The birth of a new baby is so spectacular and life-changing at once. Being asked to share in the early joy of a new or growing family is truly one of the top reasons I adore being a newborn photographer.
Many clients aren’t sure that they’re ready for a newborn session within the early post-birth weeks. Only you can decide what works for your family, but I can assure you that preparing for a newborn session with me is simple. I’ve had three children myself, so I know first-hand what you’re experiencing. My goal is to capture your new life as it’s unfolding, every part of it. And I promise – whether you prepare or not – the images will be lovely and become lifelong treasures.
Newborn sessions always take place in your home and will usually lasts about 1-1.5 hours. Read on for ways that you can prepare for your newborn session.
Boston Newborn Photographers
A newborn session is usually held sometime between Week 1 and Week 8. The session happens right in your home and usually takes place mid-morning. I know your baby is likely not on a schedule yet. I’m very flexible with how we use the time. If your baby does wake shortly before I come, please feel free to take the time for a feeding. A full belly will likely ensure a happy baby and fewer breaks.
But, trust me, breaks are fine. In fact, we can work a feeding into your images.
Keep the temperature in your house warm, especially in the summer if you have central air conditioning. If you’d like, we’ll take some photos of your baby in his/her diaper, or even naked, and the room should be warm so baby is comfortable.
Don’t worry about cleaning the house for me. I will take a quick tour of your home when I arrive and choose a few places with beautiful light. I will do some simple decluttering to prepare for gorgeous images.
Feel free to think ahead about personal items you might like to include, such as a knitted blanket, hat or a special doll. I love to incorporate items from the family or the home as they make the images much more personal.
Relax and be yourselves. I’m here to photograph your real life. Newborn sessions are all about capturing how your life looks at this moment in time. I’m not coming to take perfectly staged photos or family portraits. Interaction is encouraged! (Yes! That means it’s perfectly fine if siblings are still in pajamas and bouncing around with excitement!).
Oh, and I love pets, too.
Cara Soulia is a Boston Newborn Photographer who loves capturing the creative, sweet and fun side of every family. Get in touch to find out more about newborn and family sessions this winter.
One of the perks of my amazing job as a family photographer is that I am never too far from the welcoming of a newborn.
Is there anything better than the glow that is ever-present on a new parent’s face the days, weeks and early months following the birth of a child? Is there anything better than walking into someone’s home and being embraced into the pure joy they’re experiencing?
I am so fortunate to witness so many magical moments between spouses, partners, siblings and, yes, even pets.
Joining this Jamaica Plain family just six days after Oliver, their second son, was born, was just that: Magical.
Jamaica Plain Newborn Photos
Clients often ask me: When is the best time to schedule a newborn session?
There is no exact “right time” to photograph your new child and family. Timing decisions should begin with the physical comfort of the family. Childbirth – and the days that immediately follow – is different for everyone.
From my experience, the earlier the newborn photo session, the sleepier the baby. If you’re looking for images that truly capture the earliest characteristics of your newborn and family after his/her arrival, you can expect images taken very soon thereafter to be of a sleepy (and beautifully peaceful) baby. However, as anyone will tell you, babies are unpredictable, and yours could certainly show some alertness during the session, but it’s not as likely.
Oliver’s parents found me because I photographed their son Eli during the school photo session at his preschool, The Mosaic School in Roslindale. I loved arriving for our session knowing that I already had a rapport with Eli. He remembered me as the silly lady who came to school “with all her Paw Patrol assistants with her to help her take photos”. Eli was 3.5 at the time of the session and super excited about the arrival of his baby brother.
I share images like Oliver’s Jamaica Plain Newborn Photos on my blog to showcase my approach for anyone considering a newborn session. I hope you notice the intent behind every single one of these images: to capture your family in its element. I’m aiming to document your lives in the very moment: your emotions, connections, environment and more. I’m not coming to snap a pretty picture of a posing family.
In fact, I’ve yet to meet a brand new parent with the energy to pose! Just be yourself. I promise the images will capture this part of your journey perfectly.
Cara Soulia is a Boston Family Photographer who loves capturing the creative, sweet and fun side of every family. Get in touch to find out more about newborn and family sessions this winter.
The holiday season brings gifts in all shapes and sizes, but this special family received one of very best presents. Not one, but TWO boys! I was so happy to meet up with them at their home just outside Boston, MA for some photos of their twin newborn boys.
Introducing Baby Quinn! On a gorgeous fall day in Boston, I got to meet this precious little one. Mom got in touch with me to schedule this newborn session for their two week old baby girl. Quinn was their first baby, and Dad was soon going to be deployed to Afghanistan. Mom wanted to be sure to get some beautiful family photos before he left.
Boston Baby Photography
When I met them, they were so sweet together and clearly so in love with each other and with their baby girl. I will be honest, it was hard to see them so happy together at such an amazing and exciting time, while in the back of my mind knowing that they must be feeling sad knowing they would have to say goodbye soon.
In late December, this sweet family invited me to their home in Brookline, MA for a newborn photo session with their brand new little baby girl, Margot.
Margot was 12 days old at the time of this session. She was so adorable and calm during the shoot but because she was a little older, she was very alert as well.
Margot’s mom and dad are first time parents, and I could tell upon meeting them that they were doing a great job. They were relaxed for just having just had their first baby. I remember being so worried all the time when I first became a mom, so I’m always impressed by people who seem to have their act together like this. Those first few weeks can be ROUGH, so it’s always great to see parents taking it in stride!
Newborn Photography in Brookline, MA
Dad called me after they had already had Baby Margot. He mentioned being a little last minute on scheduling a photo shoot but I always leave room in my schedule for newborns! It’s hard, especially the first time, to plan and think of everything for when the baby comes. Sometimes, it’s just unexpectedly early. I get it! So, I always save a little extra room on the books for people who need a newborn photographer and are trying to find one in the first few weeks.
The first real baby in the family is their dog Rascal. I loved when he stood up on his hind legs to peek into Baby Margot’s crib, reaching his paw in to give her a little pet. It was an adorable moment between siblings. Rascal was such a good boy and very curious about the new little addition to this perfect family. They’re all so in love with this new little baby girl!
Everything about this home, from the red and white crochet baby blanket to the giraffe-patterned cover in Margot’s crib made this family so much fun to capture on camera. I loved all the little details, including and especially the beautiful new necklace Dad bought for Mom with Baby Margot’s birthstone.
Boston Newborn and Family Portrait Photography with Cara Soulia
I love coming down to Brookline Village for any kind of photo session and these guys live right near it! They live right next to a wonderful park where they will soon be out walking their little girl. I’m so happy for them and I’m SO glad they asked me to come into their home and capture these wonderful moments. The smile Dad had on his face while holding his baby girl and how Mom held her so close, not wanting to let go, it had me absolutely melting! Such a beautiful family and I wish them all the joy and happiness they can handle as they watch little Baby Margot grow up.
Looking for a Boston Newborn Photographer?
Thank you to this wonderful family for inviting me to capture their newborn photography session. If you are expecting a new arrival and are interested in getting more information about scheduling a newborn photo session, please make sure to contact me! As a mother of three, I know all about how fast these moments can fly. While the nights are long, the years are short. Please click here to fill out a contact form and I will be in touch. And, of course, make sure to check out my other recent newborn photography sessions in Brookline, Boston and beyond!
