies have the time that they need for being soothed, having their diaper changed, and having breaks for feedings. This is all part of newborn life and doesn't bother me in the slightest.
I love to sit back and continue photographing during these times to capture some documentary style images for your gallery - I may give some gentle guidance for where to sit while feeding the baby, or how to cross your ankles instead of your legs - But, primarily, I let what is happening unfold without interruption. This is part of ensuring that your baby's needs are being tended.
I don't want you trying to force feed your baby to make them overly sleepy, or panicking that they are crying during a session - Newborn pictures are not about me as the photographer, it is about keeping baby safe and comfortable and creating a relaxed atmosphere to be able to capture your family together during this special time.
As we go through the session, letting baby's needs dictate the flow, I will also watch how they position themselves during a pose. Maybe I roll them on their side, but instead of scrunching up they stretch out - That is what is natural to them and comfortable, so that is what I'll photograph (instead of forcing them to stay in a specific position.)
Your baby is perfect just the way that they are, I am not going to do any unnatural posing that would lead to compromising baby's safety, nor am I going to try and make them hold a pose that they clearly are not wanting to do.
I use proper hygiene and only hold your baby if you want me to
This might seem obvious, but I wash my hands and use hand sanitizer before starting your newborn session. Even if I don't plan to touch your baby, I still want to make sure I am not bringing in any outside germs to your child.
Many of my friends and family have teased me that I am a "baby whisperer" and it is true, I am obsessed with babies - I think they are just the sweetest little things. So, I will always be happy to rock your baby for you, swaddle them, or adjust them into a different pose - I have worked with kids for over 15 years and have two children of my own, I'm very comfortable with children.
That being said, if you want to be the one to hold your baby, I will gladly tell you how to adjust your little one and give suggestions for when to change them into a different outfit, or swaddle them.
During the winter, I will probably default to having you be the one to hold your baby - Even if I haven't been around anyone that I know is sick, I know how easily colds can be passed around in the winter without even realizing it. So, I'll wash my hands, and have you be the one to handle your baby (unless you tell me otherwise.)
Your baby's safety is my priority - No "cute pose" is worth sacrificing their safety. A natural, baby-led approach allows for the precious and genuine newborn movements and interactions to be captured safely and authentically, and the bond between you and your baby is nurtured throughout the entire process so that neither baby nor mom are stressed by being apart.
work with me
A meaningful and fun photo experience with your spouse and kiddos in one of the beautiful outdoor locations near St. Cloud, MN: Whether it is a field, lake-side beach, or wooded area, I am always on the search for more beautiful places to recommend for my clients.
work with me
Intentional photos of the expectant mother in a beautiful outdoor location. Her significant other and other children are included in the session as well. Flowy dresses to highlight your beautiful bump and make you feel as stunning as you are highly recommended!
work with me
Intentional and stress-free photos of your beautiful newborn (and his or her immediate family) in either the comfort of your own home where baby's memories begin, or in a beautiful outdoor location near St. Cloud.
St. Cloud, MN
family + newborn photographer
Hi, my name is
Susannah!
There are too many beautiful little moments to family life and motherhood to let them pass by undocumented.
I am wife to my hardworking hubby, mama to two sweet little boys, lover of photographs, and family photographer in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
I have always been a feeler, lover of words, language, music, and emotion. Telling the beautiful story of family through photography as a lifestyle photographer resonates with me on a deeply personal level.
The way a mother holds her child, the loving glances between husband and wife over the head of their tiny newborn, the toddler clutching his mother's hand and peering up at her from beneath his tousled curls - These are such precious moments that help tell the story of each family and their love for one another.
I love to get to know you, the things that are special to you, the things that you want to remember, and tailoring sessions to each family to tell your story in an intentional and meaningful way.
