You've spent nine months dreaming about this little person. You've washed the tiny onesies, assembled the crib, and scrolled through what feels like every newborn photo on the internet. And now that your baby is here — soft, sleepy, impossibly small — you want to capture it all before it's gone.If you're wondering what a newborn photo session actually looks like from the inside, you're in the right place. As someone who has photographed hundreds of newborns (and who has been a sleep-deprived, overwhelmed new parent myself), I want to walk you through exactly what to expect — so you can show up relaxed, knowing everything is already taken care of.
First Things First: Timing Is Everything:
Newborn sessions are best scheduled during your baby's first 5–14 days of life. During this window, babies are still in that beautifully sleepy, curled-up stage — the poses you see in those dreamy photos are only possible because brand-new babies naturally fold into the positions they held in the womb.I recommend booking your session before your due date to lock in your spot. We'll adjust the actual date once your little one arrives.
What Happens Before You Walk In the Door:
You'll receive a prep guide with everything you need to know — what to feed baby before the session, how to dress them for the drive, and what to bring. The short version: a full, sleepy baby is a happy baby. Plan a big feed right before you leave the house.For parents who want to be included (and I highly recommend it — you'll treasure those images), wear something simple and neutral. Soft tones and solids photograph beautifully and keep the focus right where it belongs: on your family.
Arriving at the Studio:
My home studio in London, Ontario is designed to feel like exactly that — a home. Warm, cozy, and completely unhurried. I keep the room nice and warm for baby, so dress in comfortable layers you can easily remove.From the moment you walk in, there is no rushing. Newborn sessions are genuinely slow by design — and that's a good thing.
The Session Itself: What It Really Looks Like:
Here's what most new parents don't expect: newborn photography takes time, and that's the whole point.Depending on the package you've booked, your session may run anywhere from 30–45 minutes (for a Wrapped Newborn Mini) to 3–4 hours (for the full Heirloom experience). Here's a peek at what that time looks like in practice:
Settling Baby: We start by getting baby settled and deeply asleep. This often means feeding, soothing, and waiting — and I'm completely comfortable with all of it. There's no pressure to rush this stage. A calm, content baby makes for the most beautiful images.
The Wrapped Poses: Once baby is sleeping soundly, I'll begin with simple, safe wrapped poses. These are timeless, elegant, and some of my personal favourites — baby snuggled in soft wraps, looking absolutely perfect.
Prop Setup: Depending on your session, we may move into prop setups using wooden bowls, baskets, crates, or other beautifully styled backdrops. Every prop has been cleaned and prepared in advance. I use a UV sterilizer on all props and sensitive-skin-safe detergents on all fabrics — because your baby's safety is always the top priority.
Family & Sibling Portraits: Family and sibling photos happen early in the session while everyone is fresh. These are some of the most emotional images of the whole shoot — siblings meeting the baby, parents cradling their newest family member. Have older siblings bring a quiet activity (a book or small toy) to keep them comfortable while we focus on baby.
Finishing Touches: We'll round out the session with any remaining setups, capturing a variety of looks, colours, and compositions so your final gallery feels full and cohesive.
Safety Is Never an Afterthought:
I've completed advanced newborn safety and posing training through industry leaders including Kelly Brown ,CreativeLive, and The Milky Way. That means every pose I use follows strict safety guidelines — hands are always where they should be, baby is never left unsupported, and I move slowly and deliberately throughout the session. If at any point baby is unsettled or a pose isn't working, we simply move on. Your baby's comfort always comes first — and honestly, some of the most beautiful images happen when we let go of the plan and follow the baby's lead.
What You Don't Have to Worry About:
Here's a list of things I hear from parents before sessions — and my honest answer to each:
"What if baby won't stop crying?" Completely normal. We'll take a break, feed, soothe, and try again. It's all part of the process.
"What if my toddler won't cooperate?" Also completely normal! I'm patient, I'm a parent, and I've seen it all. We'll work with what we've got — and usually end up with something magical.
"What if I cry?" Please do. Honestly, it happens more than you'd think. These are big, beautiful feelings.
"What if baby has a blowout mid-session?" It happens. We laugh, we clean up, and we keep going.
After the Session: Your Gallery
Once your session wraps, you'll receive a proofing gallery to browse your images and make your selections. You'll have 10 days to choose your favourites — take your time, loop in your partner, and pick the ones that make your heart full.Once your selections are in, I'll get to work on the editing. Every image is hand-edited with care, and your finished gallery will be ready within approximately 4 weeks of receiving your choices.Your gallery will include high-resolution digital images with a print release — meaning you're free to print wherever you like. And if you'd like to explore fine art printed products (albums, framed prints, image boxes), I offer a beautiful range of heirloom-quality pieces that turn your favourites into artwork you'll pass down someday.
Ready to Book?
If your baby is on the way — or already here — I'd love to hear from you. Newborn spots fill quickly, especially in spring and summer, so the earlier you reach out the better.📩 Contact me here or send me a message on Facebook or Instagram. I can't wait to meet your little one. 🩷
