If you’re searching for a newborn photographer near you and you live in the greater Phoenix area, look no further. I’m Calli, Phoenix newborn photographer specializing in candid, authentic moments. In this blog I’m going to break down all the whys and whens and dos and don’ts for newborn photography. Follow along at my latest newborn shoot with the adorable baby Bodhi and his beautiful momma.

When to have your Newborn Shoot

Having a baby is hard work, no matter how the baby gets here. I know from experience how exhausting those first months (ok years) can be. Its a blur of immense love, intense worry, sleepless nights and major adjustments for everyone. So, with that in mind, I would never tell anyone an exact time frame of when to take your newborn photos, I can only give suggestions based on my best experiences. I want everyone to feel ready, capable and relaxed. Because, well, it’s a totally magical thing you just did and if we’re going to document your newborn, I want your experience to be blissful. Ideally, infant photography will happen within 5-14 days after the birth. Having done several newborn photography shoots, I’ve found this to be the sweet spot when do-able. If that isn’t possible for whatever reason, please do not stress. Just keep in mind that to capture that “newborn” essence, we want it to be as close to the birth as possible, so we will work to set up a time that is best for everyone. Typically, the best time to shoot is mid-late morning, or late afternoon. Since we are working with natural light, I find these to be the most flattering times.

Indoor Vs Outdoor Newborn Photography in Phoenix, AZ

Indoor: Most newborn shoots I have done have been in home newborn photography. They lend themselves effortlessly to newborn lifestyle photos, easily capturing all those details you’ve spent making perfect and obsessing over the last few months. That rocking chair you researched for weeks right beside the safest crib you could find will photography beautifully. The nursery is a great place to start your newborn photos at home and then I typically migrate to other common gathering spaces like the living room and master bedroom. Think about the places you spend the most time with your baby, and take me there. I’ll work with the natural light in these areas and we will create some beautiful newborn photo magic. You also, obviously, have the comforts of home during the photoshoot. Unlimited burp cloths and a changing table if needed. You can see there are many advantages to taking your newborn photos at home, but I’d say one more major factor is that Arizona heat. If you happen to have a summer baby, you’re most likely going to want to have an indoor family newborn shoot because 115 is fun for no one, especially tiny babies.

Outdoor: Recently, in these cooler months, I’ve had the privilege of taking a few outdoor newborn photoshoots. If you’d like to see my latest, you can visit that here. One of the major perks of us Arizona photographers is that the light is great year round. We get A LOT of sunshine. If you’re craving fresh air, a bit of adventure and that golden hour glow, outdoor newborn photos may be just for you. Keep in mind these are best done between the months of late November and early April. If you live up north, you can get away with a few more months on the spring end of things. The way I see it, if you and your family are outdoor people, let’s capture that. I want to take photos of you wandering around nature, holding your newborn close. Possibly leaning up against the shade of a large tree while we snap a few breastfeeding photos. Throwing out a large blanket and watching the older siblings gather around as the sun goes down. Those really are the moments, am I right? Gah, I can see it now. Let’s do it!

Newborn Photography Props

As you can see in these photos, I’m a minimalist to the core. I do not do overly posed photos, not even for newborn shoots. I like newborn photography, well, all my photography actually, to be as candid and realistic as possible. I want your newborn photoshoot to be a collection of authentic moments, like I was just passing through one casual afternoon. That being said, you can guess I don’t use a lot of props. I encourage you to use what you already have, because that’s what you loved and chose first. When you photograph the “props” that you’ll use over and over, those memories hit a little different when you see them over time. You’ll remember that muslin blanket they snuggled to shreds, or that first stuffed animal they didn’t go a night without. Those are the things I want you to see in your photos because they trigger deep emotions and that’s what newborn photography is all about. If you have something in mind that’d you’d like to use, obviously I am happy to incorporate it. If you’re looking for simple, natural, realistic newborn photography, this is it. It’s what I’m all about. Emotions over things. Real movement over stationary. Love, laughter and joy over posed smiles and awkward poses.

Invite the Whole Family

If the idea of including multiple family members for your newborn shoot is something you’ve thought about, I think it’s a great idea. Immediate and extended family newborn shoots can be as involved as you’d like. I’ve taken several of just the baby, but even more of immediate and also extended family. If you have grandparents in town that have come to visit the new little one, newborn photos are a great opportunity for generational photography. I usually end up crying when I photograph the grandparents, so just give me a sec while I wipe my eyes :) Sibling newborn photoshoots are also always a hit with the older siblings, so proud to show off their newest family member. Remember, these should not be stressful. They should be real and raw. I know kids, I have kids. I understand how to ebb and flow with the emotions and ups and downs that all come as part of a newborn family photoshoot. It is beautiful and I love it. Like I said earlier, it’s not an easy transition for anyone and there is nothing wrong with that. Newborn photography with parents is probably the most common and documented. As it should be. It’s a responsibility of epic proportions and one that needs to be documented with care. In the end, it’s up to you who you would like to be there and to what extent. Think about the vision you have and what feels right, we’ll make it happen. I’m always happy to chat and brainstorm ahead of time so we get exactly what you’re after for your newborn photos.

Maternity and Newborn Photography

A great way to capture the entire newborn experience is to add a maternity photoshoot. I encourage mothers to do a solo maternity shoot, so we can go somewhere quiet and take deep breaths. I want you to have a little bit of time to yourself to really connect with the power of growing a baby. I want to capture you in that essence of motherhood, I think it’s empowering and really important to look back and see ourselves like that. Then, we can do the newborn photoshoot with the whole family, if you want. If you book both sessions with me as a bundle, I take $100 off the newborn photoshoot, making it affordable newborn photography, in my opinion. Please keep in mind prices between photographers will always vary and everyone’s budget is different and that’s ok.

Newborn Photography Outfits

For this topic, I always say that it is best to chat with your photographer. Every newborn photographer shoots with different settings. Editing processes verily greatly as well. Both of those things have a large impact on what you should wear. My style of newborn shoots are best captured with warm neutrals and deep, rich earth tones. Think simple, neutral and textured. If I had a moto for outfit Inspo, that would be it. Not just for newborn photography, but all photography.

One of my absolute favorite shops in Gilbert, Arizona to grab an outfit for your babe’s newborn photos is Joss and J. I’m all for shopping small as much as I can. They have a great variety of outfits that photograph extremely well. Even most of their patterned items are muted and simple enough not to be distracting. And if you’re on the hunt for the whole family, they’ve got you covered. They have clothes for kids of all ages and also adults. Side note- they also offer the cutest little themed story times and crafts that my girls always enjoyed.

If you’re more of an online shopper, Zara cannot be beat. They’re shipping times can take a bit long, but if you plan ahead, it’s worth it. I’ll post a few of my favorites below:

https://www.zara.com/us/en/openwork-knit-jumpsuit-p02756520.html?v1=234369076&v2=2192881

https://www.zara.com/us/en/openwork-knit-cardigan-p02209546.html?v1=222756657&v2=2192881

https://www.zara.com/us/en/mini--knit-booties-p18809130.html?v1=227283323&v2=2192881

https://www.zara.com/us/en/seed-stitch-knit-bonnet-p02582447.html?v1=224226923&v2=2192624

I suggest starting with the the baby’s outfit and then you can coordinate additional outfits for the family as needed from there. I advise against being too matchy, matchy (unless that’s your thing). We want a little bit of variety so clothing can pop and contrast off of each other, all while flowing seamlessly together. I have a small client wardrobe as well that I am slowly building up over time with my absolute favorite pieces that I’ve purchased myself. If you are interested, you’re more than welcome to inquire and I can send you pictures and sizes. For now, it is mostly momma and baby girl options, but hopefully many more in the future.

NewbornPhotography

Newborn photoshoots are such a special moment in time. One that I’d love every parent to be able to remember forever. If you have any questions, or if you’re searching for Phoenix newborn photography near you, I’d love to chat. I also service the greater East Valley, so if you aren’t in Gilbert, chances are I can still come to you! I’m also assuming if you’re searching for an Arizona newborn photographer, you’re expecting. If that is the case, I wish you the most enjoyable journey. xoxo