If you’re expecting a baby and looking for a newborn photographer in Longview, Tyler, Marshall, or anywhere in the East Texas area, you probably have a few questions and I am here to help.
Welcoming a new baby into your family is one of life’s most precious milestones. As a newborn photographer, serving families throughout East Texas, I receive many of the same questions from expecting parents.
This blog is full answers to the most frequently asked questions about newborn photography. It is intended to help you feel at ease as you begin to plan your newborn session.
When Should I Schedule My Newborn Photography Session?
Newborn sessions in Longview and East Texas often book several months in advance, especially during peak spring and fall seasons. For this reason, the best time to book your newborn session is during your second trimester or early in your third trimester. Reserving your due date in advance ensures availability once your baby arrives. After your baby is born, simply contact me and we’ll schedule your exact session date and time. Typically, my newborn sessions are mid morning sessions. I find that mid mornings are perfect for mothers wanting a little extra time to get ready, but not so late that it interferes with napping and feeding schedules.
What Is the Best Age for Newborn Pictures?
For traditional newborn portraits, the ideal age is between 5 and 14 days old. During this stage, babies tend to sleep more soundly and naturally curl into those sweet newborn poses while capturing that “fresh newborn” look before they begin to grown and change.
However, lifestyle newborn sessions can be photographed anytime during the first few weeks or even months of life. Lifestyle sessions allow for a more relaxed approach that focuses on family connections and everyday moments.
I personally love a mix of the two! I find lifestyle newborn session during the first two weeks of birth to be the “sweet spot.” Capturing candid moments in your own home with a mix of simple posed newborn portraits gives you the best of both worlds.
Do You Offer In-Home Newborn Sessions?
Yes! In fact, it is my preference. In-home lifestyle newborn photography sessions are one of my specialties. These sessions take place in the comfort of your own home and focus on natural interactions between parents, siblings, and baby. Your nursery, master bedroom, and living spaces often become beautiful backdrops that help tell your family’s unique story. They are the images that I wish that I had from that phase of parenthood. Timeless and authentic images. Images that tell your story.
What Should My Baby Wear?
Neutral-colored sleepers, swaddles, or simple outfits photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your baby’s sweet features. Avoid clothing with large logos, bright graphics, or busy patterns. Don’t worry if you’re unsure—I am happy to provide guidance before and throughout your newborn session as well as provide a few swaddle options for you to use.
I provide a variety of solid color neutral wraps to choose from during your newborn photography session. Throughout the years, I have learned that simple is always best.
What Should Parents Wear?
Soft, neutral colors photograph beautifully and create timeless images.
Consider shades such as:
● Cream
● Ivory
● Beige
● Soft blue
● Sage green
● Light gray
Avoid neon colors, large logos, and overly busy patterns. Coordinating rather than matching typically creates the most natural and timeless look.
When in doubt, wear something that feels comfortable, is no restrictive, and makes you feel beautiful. How you feel in your outfit is just as important as the outfit itself.
Can Siblings Be Included?
Absolutely. Including older siblings often creates some of the most meaningful photographs from the session. Whether they’re proudly holding their new baby brother or gently kissing their new baby sister, these moments become treasured family memories.
When including siblings, it is important that you notify me ahead of time. This allows me to coordinate with you the best time of day for your session as well as develop a plan to include siblings. Scheduling newborn pictures around school, daycare, or nap schedules is often helpful.
How Long Does a Newborn Session Last?
Most newborn sessions last between 1.5 and 3 hours.
This allows plenty of time for:
● Feeding breaks
● Diaper changes
● Comforting baby
● Outfit changes
● Family portraits
Newborn sessions are always paced around you and your baby’s needs. They are never rushed. This helps to create a relaxed environment for all.
What If My Baby Won’t Sleep?
There’s no need to worry. Years of experience have taught me that every baby is different. Some babies sleep through the entire session, while others prefer to stay awake and observe the world around them. Beautiful newborn images can be created whether your baby is sleeping or awake.
What if My Home Isn’t Photo Ready?
Don’t stress! Photography backgrounds are small areas. Tidying up the master bedroom, nursery, and a small space in your lining room is all that is really needed. Upon arrival, I will do a quick walk through, look at your space, and work with you to choose the best areas within your home to capture your newborn memories.
Unsure of which spaces you would like to use or have ready? No need to worry. We will work together to ensure your images are captured in the best spaces of your home. The spaces that help tell your story.
What Areas Do You Serve?
I proudly serve families throughout East Texas, including but not limited to:
● Longview
● Tyler
● Marshall
● Hallsville
● Gilmer
● Gladewater
● White Oak
● Henderson
● Kilgore
Looking for a photographer, but do not live in my area? I travel for an additional fee.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?
Casey Cook Photography offers relaxed lifestyle newborn photography for families in throughout the East Texas area to include Longview, Tyler, Marshall, Gilmer, Henderson, and Shreveport, LA. Contact me today to reserve your date and begin planning your newborn session.
Your baby’s first days pass quickly, but photographs allow you to relive those memories for years to come. If you’re expecting and would like to learn more about newborn photography in Longview or East Texas, I’d love to hear from you.
