That sweet baby you’ve been dying to meet is almost here! As you research different Exeter newborn photographers, you might be wondering if a studio session is right for you. While I do offer both at-home and in-studio newborn portraits, there is something so magical about a studio portrait session. When clients will come to me asking for a simple, timeless professional portrait of their newborn, I highly recommend a studio session. Here are some reasons why you might choose a studio newborn photography session, some perks, and a bit more about my studio space.
Why Choose Classic Studio Newborn Photography
Your newborn is absolutely perfect just the way they are. No props or fancy setups needed. A classic, simple newborn portrait is one that you will cherish forever with your newborn as the star of the show. These portraits will always look beautiful on the walls of your home. Mama, I encourage you to be in the images as well. Those first official portraits of you and your newborn will always hold a special place in your heart.
Perks of a Newborn Studio Session
While it might seem easier just to have your newborn photographer come to your home, there are so many perks of a newborn studio session! Here are a few reasons why you might choose a studio newborn portrait session.
1. Let Me Do the Prep – You don’t have to clean, organize, or panic about where to take these portraits in your home. The studio will be clean and waiting for you with all my wraps and setups handy.
2. Less Time – Since I’ll have everything ready for you, we can start the session a little quicker and spend less time staging before taking portraits. Newborn portrait sessions tend to take 2 hours (with breaks), but at home, they can take longer. NO big deal; it’s just something to consider!
3. Classic, Clean Look – You might change your home’s style, switch up décor, or even move! But your studio newborn portraits will always have that classic, clean look that will look amazing with anything.
4. Full-Service Newborn Photography – The first few weeks with your newborn is a whirlwind. You’re learning how to take care of a newborn and heal from birth. I’d love to take care of your newborn session for you so that all you have to do is show up to the studio and let me handle everything from there. I’ll have your wardrobe, hair and makeup, any newborn wraps, setups, etc. ALL ready and waiting for you. You can literally show up in yoga pants and a ponytail. Once you step into the studio, you’re in good hands! Please send me a message with any questions or to schedule your consultation!
Exeter, NH Newborn Photography Studio
The White Wave Photography studio is conveniently located in the heart of Exeter, NH! I absolutely LOVE welcoming babies and their families to the studio. As a full-service newborn photographer, I handle all of the details for my clients to create a memorable, stress-free experience that results in heirloom portrait artwork. Many newborn session clients choose to create a custom album with their images.
White Wave Photography First Year Collective
Book once, and you’re all set! Capture each of your baby’s major milestones throughout the first year of their life with The First Year Collective. This photography package includes 3-4 portrait sessions over the first 18 months of your baby’s life to ensure you can document every important moment with professional images and portrait artwork to always remember them.
Your sweet, snuggly newborn won’t stay little forever. Professional newborn portraits will create a time capsule for you to return to as the years go by. You’ll always have your newborn photos to remember your tiny baby and let you hold onto that precious moment. After your newborn session, you’ll want to display these treasured portraits on the walls where you can enjoy them every day. Many of my clients want to create a gallery wall with their newborn family photos.
Here are seven steps you can take to create your dream gallery wall!
7 Steps to Create Your Newborn Family Photo Gallery
1.) Envisioning Your Gallery Wall – I know this might sound strange, but allow yourself to take a moment to envision your newborn family photo gallery wall. What does it look like? What story does it tell? How do you feel looking at it? Think about your answers as you move through the next steps.
2.) Finding the Perfect Spot – Where would you like this gallery wall to be in your home? There’s no right or wrong answer! Some clients want their gallery wall over the couch in their living room, some in the dining room, and some love to see their beautiful portraits in the entryway. Look around your home and decide where you want these portraits to live.
3.) Your Home’s Style – What is your home’s style? Again, no right or wrong answer here! Having a style in mind will help us plan your session. If you’re unsure, try looking around your home to see what colors and decor you already have. I’m happy to help my clients think about their ideal style.
4.) Newborn Session – Now that we have the above steps planned out, we can head into the session with confidence that we’ll create your dream images. My signature newborn session style is laid back and baby-led. I have more information about working with a trained newborn photographer here.
5.) Choosing Images – After the session, you’ll need to choose your favorite images and decide which ones will be framed and on the walls. The number of images will depend on the wall size and if you plan on growing the gallery wall over time.
6.) Designing the Frames and Look – What style and color of frames would you like for your gallery wall? Consider the style of your home. Do you want something trendy or more classic that will stand the test of time?
7.) Installation – This is the MOST important part of the process, and I’m NOT kidding! Don’t let these beautiful portraits sit around. Put them up within three days of their arrival.
Full-Service Exeter, NH Newborn Photographer
As a full-service newborn photographer, I take care of ALL of this for you. We’ll collaborate to dream up and create your gallery wall, and I’ll take care of all the moving steps to ensure this project is done. You deserve your dream gallery wall without any of the added stress.
As a new mom, the idea of packing up a new baby to head to a studio for photos can be stressful. This is why I offer newborn sessions at your home between 7-14 days after you bring them home from the hospital. There is no need to stress about what your house looks like, as a mom of 3, I get it. I often tell mamas that cleaning up after children is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos – it’s impossible.
When I arrive at your home, I walk around to see where the best light is and we get started. For this session, we did the entire session in their beautiful master bedroom. I helped Austin change some sheets to get the perfect color pallet. We took advantage of Owen being PASSED OUT to get some cute detail photos. Placing him in the center of the bed shoes just how little he is! This is one of my most favorite shots to take. From there we invited the rest of the family and big brother James was more than happy to come snuggle his new BFF.
Toddlers tend to want to get in and out quickly (same with dads). I basically warm them up, get as many shots as possible as a family and sibling shots then let them move on. If they decide to come join us again, great! If not, it’s ok too. Their world has just been rocked so it is my philosophy to be their ally…we tend to be silly and I never pressure them for the perfect shot. 9 times out of 10 it just happens. Some of moms favorites from this session are the boys just staring at each other and I couldn’t agree more!
Austin & Jimmy were so excited to welcome Baby Owen into the world in early March 2020 via a repeat scheduled c-section. Her 9am appointment got bumped to noon and then to 2pm and finally after what seemed like DAYS, Austin was wheeled into the OR at 3:30pm. Hungry, excited and a little nervous, she had the best staff who was joking about “getting dolled up” for the photographer (ME) and they were excited to see the images of them hard at work.
Everything went amazing until baby Owen took a gulp of fluid and needed a little oxygen. He was immediately brought over to be looked at by the on call pediatrician and taken moments later to the nursery for observation. Everything turned out great and Owen is just fine but my heart ached for this mama who was unable to even see her baby until the next morning.
The nurses and doctors atExeter Hospital were AMAZING and gave access for me to capture so many “firsts” that she may otherwise have missed – big brother meeting his new best buddy, Owens first cries and everyone in the waiting room who was holding space. (This was all pre-pandemic of course).
After many tries to get out of bed to be wheeled in to meet her baby we knew it was not going to happen that night so with the help of a little technology (FaceTime), Austin was finally able to see baby Owen.
The next day, we captured their reunion and one of his very first feedings. It was magical! Birth is birth no matter what and we can’t always plan for the outcomes. In this case, mom & dad were so grateful for a happy and healthy baby and I was happy I could help to fill in some of the rest.
Preparing for your baby is such a fun and exciting time. It’s the fastest and slowest 9 months of your life while you research the best baby items, plan your baby shower, and read all the books! Another item on your list is booking your newborn photographer. Finding the right photographer to capture your precious newborn should be a fun experience! Here are 5 things to look for when hiring your newborn photographer!
How to Hire the Right Newborn Photographer
Newborn Portrait Style
Are you looking for lifestyle newborn portraits of posed newborn portraits? Neither style is wrong or right, and you can find a photographer who offers a blend, but it’s very important to understand how each style is different! Let me break it down for you.
Lifestyle Newborn Portraits – This style is less about providing direction and more about capturing those candid moments with your baby. The newborn photographer may come to your home and simply use settings in your home to capture the photos. For example, you might see photos of the parents holding their newborn in the nursery or on their bed. If your dream is to have these candid moments, you might be interested in lifestyle portrait photography.
Posed Newborn Portraits – This style provides more direction and posing to capture your baby in different dreamlike scenes. These images can be more custom and can be done in a studio setting or your home. For example, if you see a baby girl swaddled in a floral blanket with matching flowers and her hands tucked under her chin, that’s a posed portrait. If you’re dreaming of your newborn in a dreamlike setting, you might be interested in posed portrait photography.
Experience with Newborns
Hey, every photographer needs her start! But, if you’re looking for a photographer that you can trust with the entire newborn experience, look for one with experience in this area. Browse her portfolio or reach out and ask for more samples of her work. Going back to the first thing to look for, if you like a photographer but realize she focused on posed newborn photography and your dream is a lifestyle session, that’s something to consider!
Portrait Experience
Look for a photographer who has you in mind throughout the entire process. I don’t just mean the actual shoot! Your photographer should make your life easier before, during, and after the session. You need someone who offers a seamless experience that you can count on. Look for a photographer with a newborn package that starts with getting to know you and ends with your portraits on the wall!
Personal Connection
This actually goes for every type of session, but find a photographer with who you feel a personal connection. I’m not saying you have to become best friends (but that’s certainly an added bonus!), but one that you feel understands you and that you feel comfortable spending time with. You should feel cared for throughout the entire process!
Availability
This one is key! If the newborn photographer you’re considering is booked, then it’s a huge bummer! Many newborn photographers only schedule a certain number of sessions each month to accommodate birthdays. It’s extremely important to have a photographer that has a backup! Reach out as soon as you’re interested to get on the books.
I would love to be your newborn photographer! Nothing would give me more joy than to capture those first precious moments with your new baby. Send me a note to schedule your free consultation.
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