Are you looking for a change for your newborn sessions? I was!
I was doing a lot of lifestyle style newborn sessions in clients’ homes. For some of my clients it worked really well, they had amazing bright, spacious rooms with a lot of natural light. For others, it caused a bit of stress. Clients were worrying about their house/rooms décor, or styling it, or having everything utterly spotless before I arrived.
I’m not a huge fan of the clients getting stressed about anything, especially with a newborn baby to care for. I started to toy with the idea of outdoor newborn sessions. I’m not really the “baby in a basket” girl (I have a bit in the past) but I prefer the look and feel of babies snuggled up in loving arms and decided to try some natural outdoor sessions with newborns.
What I learned is outdoor newborn sessions can be a little tricky as there are a few more uncontrollable elements that need consideration. I’ve compiled a few tips here to help make your outdoor newborn session as smooth as possible.
1. Check the weather. If it’s too cold, too windy, too rainy, then reschedule your session, enough said. Stay away from any areas that are really windy and look for locations with a sheltered area to give the session a little less chaos.
2. Shade. Choose somewhere that has a bit of shade or coverage if it is a sunny day or a time of the day that is usually really hot. I love having a little tree for shade for the family to sit under on a blanket, reading books together, and just enjoying the sunshine. Newborns don’t tend to love having wind or sun straight in their face, so remember to bring a hat, blankets, or a portable shade to give the babe a rest from the elements.
3. Bring blankets. Lots and lots of blankets. Blankets to sit on, blankets to lay on, prop up on, wrap baby in. Blankets are an outdoor newborn session must! Ask the family to bring any special blanket their grandma knitted, or a family heirloom blanket. I love the idea of creating a bit of an outdoor bed, somewhere cozy for the family to hang out.
4. Be prepared. Puke and poop happen with newborns and there have been countless times when a change of clothes for baby, mom, dad, sibling(s) and even me have proved to be very helpful! In those moments, you’ll be happy if you have spare clothes.
5. Breaks. Plan on taking lots of little breaks. Newborns’ sessions tend to take on a life of their own, each one is different. Outside there are a lot of things you can’t control (which can make these sessions a bit tricky). If baby has clearly had enough, take a break, even if it’s a long break. If the vehicle is nearby, make a change of setting for a minute to regroup.
6. Get in close. I use my 85mm lens a lot in these sessions. I love to get in and get close to the faces, the toes, the sweet moments of parents soaking in their new babe.
7. Location. Choose somewhere close to the car. No epic hikes into some remote lake. New parents really don’t need to be lugging a bunch of things on a long journey for their shoot. Somewhere close and accessible is best in my experience.
8. Relax. If you are relaxed you can do everything possible to help your clients to relax as well. Having a new baby may look dreamy in newborn photos, but anyone who has had one of those wiggly little souls knows that you are tired, stressed, and not feeling too dreamy (more like zombie-like perhaps). I generally slot in extra time. I work quickly, but always set out at least 2 hours for these sessions just in case. Be willing to hold the baby, if the parents are comfortable with that, while they get organized or just carry things for them down to the spot you are using.
9. Be Considerate. Bring a travel size hand sanitizer. Sanitize often and always before holding the baby. It’s just the right thing to do. No one wants to be the one to give germs to the precious newborn.
10. Be Sensitive. For me, having a newborn was incredibly emotional. These sessions can (despite your best effort) end up feeling very stressful for your clients. They want the perfect photos. Take a step back. Sometimes they’ll need space. Sometimes, most times, they’ll need some guidance, specific directions to help them feel comfortable. Often, if I can see my mama looking nervous about the images, I’ll find one on the back of the camera to share and show them what we are creating. It can really help with nerves to let your clients know that you have a ton of time, patience, and are in no hurry to leave before getting the best shots you can.
Erin was born and raised in the coastal town of Campbell River, BC and after traveling the world as an on board photographer with Princess Cruises Erin chose to call Vancouver Island home. She lovingly photographs weddings and families all over the west coast.
Erin consistently prides herself on creating timeless imagery. She passionately and lovingly captures each and every client the way she would want her family, and loved ones photographed. She chooses to focus on the beauty in everyone, and her images reflect just that.
Learn more about Erin and her love for photography here. Erin loves writing about her work and her own experiences. Read Erin’s blog here. Are you interested in working with Erin? She would love to hear from you.
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